HASKELL TROPHY
Draw & Information
The Haskell Trophy 2026
The 2026 Haskell Trophy scratch foursomes knockout of 2026 commenced with 14 pairs representing 14 clubs from across the county, all competing off scratch. Held annually since 1969, the tournament progressed steadily through the summer, reaching the semi-finals on Sunday, 13th September. Bury St Edmunds secured their place in the final with a victory over Bungay, while Ipswich beat Halesworth. Our sincere thanks go to all those clubs who generously hosted matches throughout the season.
The Haskell Final took place at Aldeburgh Golf Club on Sunday, October 4th. Lady Captain Susie and Simon, head of Catering warmly welcomed players and officials at 7:30 am. An earlier start was introduced this year to avoid the fading autumnal light, the precaution wasn’t strictly needed – the day began and concluded in glorious unbroken sunshine. The exceptional weather showcased Aldeburgh’s redesigned Championship at its absolute best.
The day began with Alice Barlow & Mariette Robertse representing Bury St Edmunds and Abbie Symonds and Josie Knights representing Ipswich. Spirits were high, bolstered by dedicated supporters many of whom had travelled across Suffolk to cheer on their teams. Ipswich took an early lead by lunch, finding fairways consistently and sinking several impressive putts. However, the afternoon saw the momentum shift. Bury St Edmunds showed great resilience to turn the match around, ultimately clinching victory on the 17th hole 2 up. Notably, this marks Alice’s third time winning the Haskell Final – each time with a different partner.
Mariette Robertse & Alice Barlow from Bury St Edmunds GC
The SLGCA extend its heartfelt gratitude to Aldeburgh Golf Club for their warm hospitality and good humour throughout the very long day.
The catering provided for teams, caddies, team captains and supporters was perfect – from delicious
lunchtime sandwiches and much needed hot supper of baked potatoes with assorted fillings, fresh
salads followed by delicious lemon roulade. Given the superb weather, additional supporters
attended and the catering staff handled the extra demand with grace and efficiency. Presenting the
trophies before supper was highly appreciated by all but particularly those who had to travel further
afield.
Finally, special thanks go to the Team Captains, Sheila Boath, our County Secretary, Carol Deslandes,
SLCGA President and England Golf ref Jeff Deslandes for their individual support throughout the
event.
Sarah Brownie
SLCGA Competition Organiser for the Haskell & Stearn
General Information
A team shall consist of one pair from each Club.
This is a scratch foursomes match-play competition. All Rounds are to be played over 36 holes to a conclusion – i.e. if a team is four up after 18 holes, they start at four up on the first hole of the second 18 and, if tied after 36 holes, continue on 37th hole to a sudden death conclusion.
The venues will be drawn on a Home or Away basis. There are no set date for each Round to be played – each match is by agreement between the Clubs within a specified time frame – the only exceptions are the Semi-Finals and Final, which will be held at neutral courses on specified dates, chosen by the SLCGA.
Trophy History
The Haskell Trophy was presented to the SLCGA in 1969 by Granville Haskell, a well known Ipswich businessman who owned a jewellers shop in Tavern Street and who was a long-standing member of Purdis Heath Golf Club. He was a wonderful supporter of women’s golf and presented his trophy after the Final every year for as long as he was able. Habitually, he turned up with generous prizes for the winners. He died in 1998 at the age of 82.
The trophy itself is a beautiful cup, tall and blessed with elegant simplicity and gracefully curving handles. Its winners would most probably tell you that, outside the inter-county matches and arguably the regional open competitions, the Haskell Trophy matches constitute the most enjoyable golf they play. Competition is always keen and it is hard to beat a foursomes match played between skilful golfers in good form. The 36-hole format demands determination and prolonged concentration and usually offers up plenty of swings and roundabouts! And then there is lunch and what went before it might well be turned on its head afterwards.
The Final match is refereed with the score being announced at the end of each hole so that spectators find it easy to become involved. More spectators would be very welcome. See Events for the date, which is usually in mid-August.
Julie Latimer-Jones