This year there is a new format for the annual inter-county golf matches. From time immemorial the matches have been played over thirty-six holes with three foursomes in the morning followed by six singles after lunch. However, as the old Divisions which made up the field for the English County Championship segued into Regions, comprising as in the East Region six counties requiring five strenuous days of golf to encompass the recognised format, the input proved difficult for many of the smaller golfing counties to manage, Suffolk amongst them. Add to that the problems with the Covid pandemic and a change has come about.
So it is that this year the matches will be played over just eighteen holes, the teams consisting of two foursomes pairings and three singles. Having watched the struggles to manoeuvre personnel around successfully, trying to keep everyone fit and finding some that were rather astonishingly able to play thirty-six holes for five days running, it is with some relief that the new arrangements are anticipated. Actually, it sounds like fun and that is a really pleasing thought.
Our team is well supplied with experienced players. Captain Amanda Norman and President, Joanne Woodward, are joined by Alice Barlow, Vanessa Bell, Lils James, Sharon Luckman and Abbie Symonds. Happily there are two juniors included: Georgia Parker and Sophie Kubitzek. Georgia retains her place from last year and Sophie is making her debut after a very pleasing showing in the recent County Championship.
As you probably already know, the venue is Stoke-By-Nayland Golf Club, the dates are Friday to Sunday inclusive (18-20 June). The timetable: Suffolk will play Hertfordshire (Friday 9.15), Bedfordshire (Friday 14.15), Essex (Saturday 8.30), Cambs & Hunts (Saturday 14.15) and Norfolk (Sunday 8.30).
We will bring you the results as soon as we can and hope the weather is kind. Good luck, Everyone!
Julie Latimer-Jones
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