Easing of lockdown rules allowed amateur golf to start from 29th March and the Farrington Park Ladies Section took full advantage of resuming their favourite sport. A few weeks’ grace was given for the “rust” to be shaken off everyone’s game after three months of not being able to play and to get used to the changes that have taken place on the Duchy course over the Lockdown period.

A qualifying Stableford was the first competition to be held on 15th April. Many players were using their new World Handicap System handicap (WHS) for the first time and were pleased with their results at the end of the day. Lesley Stone scored 38 points to take first place. Three ladies scored 35 points, Maureen Tayler beating Jacqui Gregory and Sandra Hares on countback.

The ever popular Sycamore Trophy was played on Thursday, 22nd April, seventeen teams of three ladies played a Tennessee Waltz on a sunny but very breezy day. The lack of rain over the past fortnight has meant that the fairways were dry and hard, giving extra yardage run to golf balls – always welcome especially when playing into a stiff easterly headwind on the longest holes!

Four teams scored 77 points each, but the top teams were well out in front. Second place went to Liz Thomas, Pauline Brixey and Dawn Stacey with 80 points, but the winners bettered that score by two points. Tracey Watts, Sandra Hares and Corinne Durbin lifted the Sycamore Trophy with a winning score of 82.

Jane Ball