AFTER seven years of trying, Bude and North Cornwall Golf Club’s ladies were crowned Kyocera Golf Club Classic champions once again in Spain earlier this month.

The prestigious resort of Barcelo Montecastillo in Jerez, where the course was designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus and had previously hosted the Volvo European Masters, was the picturesque venue.

Bude’s opponents in the semi-final was a very strong-looking Northamptonshire County Golf Club, while Kent-based Dartford took on The Bradford Golf Club from Leeds.

The fixture sees five ladies battle it out in a match-play format, and after the front nine holes, all five contests were looking very close, most of them all square.

However, two victories and two halves were enough to secure their place as team captain Hana Dabrowski explains.

“When the match number five brought another winning point, the atmosphere was electric,” she said. “We had a chance and if nothing else we could go to play-off, but that wasn’t needed in the end, as match number three brought in the winning half and that put a smile on our faces.”

Dartford provided the opposition in the final played on March 6, which Bude won 4-1.

Jo Tilbury was the first Bude player out as she took on Keely Green. With Jenny Perkins and Kathy Cheesman both caddying she won 2-up.

Reflecting on her tournament, which saw her half her opening match, Jo said: “A truly unforgettable experience, with both of my matches going to the 18th.

“They were tough and intense games for both, the players and caddies. It’s a fantastic feeling to be part of the winning team!”

Bude ladies golf.
Bude's players and caddies were all smiles as they brought the title back to Cornwall. Picture: Bude and North Cornwall Golf Club (Bude and North Cornwall Golf Club)

The experienced Collette Burgess was second out in the final as she took on Emma Plush and ran out a comfortable 3&2 winner with Hana adding: “Collette is our postman, she always delivers!”

Kay Dinsdale with Chris Simmonds as her caddy was next out and earned a 2&1 victory with a hole to spare.

Dinsdale said: “Both my semi-final and final matches were very close, ending on the 18th and 17th greens, which made it exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. A superb experience for the whole team of players and caddies.”

Rookies Mandy Congdon and her caddy Maggie Hooper went out fourth and put in encouraging performances, this despite going down 2&1 to Amy Hennessy.

However, it was Dabrowski that added the gloss to the afternoon as with the help of caddy Jean Reed, she saw off Anne Wheble 4&3.

Reflecting on their achievements, Hana added: “We brought home the trophy, so many memories and new camaraderie, and that’s what the sport is all about. I’m very proud of my team’s achievement and we will keep trying every year to keep the Bude flag flying high!”