All Clubs are invited to send in items for this page. News on how members have fared in "out of County" events. Any special event you may be holding in your club. Your opinions on County events. In fact anything that may be of interest. Please contact: The County Secretary or Patricia Davies 01841 520195 e-mail: triciadavies@freeuk.com

Cornwall Veteran Ladies County Golf Association

Final of Silver & Bronze Championship played at Truro Golf Club on Wednesday, 1^st June.

Jill Simmons (Mullion), Jenny Dunbar (Captain) and Roseta Simmons (Mullion)

On a sunny day, Jill Simmons (Mullion) took on Barbara Willmott (St. Enodoc) in the final of the Vets' silver division and won 3/2. In the bronze final Roseta Simmons (Mullion) beat Anne Clemo (Carlyon Bay) 2up.

Well done Jill who has won the silver championship for the last 4 years!

Cornwall Ladies Captains Society

SPRING MEETING - ROSERROW GOLF CLUB - MONDAY, 23RD MAY 2011

Winner Kay Willett (Newquay) with Captain Liz Plechowicz

More than 140 past and present Lady Captains braved gale force winds and horizontal rain, to take part in the spring meeting at Roserrow. The event was organized with military precision, and with such a huge field, teams were called to the tees to complete the first nine holes of the competition, and then returned to the clubhouse for a break, and were royally entertained with music, and refreshments including, very healthy fruit and snacks before returning to the elements on the golf course. With the help of many ball spotters, starters, and happy and helpful volunteers and committee members the day went without a hitch. Playing condititions were difficult, but despite this, a very creditable score of 35 stableford points was recorded by Kay Willett of Newquay Golf Club, who took overall 1^st prize. Audrey Pitt (Falmouth) was delighted to be Venerable Vet. Prizes were awarded for both divisions up to 8^th place and many other prizes were won in other categories.

CORNWALL VETS' LADIES COUNTY GOLF ASSOCIATION

MATCH V. SOMERSET at WHITSAND BAY - 23RD May 2011

In very windy, cold and partially wet conditions Cornwall Vets. played Somerset at Whitsand Bay and won 6/1. Whitsand Bay were most hospitable and provided excellent food. This victory follows their defeat of Devon at Tehidy Park earlier in the month.

Well done!

INTER-COUNTY MATCH WEEK – NORTH WILTS G.C. - 20TH -24TH JUNE

The Team Selected to represent Cornwall at North Wilts for the match week is:

Judith Ryder (W.Call) Jan Sargeant (Perranporth) Sarah Jane Boyd (Truro), Nikki Hodge, (Tehidy Park), Jan Harrison (Launceston), Bev Van (St Enodoc), Sammy Giles (St Mellion), Katie Rule (St. Enodoc), Rachael Phillips(Tehidy Park), Michelle Burgess (Newquay) Wendy Briggs (St.Mellion), & Louisa Mc Cartney (St.Mellion)

CORNWALL VETS' LADIES COUNTY GOLF ASSOCIATION

MATCH V. DEVON at TEHIDY PARK - 16^th May 2011

In overcast and windy conditions the Vets' played their 1^st match of the season against Devon at Tehidy Park. Cornwall were victorious winning 5/2.

NEW COURSE RECORD AT LAUNCESTON!

Jan Harrison broke the course record at Launceston in a Ladies’ Competition. She shot a gross 72 which is 1 better than Judith Ryder’s previous record of 73.

Well done Jan!

HAMPSHIRE ROSE - NORTH HANTS G.C. SUNDAY, 8TH MAY

Sammy Giles (St. Mellion) played in this 36 holes scratch event and came joint 4^th with 2 rounds of 77. There were 61 players with handicaps ranging from plus 2 to 9 .

Well done Sammy!

CORNWALL VETS' LADIES COUNTY GOLF ASSOCIATION

SPRING MEETING – FALMOUTH GOLF CLUB – MONDAY, 9TH MAY 2011

On a day of strong winds and scattered showers a large field took part in the Spring Meeting at Falmouth and some good scores were returned.

COUNTY COACHING WITH RICHARD SADLER - CARLYON BAY– SAT. 30TH APRIL 2011

Katie Rule, Nikki Hodge, Rachael Phillips, Sammy Giles, Wendy Briggs, Jan Harrison, Judith Ryder and Lyn Saget

7 members of the 1^st team benefited from Richard's lesson which concentrated on the long game. In the afternoon they played 15 holes foursomes match-play.

SONIA'S RULE OF THE MONTH – Relief under R25-1b & R24 -2b

 I have been asked twice in the last month about relief being claimed when a ball is lying under a tree with very low branches (whereby you can’t stand to the ball) or in a gorse bush but also in or near a rabbit scrape or any other abnormal ground condition from which one would normally get free relief

A lot of players think that they are lucky and can take automatic free relief from the rabbit scrape in these circumstances, irrespective of whether or not they could have played a shot had the rabbit scrape not been there.

In the Rule Book, after R 25-1b(iv) there is an Exception which reads: A player may NOT take relief under this Rule if:-

a) it is clearly unreasonable for him to make a stroke because of interference of anything other than an abnormal ground condition or

b) interference by an abnormal ground condition would occur only through use of an unnecessarily abnormal stance, swing or direction of play.

This means that if there was no abnormal ground condition near the ball and the player was unable to make a legitimate stroke at the ball having instead to declare it unplayable, he/she cannot then claim free relief from any abnormal ground condition (i.e. rabbit scrape)

 Exactly the same principle applies to Immovable Obstructions under Rule 24 -2b - if your ball is in a tree root next to an internal fence from which you would normally get relief, but you could not play a legitimate shot from the tree root, then you cannot claim free relief from the fence.

Read Pages 97 and 100/101 in the Rule Book

VOLVO EWGA REGIONAL MEDAL FINAL – ST.MELLION GOLF CLUB - 27TH APRIL 2011

Representatives from 14 Clubs in Cornwall entered the regional final at St.Mellion. Karen Preston from China Fleet played 5 under her handicap of 13 to be runner-up just losing on the last 9 holes to Bunty Purbrick (Chipping Sodbury). The first 10 players qualify for the Grand Final at Droitwich Golf Club on 25^th June and she will be the only Cornish player to go through. Jan Harrison (Launceston) and Ann Stevenson (Falmouth) played one over and were 13^th and 15^th respectively.

Well done Karen. Good Luck in the Final.

COUNTY SQUAD PRACTICE with Richard Sadler at Mullion G.C.- 26^th March 2011

Richard spent the 1^st hour of the training session giving tips to the squad on how to play Mullion in preparation for the Championship. He also gave stats cards to the players with various challenges so that they could find out which areas of their game to work on. This was followed by 18 holes Individual Stableford - played in groups of 3. Richard followed each group giving them his advice. The heavy morning mist cleared and the day was much enjoyed. 3 members of the squad, Nikki Hodge, Katie Rule and Rebecca Lawlor scored 38 points!

EWGA AGM at Motorcycle museum in Birmingham on Wednesday 23^rd March 2011

from Jenny Potter

SONIA'S RULE OF THE MONTH - MATCH PLAY—Rule 2

We are coming into the season of knockout competitions, individual and those involving club and County teams. I have recently heard of one or two myths surrounding Matchplay which I want to dispel.

Handicaps/Strokes given & received.

It is the players responsibility to know at which hole they are either giving OR receiving strokes—see the note under Rule 6-2.

So if nothing is said by either player on the 1st tee, there is no penalty, Decision 6-2a/1 states that "there is no penalty if players fail to determine one another’s handicap before starting a match. If this results in one of them not receiving a handicap stroke at a hole at which she is entitled to receive one, the hole stands as played" However, if a player is specifically asked whether she receives a stroke at that hole or how many strokes she has taken, she is obliged to answer correctly—See Rules 9-2 & 9-3 re Information as to strokes taken.

Concessions

Rule 2-4 states that a match or a hole may be conceded at ANY TIME prior to the start or conclusion of a hole. Also, a player may concede her opponent’s next stroke at any time provided the opponent’s ball is at rest.

A Concession may NOT be declined or withdrawn— so make sure you have calculated correctly before conceding a hole or the match because once you utter those words, you cannot withdraw that concession.

It is important that each player understands whether or not their stroke (usually a putt) has been conceded before they pick up the ball. Should a player pick up her ball, wrongly believing her opponent had conceded her next stroke because of her opponents actions or misheard words, she may replace her ball without penalty. If she picked it up assuming it would be conceded but in fact it wasn’t, she incurs a penalty of one stroke and the ball must be replaced. (R 20-1)

Penalties

The general penalty in Matchplay is Loss of Hole, however there are one or two situations where that is no longer the case.

Should a player hit her own bag, or that of her partner in a foursomes match, it is no longer Loss of Hole, but instead a ONE shot penalty and the ball must be played as it lies, unless it ends up anywhere other than on the ground. See R 19-2

If a ball is accidentally stopped by an opponent, her caddie or equipment, there is no penalty, the player may cancel the stroke and replay the shot. (R 19-3)

If, other than during a search, a players ball is moved by her opponent, her caddie or equipment, the opponent incurs a penalty of one shot.

If a player plays a wrong ball out of a bunker, it is now Loss of hole

If a player plays out of turn, there is no penalty other than the shot may be recalled by her opponent if he/she so wishes, making the player replay it in the correct order.

If a match is abandoned because of bad weather or lack of light, it resumes at the point where it was abandoned, it is NOT replayed.

It is the players responsibility to know the rules of golf, any dispute must be decided before they play the next hole. A claim can only be made later should previously unknown evidence come to light. No claim can be made after the result of the match has been announced.

TAMAR TROPHY - PERRANPORTH TRIUMPH!

PERRANPORTH V.EXETER at PERRANPORTH G.C., SUNDAY, 6TH MARCH 2011

On the 3^rd anniversary of this match between the winners of the Gammon Trophy and the Still Cup, Perranporth had a comfortable 6/1 win over Exeter. The weather was cold but dry for the match which has become a popular annual encounter.

PERRANPORTH: 6. EXETER: 1

COUNTY COACHING

KILLIOW GOLF CLUB – SUNDAY, 5TH MARCH 2011

Unfortunately, due to illness, Richard Sadler was unable to be at the training session. However 15 members of the squad were present and in teams of four played the 4 Academy holes. To make it more interesting and competitive 1 point was scored for hitting the green and 2 for a par. The squad then played 9 holes Dallas Scramble on the main course. It was bitterly cold but dry and everyone enjoyed the morning.

COUNTY COACHING WITH RICHARD SADLER

TREVOSE GOLF CLUB - 19TH FEBRUARY 2011

The weather was kind to the 18 members of the County squad who came to Richard's training session. Due to the good attendance the group was split into 2. The 1^st team spent 2 hours on the putting green learning various techniques, while the 2^nd team played the short course. In the afternoon the groups reversed and the 1^st team played 9 holes on the Championship course while the 2^nd team went to the putting green. Much enjoyed by all.

DAILY EXPRESS ANDALUCIA UNDER 16 CHAMPIONSHIP

Cornwall’s Sammy Giles wins Andalucia title!

Andalucia – Sammie's Account!

My week that i spent in Andalucia was one of the best weeks i have ever had, even though the weather was pretty awful for the first four days. The first course we played was The Heathland course at Alcadeisa, this was probably the fastest greens i have ever played on! In the awful conditions it was pretty tough so the scores were high, I had an 89 which put me in 2nd place. The rain was so bad that the other course at Alcadeisa was closed so we had to play The Heathland again, we didn't get out until half 11 and were due to tee at 9, so we had a pretty long wait in the clubhouse, it turned not to be a bad thing as it gave me a chance to meet all the players and get to know everyone a bit better, i qualified from the same place as one of the competitors called Jake Vallis, me and my dad got on really well with him and his parents and we were soon good friends. All of the competitors were really nice and we had a great week not only on the golf course but in the evenings as well. We had to play The Heathlands course four times because of the weather, we did get to play Finca Cortessin twice, which is where the volvo world matchplay is held. That was the most amazing golf course i have ever played, we had a practice round on the friday. The practice round was one of the funniest rounds of golf ever, it was a fourball texas scramble and in my team i had me, my dad, my friend Harry and one of the tournement director's friends, he was spanish and didn't speak any English. We had a great round and uscored an awesome 53 points! This wasn't enough to win though. My highlight of the entire week was on the 18th hole at Finca on the practice round, our friend Juan ( the spanish person in our team) had a bit of a disaster of a hole but as it was texas scramble it didn't matter, he hadn't had his best round of golf and he was the last person to putt after we had all missed our 12 footers, there was a lot of people watching and it was clear to see he was very nervous, me and Harry were waiting by the flag ready to shake hands and walk in, where out of no where Juan hits the best putt he has hit all day and just drops in the front edge! It was great to see how happy one putt made him after his not great day on the course. The next day was the final day and i was three shots behind in 3rd place going into it, i went out with the mind sight to have fun and to enjoy myself and to not worry about the score. After an awful 10 holes i really needed something to cheer me up so dad thought this was the ideal time to open the jaffa cakes! It worked as i then made two birdies in a row, a par on the tough uphill into wind 410m 13th to follow with two more pars. I chipped in on 16 for a birdie and then lipped out on 17 for another. After my bogey on 18 i was told i had lost by one shot, to then be told about 5 minutes later there was a playoff. I was driven to the tee, i'm glad as i didn't have to look behind me to see all of the people watching! The playoff hole was a beautiful par three, i hit a well struck tee shot which finished about 10ft from the pin and Poppy missed the green right, the rest of the hole is a bit of a blur, the next thing i can remember is my dad giving me a huge hug just off the green, it was a great moment and i know i won't ever forget it.
Overall i had a great week and i can not wait to get back and do it all again next year.

CONGRATULATIONS SAMMY!

1^st TEAM COACHING WITH RICHARD SADLER

ST. ENODOC GOLF CLUB- SUNDAY, 30TH JANUARY

On a frosty morning, 9 members of the 1^st team squad attended new County Coach Richard Sadler's training session. Meeting the players for the 1^st time, and while the course was thawing out, he spent the 1^st hour in the Clubhouse talking about the psychological approach to the game. He then took the players to the practice green for chipping instruction and finally he showed them various techniques of how to get out of a bunker. Due to the cold weather the match-play was abandoned.

The training was enjoyed and much appreciated by the players & Richard's next coaching is at Trevose on 19^th February.

Jean wishes to thank St.Enodoc for being so helpful & accommodating.

Sonia's Rule of the Month -Rule 28 - UNPLAYABLE LIE

You can declare a ball UNPLAYABLE ANYWHERE on the course EXCEPT in a Water Hazard.

Mark the ball with a tee peg if you can, leave it where it is until you have decided what course of action you are going to take. Remember you have three options available to you, viz

1. Drop the/a ball two club lengths from where the ball lies

2. Go back as far as you like keeping the ball in line with the flag – drop the / a ball

3. Go back to from where you played the shot and replay it.

a) Measure two club lengths from where the ball lies. If you cannot access the ball because of dense scrub or gorse or suchlike, you can hold the shaft of your club over the ball and put a tee peg directly underneath . Then measure the second club length putting another tee peg at the end of the club (you can then lift the previous tee peg) The ball must then be dropped between where the ball lay and the last tee peg,. Be aware that when dropped, if it rolls back into the same unplayable situation, it is NOT a re-drop, it is another penalty drop so be careful where you drop the ball. It is allowed to roll a further 2 club lengths, if it rolls further, it is then a re-drop, if again it rolls further than 2 club lengths, you place the ball at the spot where it first touched the course on the re-drop.

If two clubs lengths doesn’t give you any relief, you can go back as far as you like keeping the point where the ball lies in line with the flag. There is no limit as to how far back you can go, as long as you remain "in bounds" but the ball MUST be dropped on that line.|Sometimes the only option, especially if you are in a bunker, is to go back to from where you played the shot and replay it. If you go back to the tee, you may tee the ball up..If you declare a ball unplayable in a bunker, then the ball MUST be dropped in the bunker, hence why sometimes (c) – replaying the shot is the only option available to you.

It is important before you decide on the best option, to look at the terrain around you, is there a likelihood that, when dropped, the ball may roll back into the same unplayable lie thus incurring another penalty stroke? Would two clubs lengths out give you a clear shot or would your view or swing be obstructed by a tree or fence?

 If your ball is trapped in the branches of a tree, you must be able to identify it as yours, otherwise it becomes a lost ball. It is not enough to just have seen it go into the tree, you must have an identifying mark on the ball. If you then declare it unplayable, place a tee peg directly under the ball, that then becomes your reference point for measuring.

DELEGATES’ MEETING at MERLIN G.C. Wednesday, 12^th JANUARY

Captain, Jean Reed, welcomed everyone to the Meeting and said that, in future, there would be name badges for the Delegates.

Matters Arising: (a) Sonia's Rules Sessions, initiated by the County, have been popular & instructive. If Clubs want further sessions they should contact her and be responsible for her expenses. (b) Change to format of mini-league: After a query from Lostwithiel about the necessity for a play-off the delegates agreed to the proposal that it should be played in 2 divisions.To be reviewed after a year. (c) Silver players in League: After a long discussion, the majority vote was in favour of the proposal: 4 silver in League 1, 3 silver in league 2 and 2 in league 3. This also includes 2 bronze players. The format to be reviewed after a year. (d) Format of Bronze & Spring Autumn Meetings: In spite of a strong protest from the Competition Secretary, the majority vote was in favour of changing the format from Medal to Stableford.

Reports: Captain: (a) Richard Sadler is the new County Coach and Jean said that new players will be included in the Squad, for hopefully, a successful Match Week at Trevose in 2012. (b) EWGA Rep. The merger between EWGA & EGU is progressing and Clubs will be informed of further developments.

Junior Committee: Due to funding requirements the Committee has been resurrected. A grant of £1495 has been awarded but a top up of £700 was agreed from the County.

Fixtures 2013: Will be sent to delegates.

Equality Act: Go to www.englishwomensgolf.org

A.O.B Distance Measuring Devices are not permitted in the County Championship as their use could affect aspiring players in the order of Merit points. Next Meeting: Wed. 8^th June

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

KILLIOW GOLF CLUB - MONDAY, 6^th DECEMBER 2010

President – Barbara Robson conducted the Meeting

Due to the frosty conditions the Meeting was dellayed for1 hour but there was a very good attendance

All the reports from the Officials were read and accepted. (See below)

Sonia Harvey (West Cornwall) takes over from Barbara Robson as President. Jean Reed (Bude & N.C'wll) becomes Captain & Jan Harrison (Launceston) Vice-Captain

Cups were presented and dates for the greens were announced for 2011. A display of pictures of the County teams and Competition winners was appreciated by members.

DRAW FOR THE GAMMON TROPHY. 19 Clubs have entered The Gammon Trophy 2011. 6 Clubs are playing in the 1^st round.on 8th May. These are Carlyon Bay V. Mullion, China Fleet V. Lanhydrock, & Trevose V. Launceston .

AGM 2010 – CYNTHIA'S VERSION

A funny thing happened on the way to the AGM and I only arrived in time to catch the end of the queen’s, sorry, Captain’s, speech! Thanks to a good-hearted citizen of Truro walking along the pavement past my car in a queue of traffic who kindly pointed out that one of the tyres was much flatter than the others, I was able to make my way to Staples’ car park to summon help. Also thanks to the noble husband of our esteemed Secretary, the Treasurer was certainly at her post on the top table in good time. Fortunately, the exchange of wheels was executed within the advised allotted hour most efficiently by my rescue service and so am able to report some of the proceedings of the annual gathering.

There was a goodly number of members attending, despite the wintry weather and the later start time was a help no doubt. Sadly I missed the Captain’s report but the Vice Captain gave an amusing account of the 2^nd team’s efforts through the season. They all did very well in the inter-county matches and only on the last hole of the last match to decide the trophy winner was Cornwall denied the honour. Jean finished by presenting a suitably embroidered sweater to Patricia Davies as our Press officer and a bouquet to Captain Sue in appreciation of both their contributions over the years.

The Treasurer explained the details of the accounts in which expenditure was increased but income fell. She encouraged everyone to take part in the spring and autumn meeting which have seen a decrease of participants. As she said, these are good, cheap days out, chance to play on different courses, meet other golfers, have a lovely meal and perhaps win a trophy or voucher. There were no questions so obviously everyone was satisfied with the outcome.

The Secretary described her year as having created more work than she had initially expected. However, she had enjoyed the learning curve and getting to know lots of folk. She spoke mostly about the Golf Partnership which is the source of most of the funding for coaching in the County now. She also said the committee for organising the county juniors had been resurrected in order to give more assistance to the Junior Organiser. Speaking of whom, Jacqueline had been taken ill and was unable to attend and the Secretary read her report. Katie Rule and Sam Giles had both done exceptionally well over the year both in junior and adult county championships, SW championships and Sam had gone further afield to Hampshire where she was very successful in major competitions.

Veterans’ Captain read the report from the immediate past captain who was unable to attend. The inter-county matches had all been played ‘away’ this year and unfortunately all had been lost. However, there was great spirit and friendship in the games. Spring and autumn meetings had been well supported as usual.

Cornwall’s EWGA representative reported on the merger with EGU talks which do not seem to have progressed far or at least they have not been made public. A resume had been distributed which gave very little information. Hopefully, more details will be released at EWGA’s AGM in March next year. Jenny encouraged clubs to take part in the Australian Spoons, a foursomes competition for 21-36 handicappers, which has been poorly supported: to run a stableford competition to support the EWGA Trust which helps juniors; reminded members that the regional final for the annual EWGA medal will be at St Mellion in 2011.

Secretary then advised that the next item on the agenda was for information only. Amongst other things it concerned changes in conditions of play in the league i.e. minimum number of ‘silver’ players in team and suggestion of change to stableford format for the ‘bronze’ spring and autumn meetings. Both of these items were referred to clubs at the last delegates’ meeting and Pat asked clubs to let her have their choices by the end of December if possible. Perhaps I can inject a personal plea here that the latter suggestion is rejected – there are trophies to be won, one of which is for the scratch score and there should be no possibility of an incomplete score card being declared the winner. Sorry, but golf is about medal play not ‘fun’ stablefords!

Election of Officers followed with President Barbara handing over to Sonia Harvey, Captain Sue to Jean Reed and Vice-Captain Jean introducing Jan Harrison to be her deputy and the usual presentation of relevant ‘past’ and ‘present’ badges.

Vice Presidents’ Cup, Gammon Trophy and League Shields were then presented, 2011 fixtures announced and the draw for the Gammon made. Once again Mullion and China Fleet were included in the first round – strange how often this occurs.

The only question arising for AOB regarded clarification about the number of ‘silver’ players in league teams i.e. stipulated number of ‘bronze’ remains with addition of the said ‘silver’.

The meeting closed with good wishes for the coming festive season. Several members enjoyed a wonderful meal provided by the caterers of Killiow, with lots of talk and laughter.