Spectators will form ‘red army’ at Arcot

May 16 2008 by Tim Taylor, The Journal

ONE of the most eagerly awaited spells of action in the history of Northumberland women’s golf tees off at Matfen Hall this morning when the word will be spread that volunteer recruits are needed for a “red army.”

Today brings the 36-hole strokeplay qualifier for the county championship with Ponteland’s Ami Storey, aiming for a hat-trick of titles, expected to be among the 16 going through to the matchplay stages at Matfen tomorrow and Sunday.

But the biggest event of the Northumberland Ladies County Golf Association season is County Match Week at Arcot Hall from Monday June 23 to Friday June 27, a round-robin tournament between the six northern counties.

Play starts at 8.45am each day – as it does for this week’s county championship – and admission is free to see the counties play three foursomes and six singles each day, including the Durham v Northumberland match on Wednesday June 25.

Northumberland spokeswoman Heather Stonebank said: “The golf is always of the highest standard, with some of the most respected amateur lady golfers in England playing. We would hope many spectators come to support it. Those coming to support Northumberland are encouraged to wear red because it is amazing how special it is for our players to see ‘the red army’ across the course.”

This is the first year any host county has become responsible for organising the event as well as staging it. In the past, County Match Week has been organised by the English Ladies’ Golf Association, who have now changed their name to the English Women’s Golf Association.

Northumberland Area Authority representative Ros Windows has lengthened the Arcot course by 289 yards to 5,844 yards.

:: NORTHUMBERLAND’S senior men’s county team got the season off to a flying start with a 12½-/5½ win over Cumbria at Brampton.

With a strong squad, expectations are high that Northumberland will improve on last season’s fourth place in the Northern Counties League. The team’s next match is against Durham at Ryton on June 23.

:: WHICKHAM’S James Simpson followed up a club midweek medal win by capturing the Durham County Under-16 title with a 74 at Ryton. Simpson’s club success saw him go round Whickham in 66, after which his handicap was reduced by a stroke from five to four.

:: GARESFIELD have taken up an EGU grant for junior golf coaching. Any other clubs interested can ring Nicky Lincoln on (01526) 354500 or email nlincoln@englishgolfunion.org