COUNTY DURHAM TEENAGERS WIN PING GRAND FINAL

NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY ENGLISH WOMEN'S GOLF ASSOCIATION County Durham teenagers Laura Harrison and Abbie Spence breezed round the Thonock Park course at Gainsborough Golf Club to become the youngest-ever winners of the Grand Final of the PING Fourball Betterball Tournament of England. The 16-year-olds – who go back to school today to start sixth form – scored 40 points in very strong winds and snatched victory on countback from Hampshire golfers Chris Fisher and Debbie Brown. Third place was taken by Debbie Warren and Hayley Noel of King’s Norton, Birmingham. The girls, from Hobson Golf Club, came through an initial field of 17,500 competitors to win the title – and to book their places in next month’s UK final of the Volvo Masters Amateur Tour at Turnberry. They also win a PING driver and putter, together with a duffel bag and shoe bag. The first six pairs received prizes of PING equipment or PING Collection clothing, all presented by European Solheim Cup captain Alison Nicholas and one of her vice-captains, Joanne Morley. All competitors received a PING golf bag, a PING collection wind and showerproof top and a pair of ECCO shoes. Laura and Abbie greeted their victory with hugs, kisses and squeals of delight which were echoed by other competitors – and among the first to congratulate them were the runners-up. “We are so happy,” said Laura. “I was joking in the car on the way down that we would win – and now it’s actually happened.” They were accompanied by Laura’s father, Paul, and Abbie’s mum, Marie, who caddied for them. They played extremely well in very demanding conditions. The exceptionally strong wind blew hats off, trolleys over, unbalanced golfers – and even snatched away a scorecard. But the girls were undeterred: “It’s quite windy where we play so we are kind of used to it,” said Abbie. They’ve both been playing golf for about five years, encouraged by their parents, and are both involved with the Durham girls. Abbie has come down from 18 to 13 handicap this year while Laura has cut a shot off and plays off 14.  As well as being golfing friends and partners they also attend the same school, St Bede’s, Lanchester. The runners-up, from Sherfield Oaks, were generous in defeat and applauded the girls’ achievement. Debbie Brown, who has been playing only six months and already has a handicap of 30, commented: “Before I came here I said if I didn’t lose a ball, didn’t go in the water and didn’t finish last I would be over the moon. I have done all that and I’ve had a brilliant day.” Her partner, Chris Fisher, who plays off  28, added: “It has been a fantastic day, it’s like being a pro for a day.” John Clark, the managing director of PING Europe, paid tribute to all the competitors. “This has become a fantastic tournament and it epitomises everything golf is. You all come here to enjoy yourselves, it’s a great day out, but you also come here to play serious golf and to compete. That’s exactly what golf is about: to be fun and competitive.” Prizewinners 40pts Laura Harrison and Abbie Spence (Hobson) on countback from Chris Fisher and Debbie Brown (Sherfield Oaks) 39 Debbie Warren and Hayley Noel (King’s Norton) 38 Alice Hiluta and Gabriella Oxlade (Chelmsford) on countback from Sally Stewart and Carol Southgate (North Oxford) 37 Sheila McDonald and Pam Wiseley (Houldsworth)
	Lyndsey Hewison Press & PR Officer Tel. 01603 507 416 Email: lyndsey.hewison@ntlworld.com