MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS TOURNAMENT PREVIEW

By Jo Thesiger

Christine and Charlotte Griffiths from Walton Heath return to Royal Mid Surrey on Saturday to defend the Mothers and Daughters title after claiming victory against the odds last year.  Christine, a former professional, had just recovered from surgery and her goal was simply to be well enough to play with her 3-handicap daughter, let alone win this unique family foursomes event.

In an emotional winners speech, Charlotte declared she was “over-the-moon” just to be playing with her mum, after frustration in 2011 when the pair missed out on the title by a single shot.  They tee off as favourites this year with greater expectations.

However, defending the title over 27-holes of medal foursomes will be no easy task with such a strong field of contenders hoping to stand in their way. 

After finishing among the leaders in previous years, the Atwoods from Gog Magog in Cambridge are seeking their first title and daughter, Sarah, who plays off plus 2, is likely to be a very handy partner! 

Elsie Provan and Sarah Saggers from Hertfordshire, winners in 2004, will be trying to put their names back on the winner’s honours board, while 13-year-old Martha Lewis from St George’s Hill will form a strong combination with her mother Evelyn having already enjoyed success the event as the handicap winners in 2010.

Despite the changing world of golf, the Mothers and Daughters remains a much loved event in the women’s amateur calendar and although golfers of all standards will compete on Saturday, it still attracts some of our leading women golfers. 

England International, Alex Peters, enjoyed a hat-trick of victories with her mother from 2008 to 2010.  Pairings come back year after year and the tradition is passed down from generation to generation in many golfing dynasties.

Indeed, it is going to be a family outing for the Bonallack family.  Lady Angela Bonallack, distinguished former Curtis Cup player, pairs up with her daughter Sara Stocks and her other daughter, Glenna Beasley and granddaughter, Harriet, will make up the foursome.   

Lady Bonallack, a longstanding competitor, has already enjoyed victory twice with Glenna. The first time was in 1979 but they had to wait twenty-one years for their second win in 2000.

With the sun forecast to shine on Saturday the stage is set for an exciting contest.