2017 Roehampton Gold Cup

Sophie Walker

ROEHAMPTON GOLD CUP            
SATURDAY APRIL 1ST 2OI7
PRESS RELEASE FROM CAROLINE SCALLON

Sponsored for the fourteenth year by Russell-Cooke Solicitors, the 90th Roehampton Ladies Open Gold Challenge Cup took place over the south-west London course last week-end.    From a very large entry, the cut was made at handicap 3.5 and sixty women golfers (21 professionals & 49 amateurs) played in perfect spring conditions.   The light south westerly breeze kept the players guessing and with the greens running at 10.5 on the Stimpmeter the pressure was on from the start.   The wind dropped a little for the afternoon round and this was reflected in the better scores.   But the course once again proved a stern test for even the best who were fulsome in their praise of the presentation of the golf course so early in the year.  Those from the north, as well as few from closer to home, had not seen such perfect greens all winter!

Lauren Hillier from Newport Gwent playing off +2 set the early pace with a morning round of 72 with six others all playing par 74 or better.   However, come the afternoon, professional Sophie Walker from Lancashire and winner of the event in 2009, pulled away and added a 69 (a gold cup course record) to her morning 74 to win the handsome trophy.  Total for 36 holes – 143.  

Second was amateur Amelia Jane Williamson from Royal Cromer on 146 (73,73).  Third, amateur Gemma Allman from Stanmore on 147 (73,74).   In fourth place was the 2016 winner, professional Alex Peters from Shifnal, on 148 (77,71).  She was closely followed by two up and coming amateurs – Katherine O’Connor from West Byfleet (73,75) and Sharna Dutrieux from Wrotham Heath (78,71) both on total 149.  These two had also featured among the prizes in 2016.  

Lauren Hillier had to settle for the best morning round and Kerry Smith from Waterlooville the best afternoon round with a score of 73.  Sophie Mills, playing off 2, from John O’Gaunt Golf Club had a hole in one at the 14th which brightened up her morning round of 85 and inspired her to a 77 in the afternoon.

This event is now coupled with the Hampshire Rose taking place at North Hants Golf Club on April 9th.   Those competitors who compete in the 72 hole Gold Rose will be eligible for World Amateur Golf Ranking Points.