Elaine Harris will represent Stoke in the Final round of England Golf’s prestigious annual handicap competition, the Race to Woodhall Spa.
Every year, golf clubs all over the country run an unofficial competition within their fixture lists for Men and Ladies, with one winner from each section being eligible to join the Race to Woodhall Spa if they choose to enter.
The qualifying period for the 2024 competition was January 1 – December 31 2023, during which, according to WHS data, the two people with the lowest aggregate of four nett differential scores gained in qualifying 18-hole Stableford competitions go forward.
This year’s representatives from Stoke were Kevin Walsh and Elaine Harris who were both keen to take part, and their entry fees were met from Club funds as usual.
Around the country there are nine regional qualifying events where Club representatives try to win a place in the National Final and a tilt at the title of National Handicap Golfer of the Year.
For Kevin and Elaine, that was at Stowmarket Golf Club along with dozens of other hopefuls from our region. The top six Men and Ladies from each regional final make it through to Woodhall Spa, home of England Golf.
Unfortunately, it was extremely wet, blustery conditions that faced both SbN competitors as they had early tee times, but conditions did improve for other players teeing off later in the day.
Elaine played very steadily, ably assisted by her caddie, Jill Pottle, scoring 34 points and was successful in finishing in 3rd place, thereby making it through to the National Finals. Kevin, despite the conditions, managed a creditable 22nd place but failed to qualify.
As a National Finalist, Elaine will play on the world-famous Hotchkin course in mid-August; have an overnight stay and an invitation to attend the presentation dinner courtesy of England Golf. She will also receive a Your Golf Travel voucher and the chance to win further travel prizes from the competition sponsor.
We all wish her good luck as she competes in the final stage of the race.
