Girls’ success continues

While Rosie Belsham captured the headlines this month with her victory in The Fairhaven Trophy, Northumberland’s best female amateurs had another successful month around the country.

Reigning Northern Golfer Ladies Champion of Champions Jess Baker reached the semi-finals of the English Women’s Amateur at Saunton in Devon. Jess, who was beaten by fellow England international Lily May Humphreys, came through tough matches throughout the week, including an opening match which went to the 23rd hole.

At Fairhaven, Jess finished in a tie for third place on four over-par as Matfen Hall’s Zara Naughton finished in sixth place and Close House’s Maggie Whitehead finished in seventh place. Gosforth Park Ladies’ Libby Bell finished 9th.

In the Girls U16 Amateur Championship at Fulford Golf Club, 12-year-old Maggie produced one of the best performances of her young career, playing in the final group alongside winner Francesca Fiorellini en-route to finishing in a tie for fifth place. She was joined in the six-way tie for fifth by Libby as both players finished with a three round total of two over-par. Arcot Hall’s Rachel Gourley finished in a tie for 11th place at the event as Zara finished in a tie for 22nd place.

Meanwhile, Libby and Rachel have been named in the England U16s squad to take on Spain at Woodhall Spa. The mixed team of eight will take on Spain’s best juniors over two days – we’ll have a full report on the match in our next edition.