2012 Winners

Christine and Charlotte Griffith (Walton Heath)

Report by Jo Thesiger

Christine and Charlotte Griffith from Walton Heath exceeded all expectations,

by pulling off a remarkable and emotional victory in the Mothers and Daughters, 27 holes scratch

foursomes, in the events 50th year at Royal Mid Surrey Golf Club in Richmond. Indeed, Charlotte,

aged 18, a three-handicap, confessed she was “over-the-moon just to be playing” with her mum

who has spent the last four months recuperating from a cancer operation in December.

Having missed out on the title by a single shot last year, Christine, a former professional who

now plays off four, made it her goal to recover in time to compete again in this unique national

amateur event, let alone win it! With very little practise, she played inspirational golf with her

daughter, to return a two-over-par, 73, in their morning round. The pair took full advantage

of the shorter par fours, with birdies at the 2nd, 11th and 13th. At one-under-par after the 13th

hole, even a disappointing double-bogey at the long, 14th hole, couldn’t ruin their card.

After an appalling week of hail, thunder and lightning, Royal Mid Surrey was geared up for

the worst of the weather but was instead blessed with beautiful sunshine, which helped the

scoring. However, 27-holes of medal foursomes, where every shot counts, is a nerve-wracking

format for the most experienced pairings - hazards so often come into play, to destroy many a

score!

However, the Griffiths made it look easy, enjoying a five shot lead after the morning eighteen,

over the holders, Elaine and Charlotte Barrow, aged 15, from Brockenhurst Manor, who

finished on 78. Fellow Walton Heath members, Alison and Nicola Taylor lay a further shot

adrift on 79, the same score as Middlesex County Champion, Tara Watters, off plus one and her

mother Mona, who plays off a much higher handicap of 23.

The Watters could hardly believe their score after the first nine holes. The putts kept rolling in,

as they combined brilliantly and surprisingly found themselves in contention on level par at the

turn. Although thereafter they did start to drop a few shots, they continued to play steadily to

win the 27-hole handicap prize convincingly.

As the wind picked up in the afternoon and fatigue began to set in, the Griffiths felt, they

too, squandered too many shots and were disappointed with their score of six-over-par, 41,

over the remaining nine holes. However, to their relief, it was a familiar tale, as all the other

contenders relayed the same frustrating story and their outstanding morning round meant the

Griffiths still took the title by a comfortable five shots from their Walton Heath friends, Alison

and Nicola Taylor.

In an emotional winners speech Charlotte, 2011 Surrey girls champion, gave her brave mum a

fitting tribute and admitted that since taking up golf, aged 10, this very special victory with her

mother was her greatest achievement to date!