Next year’s 2023 British Clubs Mixed Championships are on course to be bigger and better than ever.
A host of new and returning clubs have been quick to sign up for the second year of the competition that saw Hampshire’s Stoneham GC crowned national champions last month after a magnificent finals’ week in Portugal.
Already, with more than three months before entries close, several counties are reporting multiple entries with teams keen to follow in Stoneham’s footsteps.
Leading the way is Yorkshire with nine entries followed by Hampshire with eight and then great initial responses from the likes of Lancashire (six), Surrey (five), Northumberland (four) and Lincolnshire (four).
Newcomers this year to date include Kent’s Cobtree Manor GC, Hampshire’s Royal Winchester GC, Bamburgh Castle GC and Almouth GC, from Northumberland, Norfolk’s Diss GC, Airdrie GC, Devon’s Exeter GC, Surrey’s Betchworth Park GC, Lancashire’s Nelson GC, Glasgow’s Douglas Park GC, Herefordshire GC and Sussex’ Littlehampton GC.
Once again, each team will consist of five mixed pairs – with the four regional champions winning places at the finals next November at Portugal’s Boavista Golf & Spa Resort, home to an exciting course in the picturesque Western Algarve.
Don’t take our word for though – just listen to the testament from Sue Brown, mixed organiser at national runners-up Stocksfield GC, from Northumberland.
She said: “The team had a great time and we exceeded our expectations in reaching Portugal, never mind the final.
“Although we all knew each other through the golf club it was a unique experience which we will remember for many years.
“The organisation and venue were amazing. So thank you so much for your hosting from all the team.
“We had our club presentation last Saturday, where it was announced that Stocksfield Golf Club had been successful not only in competitions at county level but also internationally. It’s caused quite a buzz at the club.
“Following our success we have had interest from other members who participate in our mixed competitions and now we are going to enter two teams next year.”