Somerset’s Worlebury GC made it third time lucky after being crowned the 2024 British Clubs Mixed champions today.
The south west regional winners put on an impressive display at Celtic Manor in south Wales to see off gallant runners-up Royal Mid Surrey GC 4.5-0.5.
In soft underfoot conditions and with the challenging Montgomerie course playing long after recent heavy rain, Worlebury – making their third successive campaign in the championships – made light of conditions to see off the south east regional champions.
First pair Alix Kew & Lauren Hanson got off to the perfect start by seeing off Iain Bond & Susan Spash 7&5.
Russell & Emma Bourton beat Mark Boyle & Mhairi Lowry 2&1, Steve Taylor & Helen Clarke defeated John Bissett & Joanna Nakielny and Graham & Sam Hewlett overcame Michael & Monica Morrow 4&3.
That meant that the fourth match between Paul & Maxine Gardiner and Peter & Anne Brooks didn’t matter – so it ended with a friendly half on the 16th.
Worlebury didn’t have it quite so easy in the semi final, pipping Leicestershire’s Kibworth GC 3-2 while Royal Mid Surrey overcame Perthshire’s Muthill GC, the first team from Scotland to reach the finals, 3.5-1.5.
In the third-place play-off, Kibworth finished their season in style by beating Muthill 3.5-1.5.
Worlebury follow in the footsteps of previous winners – Hampshire’s Stoneham GC in 2022 and Hertfordshire’s Brickendon Grange GC in 2023.
They are already looking forward to defending their crown next year – and have generously offered to host the 2025 south west regional final – as long as they don’t reach the regional final themselves!
They are also hoping encourage more sides from Somerset and neighbouring county Gloucestershire to sign up for the exciting knockout event which is growing in popularity year on year.
Entries for the 2025 championships will open next month with entry fees frozen at this year’s level. Clubs can sign up by emailing info@mixedgolfevents.com