The all too short major season is now behind us and there is much to reflect on. Yet, while much of the golfing world muses on distance reduction and mergers, LUGS golfers can rightly celebrate the appearance of one of their own at the British Women’s Open at Walton Heath in August.
There is a long history of LUGS golf at Walton, central to which are the mainstays of the undergraduate side in the early eighties, Alastair and Alison Wells. And it was Alison’s daughter, Nicola (Imperial 2009-13), now a mainstay of the alumni team, who took centre stage on the weekend of the Open. Out first and playing as scorer with the backmarker of the field, Nicola looked entirely at ease as she striped ball after ball down the narrow and fast running fairways of the magnificently presented course.
Reports received by this correspondent include ‘a natural’, ‘nerveless’ and ‘could have given the winner a run for her money’. For Nicola’s view of the event though, I would encourage LUGS to listen to episode 196 of the Cookie Jar Golf podcast where she discusses her experience.
The quintessential LUGS golfer, Nicola runs us through her 3/3/3 warm up policy and her disappointment with the range of sensible beverages in the players’ lounge! Nicola’s only problem seems to have been around selecting her caddie; mum or fiancé, SUGS’ Jonny Calder? While Alison’s knowledge of the course might have been superior, Jonny’s famous sangfroid just tipped the balance!
So, well done Nicola! LUGS’ pride swells strong!
London University Golfing Society 