Bethany Gray claims the St George's Hill Ladies Trophy 2025 

Bethany Gray produced a flawless performance to win this year's St George's Hill Ladies Trophy.

I've played in a number of ladies opens over the years but mainly in teams. Yesterday, I ventured to Surrey to one of the most beautiful courses I have ever played to fly solo.

69 ladies from around the country played in 3-balls. Myself and W&G member, Vanessa, were paired with Bethany.

The golf course was in very good condition following days of very warm sunshine and no rain.

Unfortunately, all that changed yesterday. The rain was supposed to hold off until the afternoon but someone at the weather centre got their calculations wrong. After a couple of holes the rain came and set in for the day.

The Course

St George's Hill golf course was built in 1913 and the original layout made by Harry Colt remains largely untouched in the course played today.

It is probably one of the most beautiful courses I have ever played and that was without the heather in full bloom. The estate was originally covered with scots pine, silver birch and rhododendrons and somehow Colt has managed to designed an amazing golf course through the woodland.

A little aside: Harry Colt is the true father of golf course architecture and such was the skill he used to transform the estate, it attracted the attention of the the great golf writer Bernard Darwin. He wrote:

“Mr Colt showed me as we fought our way through the undergrowth [at St George’s Hill], where the holes were to be, while I gazed and wondered at this gift of the golfing architect which seemed so mysterious as that of the water diviner. I carried away memories of the lovely bits of woodland and grassy glades through the forest, and I have been trying quite vainly ever since to identify them. When I came next, there was a golf course in being and my glades had vanished into fairyland.”

Stand holes for me were:

Red - 4th, 5th, 8th & 9th (heading towards the majestic clubhouse)

Blue - 10th, 11th, 16th (my favourite) & 17th (fantastic hole)

There's just something magical about St George's Hill. I can't put my finger of it but I know if I could only play one course for the rest of my golfing days it would be this.

The Clubhouse

The Clubhouse very much has the feel of the 1920s about it and you feel as though you have gone back in time. The carvery buffet lunch in the upstairs dining room was delightful and run with military precision. You would think it would be a bit of a stuffy atmosphere but nothing could be further from the truth.

Nikki Williams, the current Lady Captain says:

"The views from the club and terrace are fantastic and we are fortunate that it points in the right direction to enjoy some spectacular sunsets over one of the best panoramic views from any clubhouse. Equally, the view of the clubhouse as you walk onto the 9th tee can make you catch your breath.

The staff and members make this club a wonderful community to be a part of, and you can expect a warm welcome on your visit here. We are very proud of our club and course, and delighted to ’show it off’ to visiting golfers. On warm days, there is nothing better than enjoying refreshments on the terrace, enjoying the views after your game.

On my first visit to St George’s Hill, now many years ago, it was a case of love at first sight. I hope that you enjoy your visit as much as I did then, and as much I do now each time I turn up to play!"

I know exactly what she means.

Placings

So, how did we all do? Some of us better than others. As fellow competitor Katy Robinson said "It was so wet I thought I’d turn into an otter at one point!".

One player, and part of my 3-ball, Bethany Gray was unbothered about absolutely everything - even a bunker on the 11th - and played as good a game of golf as I've seen ever. Pinpoint off the tee, focused on the fairway and precise on the putting green, it was a delight to watch.

A worthy winner.

"It was a pleasure to play at such a prestigious venue. The hospitality at St George’s Hill is second to none and I cannot wait to return in 2026 to do it all again!" Bethany Gray

Full results here.

The Club recently hosted the Rose Ladies Series and the winner (albeit playing off the white tees) scored -1. So Beth's performance was outstanding particularly in less than ideal conditions.

It was also great to see a few Women & Golf readers in the playing field and I'm sorry if I didn't say hello.

All to play for in 2026

Looking forward to next year already.

Dates for the 2026 event will be available from around the January-February 2026.

Click here for more details

For more amateur news click here.