Congratulations to 91-year-old Sheila Aldridge who has won the 9-hole Club Championship at Cottesmore Golf and Country Club
Words by Christine Knight - Cottesmore Lady Captain for 2023
Cottesmore Golf and Country Club’s annual Club Championships saw an amazing win for 91-year-old Sheila Aldridge, who won the 9-hole Phoenix competition with 19 points; she won on countback from Shirley Vance. Both ladies play regularly in the weekly competitions held on the Phoenix course.
Sheila, who now plays off 38 but at her lowest played off a 23 handicap, retired from teaching in 1986 having spent the previous 12 years at Warnham village school. She started playing golf in 1987 with lessons at Cottesmore and joined the ladies' section in 1988 so has been a member for 35 years. She also trained with the Citizens Advice Bureau, in her words, ‘to keep out of mischief’ and was an advisor for 23 years.
Christine Knight, Lady Captain, said
"The whole section were delighted for Sheila that she won the Phoenix Club Championship. She plays every week and is usually up there amongst the winning scores. It is amazing to think that she only took up golf when she retired, but it has helped to keep her fit and active for the past 35 years. She is a wonderful lady and a true inspiration to us all."
There was also a new champion on the 18-hole Griffin course, which was won by Jenny Frei with a gross score of 168; runner-up was Iona McKean with a score of 171. The nett champion was Catherine Malins with a score of 149 and runner-up was Margaret Swatman with 153.
Congratulations to Sheila, she's definitely an inspiration to us all and a fantastic example of why golf is a sport that can be played for a lifetime.
