A TEAM of winners – that will underpin England’s assault on the biggest tournament at Fulford Golf Club since its halcyon Benson & Hedges era of 20 years ago.

The Heslington-based club is to host the European Ladies Amateur Team Championship from July 9 to July 13 when the England team will be graced by a strong North Yorkshire presence.

Team coach is York’s Steve Robinson, one of Britain’s pre-eminent golf gurus, and will be led by non-playing captain Emma Brown, the Malton & Norton GC ace, who was one of Europe’s leading amateur players in a career spanning more than two decades.

Robinson, who has prepared the national ladies’ squad for the last 18 months in readiness for this summer’s Euro summit meeting, declared that a culture of conquest would be England’s driving force.

At a media day helmed by national governing body EnglandGolf, Robinson, Brown and squad members outlined their hopes for the tournament which can expect to draw crowds in their hundreds for the week-long event regarded as the biggest and most important amateur team challenge on the women’s Continental circuit.

Robinson and selection manager Rebecca Wood revealed there were between 15 and 20 players, whose form was being forensically scrutinised before the final six-woman team is decided late next month.

Said Robinson: “Whatever happens between now and the final selection, the full team will be a team of winners.

“I want players who know what it is to get across the winning line. I want players who know what it is to close out a tournament so that they will be best prepared for the demands of such a tournament.

“We have potential team members playing all over the world now. Besides the six squad players here at Fulford for the media day, we have four playing in America and others who could not make it. We’re looking at as many as 20 players and we will be checking out their stats and performances, and any wins.”

The England coach, who is the head pro at Sandburn Hall GC, refused to heap undue pressure on a team that will be one of the youngest to represent England in the Euros. He also declined to play to any expectations of national success simply because the England ladies had home advantage.

“The golf ball does not know where it’s playing, it’s simply a golf ball,” added Robinson.

“The job of myself, Emma and Rebecca is to deflect all the hype from the girls and ensure they are as best prepared as they can possibly be.

“Make no mistake, this is a big event. It’s only been held in England twice before in its entire history.

“This is top-class golf and some of the leading European nations chuck millions in money at this.

“Countries like Germany, Italy and Spain are always strong and dangerous, and the Home Internationals series we have is tough – very tough.”

While reluctant to speculate whether home advantage will play its part, Robinson was thrilled at the challenge of leading a national team in the city where he lives and in the county where he was born.

Said Robinson: “I am hoping as many golf fans in Yorkshire and in the north come to support these girls when they are turning out for England.

“I am so pleased the event is not only in Yorkshire but at Fulford, who have been tremendously supportive of the bid to host the Euros here and which is a course that has so much history.

“I love the golf course, I love the city of York and I want us to do well. It is a city that has been kind to me and I would love it to be kind to us all again.”


Captains united in joy

EVELYN LOW and Richard Cass are revelling in the honour of being at the forefront of a new chapter in Fulford Golf Club folklore.

The duo are joint captains this year which will be climaxed when the club stages the premier women’s team tournament in European golf.

As the club hones its final arrangements, both captains felt the media day, which brought more than half a dozen squad members to play the course, provided the actual start of the restoration of top-class golf to their club.

Said Low, who first joined Fulford in 2004: “We are all absolutely excited at the championships being staged here.

“And to be captain is an absolute honour.

“There’s a whole buzz about the club and seeing all these great young girls here is so thrilling.”

A Glasgow-born Scot, Low said that she would not have any mixed feelings when the action finally started involving Europe’s top 20 nations from July 9 to July 13.

“While I have Scotland in my heart, I will be representing Fulford and will be wishing England all the very best. It’s a huge privilege.”

Cass shared the glee of his female counterpart as one of the club’s joint captains.

“I have played at Fulford for 29 years and to be captain this year is absolutely fantastic,” he enthused.

“It’s a big bonus that we have Steve (Robinson) and Emma (Brown) as key members of the coaching side. They give a whole York influence and input to the England squad.

“All the members here are behind what should be a great occasion.”


Swells like team spirit

AN extra slice of the magic that powers the Ryder Cup and the Solheim Cup will be in evidence at the Euro extravaganza.

Emma Brown, the non-playing captain of the England team at the European Ladies’ Amateur Team Championship, said the public imagination had been seized by the dynamics of team competitions.

“The way the Ryder Cup and Solheim Cups are played, and the Walker and Curtis Cups for the amateurs, there seems to more appreciation of the team format,” said Brown.

“It’s become more of an accepted part of the public’s awareness and has captured the imagination, even of people who normally don’t follow golf.”

Brown, who won two team silvers and one bronze in European Ladies’ Amateur Team Championships during her illustrious career as one of the Continent’s leading players, said there was also the patriotic aspect.

“The girls are playing for their country and the spectators will hopefully provide great support for them,” she added.

Brown played in a scratch match earlier this week at Fulford and said it was in great shape.

“Considering the bad weather we have had over almost the past year, the condition of the course is great and by the time the tournament comes around in July I’m sure it will be as excellent as it always is,” said Brown.

And of her role as captain, she said: “It’s more about guiding and encouraging them and giving them the confidence of playing to the best of their ability.”