It is every golfers dream. St Andrews, staying at the Old Course Hotel, drinking in the Jigger Inn, and playing the most famous of courses. 

On September 18th  the dream came true for Sara Bland and Jacky Parker from Wensum Valley Golf Club. Earlier in the summer Sara and Jacky won first the county and then the regional heats of the Coronation Foursomes, a competition that any lady golfer with a Congu handicap can take part in.  As well as playing in the Grand Final at St Andrews Eden Course, the prize included a 2 nights stay at the Old Course Hotel in St Andrews  with presentation dinner after the competition.

Before the draw was made the competitors were able to meet each other at a reception. Sara and Jacky were paired with a couple from a club near Glasgow.  It was unfortunate that Jacky aggravated an old injury in her shoulder while having a pre match warm up and this considerably restricted her swing and therefore affected her ability to strike the ball effectively. Despite this she managed to play the 18 holes.  

The competitors were "ordinary" club golfers of all ages including a mother and daughter team, the daughter aged just 13. The handicaps ranged from Scratch to 28 proof that this is a competition that any club member can enter and aspire to reach the Grand Final at St Andrews. This was an opportunity to meet club members from all over the British Isles, and spend a few enjoyable days in their company.  Sara admitted that when she saw the Rolex clock, and the photographer and team announcer appeared on the first tee the nerves certainly set in, but she managed a respectable drive down the fairway off the first tee. 

 At the presentation evening the 32 competitors were addressed by Bridget Jackson MBE made Honorary member of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club earlier this this year.  During a notable amateur career, Bridget played in the Curtis Cup for Great Britain and Ireland on three occasions and was selected as an England international nine times. She has served as Chair and President of the English Ladies Golf Association and President of the Ladies’ Golf Union. She was made a MBE in 2003 for her services to women’s golf and at 81 still manages to play golf.    Sara said, “I was privileged to be able to talk to her and hear some fascinating stories of her golfing career going back to the early 1950's. Although Jacky and I did not do as well as we hoped we were very pleased to have brought in the runners up . The whole experience was wonderful and would love to do it again.”