Northern Championship Report - 2026

Thank you to Yorkshire and Headingley Golf Club

Yorkshire Senior Ladies Golf Association hosted the Northern Championship at Headingley Golf Club 19th to 21st May.
A massive thank you to YSLGA and in particular to tournament organiser Patsy Rochester and YSLGA president Karen Leake who worked tirelessly to ensure everyone could enjoy a great event. To Gill Travis YSLGA secretary who acted as starter on the first two days, sometimes in not so nice weather.
Thanks also to Headingley golf club, the manager Martin Fishwick, for whom no task was too much trouble. To the members of Headingley golf club who not only gave up their course for the majority of the week, but also provided car park attendants and spotters.
Thanks, too, to the green staff who battled the elements to provide a course in great condition, despite the deluge that occurred on the qualifying day. It was a real test for the golfers.
Last but not least, a warm thank you to Pat Williams the referee, also from Headingley. She was out in all weathers supporting the players when necessary and providing advice in the build up to, as well as during the event. Also to Pat Boden who acted as tournament referee during the tri am round.

The Qualifying Round
I think we had a few seasons in one day during the qualifying round round on day one, although it was generally better than first thought. However, the heavens opened towards the end and the final few groups finished in very challenging conditions.
The best gross score in qualifying was Emma Brown,Yorkshire, with a 77, taking home the Gross Salver and a prize donated by our President Elaine Elliott. Hilary Tarleton, Cheshire, won the best nett prize with a score of 70 and Helen Robson, Durham the best nett 65 and over with a score of 74.
For the second year running Yorkshire won both the Gross and Nett Team Shield.

Second Flight Matchplay
The scores in the qualifying round were so tight with three players missing out on the first flight qualification on the back 9 and the other five by one shot. Not surprisingly there were some very tight matches. The final was a very closely fought affair between Marianne Moore, Durham, and the eventual winner on the last hole Clare Seddon, Lancashire.

Championship Matchplay
There were some close matches in the first two rounds with one match going to the 19th. The semi finals saw Emma Brown, Yorkshire play Cath Rawthore, Cheshire. Emma was in scintillating form as she herself said “playing the best 9 holes of her life” resulting in her being 5 under par at the turn, despite some good golf from Cath and with a few birdies of her own, Emma was the eventual winner.
The second semi final was a very closely fought match with never more than one hole in it. Helen Robson, Durham beat Sarah Pownell, Lancashire on the 18th.
Emma Brown and Helen Robson treated everyone to a great final with both players hitting some fantastic shots and none giving an inch. Helen was up for most of the match until Emma edged in front on the 14th only to be pegged back on the 15th. The match was all square until the last hole and looking like it may go down the 19th. Emma managed to win the 18th to take the match. Well done to both finalists, to produce that golf at the end of a long week was a real achievement.
Congratulations to all of the prize winners and a big thank you to all players who supported the event.

Jamboree
Captain Julie Wheeldon, Vice Captain Chris Pascall, President Elaine Elliott and Immediate Past Captain Caroline Berry will select the Northern Team to play at Worthing from Tuesday 4th to Thursday 6th August. Watch out for team news on the website following the English Stroke Play in June. Spectators are very welcome.

Julie Wheeldon
NCVLGA Captain