JENNY RHODES RETAINS SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE

Holsworthy Golf Club proved a superb host venue for the Devon Women’s Senior Championship, where competitors faced not only a challenging course but also some dramatic summer weather.

29th June 2026

1–2 minutes

Holsworthy Golf Club proved a superb host venue for the Devon Women’s Senior Championship, where competitors faced not only a challenging course but also some dramatic summer weather.

With weather warnings issued for unusually high temperatures, players took sensible precautions, applying sun cream and ensuring hydration remained a priority throughout the day. However, while the forecast predicted heat, it failed to mention the thunder, lightning and torrential rain showers that swept across the course during the early afternoon, catching many players off guard.

Defending champion Jenny Rhodes (Torquay) set the early clubhouse target with an excellent score of 75. Although several players attempted to challenge her total, none could match it, with attention eventually turning to the final group featuring former Devon Women’s Senior Champions Jo Fisher (Dainton Park) and Vicky Holloway (Teignmouth). Despite their efforts, Rhodes’ score remained unbeaten, securing her another county title. Jenny now goes forward, representing Devon, to the England Golf English Women’s Senior Champion of Champions at Woodhall Spa in September.

Home player Ely Walmsley produced an impressive round of 79 to claim second place, while current Devon County Champion Elizabeth Bird finished third with a score of 82.

In the handicap competition, Holsworthy’s Nicky Williams (PH 20) took first place with a nett 68. Vanessa O’Brien of Bovey Tracey (PH 29) also returned a nett 68 to finish second on count-back, while champion Jenny Rhodes (PH 4) claimed third place with a nett 71. For all scores click here

The event was supported by a dedicated team of volunteers from Holsworthy Golf Club. Lady Captain Jackie Foster and Vice-Captain Muriel Haywood carried out starter duties, while Dave Bragg was a great course marshall and welcome water supplier. Lynda Perkins, Gill Lark and Teresa North-Lewis braved both the intense sunshine and torrential downpours as ball spotters on some of the course’s more demanding holes.

Their efforts and organisation helped ensure a successful championship. Despite the challenging weather conditions, competitors enjoyed a memorable day of golf, excellent hospitality and a worthy county championship contest.

Wendy Stanbury Competition Manager

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