13 year old Kate Bibby played in her first ever national event, The Ladies Open Matchplay last week at Royal Mid Surrey GC in Richmond. She was the youngest in the field by 6 years, playing against top internationals from the England, Ireland and Wales.
I spent the day with her at the event prepping her game ready for what was the toughest test of her golfing career. She did us all proud shooting an amazing -2 and then level par in the second round meaning she finished 7th out of 70 ladies. This meant she qualified for the weekends matchplay which saw her play one of the pre tournament favourites Cara Gainer who has since turned professional. Kate put up a great fight and eventually lost when Cara holing out from 130yards on the 17th. Cara then went onto to dominate the tournament winning in comprehensive style.
Kate's amazing performance didn't come un noticed in the tournament as many of the RMSGC members watched the match and were amazed by the talent that Kate showed. From a personal point of view it was fantastic to see her coping under huge pressures, playing great golf when it mattered. Myself and Oli have really enjoyed the past 2 years working with both Kate and Josh, they have a great positive mindset and work really hard both on and off the course.
We now look forward to her next tournament which is the Ladies Amateur Championship at Lindrick golf club. Good Luck Kate...
Kate during her prep round.