The Berkshire ready for the Girls’ U16 Amateur Championship
The R&A
25 Apr 24
3 mins
Talented young girl golfers from across the world tee it up in the R&A Girls’ U16 Amateur Championship this week (26 – 28 April), with a record number of countries represented.
It is the sixth staging of the popular championship and the first time it is being held at The Berkshire in England’s south east.Last year, Germany’s Antonia Steiner defeated Annika Kohoutek with a birdie on the first hole of a sudden death play-off to add her name to a roll of honour that includes top amateur golfers such as Hannah Darling and Francesca Fiorellini.“It’s the first big tournament that I’ve won, so I’m very happy,” said Steiner, at the time. “I’ve called my mum and she’s very happy. She’s crying too.”
Record representation
This year sees 22 countries represented in the 80-player field, including players from Cyprus, Iceland, India, UAE and Hong Kong, China.Ireland’s Olivia Costello, who contended in 2023, returns in search of success at the 54-hole stroke play championship.Walton Heath’s Annabell Peaford, and her sister Emily, are among a strong England contingent hoping to triumph.The top four players come the final round on Sunday gain an exemption into the Girls’ Amateur Championship at Alwoodley in August.
Opportunity for girls
The championship was introduced as part of The R&A’s drive to boost the girls’ game in Great Britain and Ireland and beyond, as well as to provide a pathway to the elite amateur level for leading young players.Founded in 1928, The Berkshire Club is set to provide another excellent test for the competing players and is home to two Herbert Fowler designed 18-hole courses, with pristine trees and firm and fast fairways hallmarks of the challenge on offer.The winner this week will be presented with the Angela Uzielli Trophy. The trophy is named after the late wife of John Uzielli, Past Captain of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews. Angela was a decorated amateur golfer, including representing Great Britain and Ireland in the Curtis Cup in 1978.View news and scoring from the Girls’ U16 Amateur here.
