Harleyford Win Back the Bucks Shield After Seven Years!

There’s the Ryder Cup, the Solheim Cup, the Walker Cup…and then there’s the Bucks Shield!

After seven years, the trophy is finally back at Harleyford following a fantastic campaign by the Harleyford ladies.

This year, 15 clubs from across the county entered the knockout competition. Harleyford battled through three exciting rounds against Denham, Whiteleaf and Chartridge Park to earn a place in the final against Huntswood at Flackwell Heath on Sunday 20th September.

Seven players, seven caddies and a fantastic group of supporters made the trip for the final. With the sun shining and plenty of nerves around the first tee, Harleyford knew that four points would be enough to bring the Shield home.

It didn't start entirely to plan. Harleyford lost the opening match before quickly responding with a win to make it 1–1.

The remaining matches were incredibly close, but news soon filtered through of two more Harleyford victories. At 3–1, just one more point was needed.

Waiting around the 18th green, the supporters then spotted Sue Martin confidently walking down the fairway with her hands raised. She had won her match and, in doing so, secured the winning point for Harleyford!

Much like Lottie Woad famously experienced, Sue hadn't initially realised the significance of what she had just done. The Harleyford supporters certainly did, and celebrations quickly began, accompanied by a rendition of“We’re on the right side of the green!”

Tea and cake followed, along with a well-deserved celebratory drink at the bar, as the Bucks Shield trophy finally found its way back into Harleyford hands.

The victory was a true squad effort and enormous credit must go to Bucks Shield Captain Sue Cooke, whose dedication throughout the competition was exceptional. Countless hours went into analysing players, opponents and courses to select the strongest possible teams for each round.

The wider squad consisted of Helen M, Sue C, Sue M, Lesley J, Sarah H, Pat E, Heather G, Diane E, Kathie H, Bryony M, Lyndsey C, Sarah D, Amy W, Esther M, Suse MB, Kate R, Lisa H, Amanda B, Angela S, Kay W, Rowena P and Tracey F, with Helen, Sue C, Sue M, Lesley, Sarah H, Pat and Heather representing Harleyford in the final.

It was a brilliant collective achievement and a fitting reward for the commitment shown by everyone involved throughout the competition.

After guiding Harleyford to victory, Sue Cooke can now enjoy a very well-deserved break, with Sue Martin taking over as Bucks Shield Captain for 2027.

The Bucks Shield is open to players with a Handicap Index of 24 or below. Anyone interested in being part of Harleyford’s squad next year is encouraged to speak to Sue.

Congratulations to everyone involved — the Bucks Shield is back at Harleyford!