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Awali Gulf Club Open Committee will hold their 20th Bahrain Ladies Open Gulf Championship from November 30 to December 1. The event marks the 20-year milestone of the championship which has become a key fixture in Bahrain's golfing diary. Awali Golf Club member, Hilary Picton, who has competed in all 19 of the previous championships and won four, writes about the history of the event.
The first Bahrain Ladies' Open Golf Championship was held in 1987.
The event was the brainchild of four lady golfers who had played in similar events around the Gulf.
Lou Scott, Sheila Farrelly, Lilias Picken and Joan Calder, with the support of the Saudi Aramco ladies, took their idea to the Awali Golf Club committee and the rest as they say is history.
The course has changed very little since the championship began. A few 'browns' have been enlarged and a few more bunkers added
But one hole had its name changed to reflect a historic event in the region.
In 1990, after the invasion of Kuwait, a missile battery was sited just beyond the tee of the 14th hole which as a result, was renamed 'The Creek' because of the rain gully that now runs across the hole.
During the practice round of that year's event the weather turned very sultry and one lady completing the 13th hole complained to her friend that she could do with a rub-down.
As she approached the 14th tee an American soldier in uniform came over the hill and drawled, "Will I do Ma'am?"
Apparently the military had listening devices situated nearby and, needless to say, the ladies were very cautious in their conversation once they learned this.
Many of the ladies competing in this tournament have a 'caddie' who, according to the Rules of Golf (R&A) is 'one who assists a player in accordance with the rules, which may include carrying or handling the player's clubs during play.'
Most of these caddies will actually be the players' husbands which can lead to some serious 'domestics'.
One husband even managed to get a 'sick note' from his doctor stating that he was 'unfit for caddie duties' in order to avoid the stress of a Ladies' Open weekend.
The 'caddie' always sees the perfect shot and finds it difficult to understand why the player doesn't play it perfectly every time.
Occasionally the championship has had to be re-scheduled due to rain.
The 11th in particular was a spectacular wash-out as the road to the golf club was completely flooded.
The number of ladies playing in the championship has fluctuated over the years, especially those coming from Saudi Arabia.
In the early days 20 or more competitors came from that country but political and security issues affected the numbers from time to time.
This year being the 20th there has been a great deal of interest from other countries and we have groups of ladies from around the Gulf and UK trying to win the coveted silver dhow trophy.
The first person to win the trophy was Angela Scurr who was based in Dubai. This was the only time Angela competed in the tournament, although she has won many titles around the Gulf - including the 'Grand Slam' which includes Bahrain, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Kuwait, in 1987.
To mark the 20th anniversary Angela has decided to come to Bahrain from Abu Dhabi where she is Golf secretary at Al Ghazal Golf Club to compete.
Among this year's competitors are a number of past champions: Angela Scurr, Kirsty Aylin (three-time winner), Emma Boyd (three-time winner), and Liz Noble. Emma is still based in Bahrain while Liz is representing Mesaieed Golf Club in Qatar and Kirsty is now playing from Yeovil G.C. in England.
Apart from the sporting challenge the weekend is also a chance to catch up with old friends as well as make new acquaintances.
Obviously nerves play a great part for most players, even the most experienced, but the wonderful atmosphere and excellent array of prizes (thanks to very generous sponsors) make this an occasion not to be missed.
