Warwickshire champion Abbey Gittings and Sutton Coldfield’s Elizabeth Mallett will be out to beat some of the best women amateur golfers in the country when they compete for the Bridget Jackson Bowl today at Handsworth Golf Club.

Gittings, a member of Walmley Golf Club, and Mallett, who won the Midland Schoolgirls Championship title last weekend, are amongst a quality field battling it out for the coveted trophy, which is up for grabs for the 27th time.

mong their rivals will be favourite Claire Aitken, the English Mid-Amateur champion of 2007, and Susan Dye, the English Ladies Strokeplay and Matchplay champion.

Welsh internationals Gemma Bradley and Anna Carling will also be vying for the Bowl, which is being vacated by Australian Emma Bennett, who won the title last year after a dramatic sudden death play-off but has chosen not to return to defend her title.

Bennett beat National Squad member Sahra Hassan after both girls finished the 36 hole event tied on five under par. The trophy was won on the first play-off hole after Hassan put her tee shot into a bunker and was still in there after two. Bennett was able to par the hole.

Again the ladies will compete over 36 holes and tournament founder Bridget Jackson is expecting a entertaining day’s golf, weather permitting.
“I started the competition because there wasn’t a 36-hole event for amateur ladies in the area,” she said.

“We have had eight withdrawals at the moment but there is still some really good golfers taking part.

“Abbey and Elizabeth have been playing well but Claire Aitken will probably start as favourite. She has won a lot of 36 hole events this year and will be tough to beat. It should be a very keenly contested competition.”

Entry to the course is free and spectators are welcome.