Dame Laura Davies, who was inspired into the world of the professional ranks through membership of West Byfleet Golf Club, has realised another personal ambition by breaking 70 gross at the Surrey course for the first time.
Almost 40 years since first joining West Byfleet, the 53-year-old, who was awarded life membership at the Club to mark her outstanding golfing achievements, finally broke par with a one-under 69 in the David Regan Farewell Pro-Am on Friday. She was playing from the men’s white tees with the 6,200-yard course stretched to its maximum length.
Dame Laura agreed to take part on the condition that she would be in the same team as David Regan, the person that the superstar credits with being the most important influence on her game.
David has called it a day at West Byfleet Golf Club after a 45-year association with the Club in Sheerwater Road, West Byfleet, which included the last 34 years as Head Professional. Regan couldn’t match Laura’s score, but he left his own indelible mark on the Pro-Am with a birdie-par-eagle finish for a respectable 73.
“It’s been a fantastic journey here at West Byfleet,” said David. “And I leave with some fantastic memories at a Club growing in stature. The condition of the course has improved dramatically, particularly over the last few years, and it’s always a pleasure to play whenever I get the time.”
David Regan plans to spend time refurbishing his home, going to football matches and other everyday pastimes he couldn’t enjoy while being the mainstay behind a six-day-a-week, 12-hour day job as Head Professional. He will continue with his Powakaddy repair business. At the presentations he and his wife Annie were presented with gifts and he was praised for ‘truly exceptional’ services to West Byfleet Golf Club.
It was a poignant time in the Pro-Am for Dame Laura, who had looked to be coasting to victory after a brilliant run of six 3s in seven holes from the eighth before a couple of bogeys hauled her back to one under. “It was great to come back here and play here,” she said. “The course has really improved and I was made to feel really welcome.
“David Regan influenced my career the most. He instilled in me fundamentals that have served me well throughout my career, so I was delighted to come back and support his farewell Pro-Am. West Byfleet Golf Club will always hold special memories for me.”
Laura’s 69 was matched by Nick Flynn, a professional who is attached to West Byfleet Golf Club. Dan Painter, who has stepped up to Head Assistant at West Byfleet working alongside new Head Pro Jon Field, carded a level-par 70 to finish third. West Byfleet Golf ClubDame Laura Davies