The Hertfordshire Ovaltine Ladies Scratch League started in 1966 after ladies from Verulam Golf Club suggested a competition to celebrate the very best of ladies golf in Hertfordshire. One of these ladies was a director of the local Ovaltine factory and, through her, Ovaltine donated the ‘Ovaltine Cup’ which is presented to the winning team at the end of the summer.

There are approximately 40 teams playing in the League and they are split into 4 divisions – these numbers can vary slightly each year. There are promotions and demotions at the end of the season. Teams comprise 5 players and they are primarily single figure golfers, so the golf is of a very high standard and the mood competitive – nobody wants to be demoted!

The singles matches are paired in handicap order by the Captains but always played off scratch – i.e. no shots involved. The ‘fun’ part is that handicaps are kept hidden from the players until the end of the match. It can be very rewarding for players when, at the end of a match, they discover they have just polished off a much lower player!!

We rely on our relatively small core of single figure players to keep us there. However, players of up to a handicap of about 14 are on the squad and are often called upon to help out. You do put your head above the parapet when entering these matches, knowing full well you will be up against tough opposition. All agree that it is a rewarding challenge, whatever the result, and a wonderful experience to represent Berkhamsted Ladies at this level.