Optimism golfers will bring home medals from Orkney
THE Isle of Wight golf team is optimistic about securing medals at the Island Games in Orkney.
The team boasts a blend of experience and youthful enthusiasm, promising a strong showing.
Darren Masterton, the team manager and a veteran of the competition, expressed confidence in the squad's potential ahead of the games, which start on Saturday (June 12).
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He described the team as a "fantastic mix of players with heaps of experience, skill, consistency, and youth."
Among the key players is Sophie Beardsall, who is set to make her tenth appearance at the games.
As the previous flag bearer for Team Isle of Wight, her ultimate aim is to secure a team gold medal.
Her sister, Caroline Johnson, will be making her debut at the games, eager to share the experience with her sister.
Another notable player is Lucy Burke, a former Island champion who will be competing in her fourth Island Games and is the ladies' team manager.
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The Shanklin and Sandown Golf Club player anticipates a challenging competition due to the weather conditions in Orkney.
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However, she remains confident in the team's ability to adapt.
Lucy, 30, of Newport, said: "Really excited about the challenge ahead, but conditions will be a bit testing in Orkney.
"It'll be cold, wet, and windy, compared to the dry conditions here at the moment.
"On the Isle of Wight, you get used to the wind and the rain anyway, so I'd say we're all pretty good at most weather conditions.
"Our ladies team is probably the strongest we've had in a few years, and I think we have a very good chance of a medal."
The final member of the ladies' team is Sammi Keen, a seasoned Island Games competitor at just 32 years.
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Having won a team silver medal at the Gotland Games in 2017, she is confident of adding to her medal tally.
Sammi said: "The course is going to be challenging, but I think with my experience playing in Freshwater, in the wind and rain, I'm hoping it'll be a bit of an advantage."
In the men's team, George Foreman, the 2022 Island champion, returns to compete after having managed the team for the past few Games.
He is eager to add to his team silver medal from 2011.
Conner Knight, the Isle of Wight scratch match play champion, is set to make his debut at the Island Games.
He is keen to make a significant impact both individually and as part of the team.
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Chris Hayward, the current Island champion, is returning for his second games and is aiming for a top ten finish, with the hope of delivering some exceptional golf.
Lastly, Nat Riddett will be participating in his third Island Games.
Having finished in the top 13 in his previous games, he is determined to break into the top ten and possibly compete for a medal.
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