Staff WriterThe Race to Woodhall Spa reached its dramatic conclusion this week at the home of England Golf, with Coby Job, Harry Derham, and Emma Shepherd writing their names into the history books.
Over two days of competition, the women’s final teed off on Monday, while the men’s and juniors battled it out on Tuesday – all part of an August showcase that brought together the country’s most determined club golfers.
Job Well Done in Men’s Final
In the men’s showdown, Coby Job (Beverley and East Riding) proved that persistence pays, edging Oliver Olliff (Honiton) to the 2025 Race to Woodhall Spa title on countback after both finished with 41 points.
A 9-handicapper with just two years of serious golf under his belt, Job’s start was shakier than a greengrocer’s scales in a windstorm – +7 through five after a triple bogey on the fifth – but he roared back with five birdies and eight pars.
His 4-iron approach to four feet on the 200-yard par-3 sixth was textbook, and a gutsy birdie on the 17th after punching out from the trees sealed the deal.
“It means a lot, I only started playing golf a couple of years ago. I’ve put in a lot of hard work, and it’s finally paid off for me,” Job said.
“I started playing two years ago off a 27-handicap. I’ve been playing consistently with help from the pro at my golf club and I’ve progressed quite quickly and it’s paying off now.
“I had a tough start; I was +4 through five and then I made a triple bogey on five to take me to +7. Then, I made five birdies to get me back to +4 for my round. On the 6th, the 200-yard par-3 I hit a 4-iron and stuck it into the green to 4-foot and made a birdie there.
On 17, I was in the trees, and I had to punch out and I had 220-yards in, so I hit another 4-iron and made that putt for a birdie as well – they were probably my two standout holes. Now, I’m going to celebrate with a couple of pints!”
Olliff’s 41 points included two birdies and eight pars, but it was only enough for second. Steven Farrow (Thornbury) rounded out the podium with 39 points, while Ken Powell (North Foreland) made history as the first-ever Paragolfer to qualify for the Race to Woodhall Spa final.
Check out the final leaderboard here.
Derham’s Historic Junior Win
In the inaugural junior division, 15-year-old Harry Derham (Davenport) set the benchmark for all future competitors, winning on countback after tying with Oliver Harrison (Rowlands Castle) on 38 points.
A 22-handicapper, Derham’s decisive moment came with a birdie on the Bracken’s par-5 17th for four points. In total, he carded five pars and balanced his round with 19 points on both nines.
“It’s brilliant to win this event. I had my caddie helping me all the way through the round. He was motivating me and made me feel confident for my next shot,” Derham said. “The standout moment was when I birdied the 17th to get myself four points to help me climb up the leaderboard. Also, the 1st hole which I was able to par to settle me down for the round ahead.
“It was a very hot day and the ball was running quite a lot. It’s a very difficult course with the greens fast and undulating as well as the tight fairways and bunkers, but I’m really happy with how I played. I’m going to go home to relax and then maybe have a takeaway to celebrate!”
Harrison’s birdie and seven pars kept him in the hunt, but he settled for second, one point ahead of Riley Finch (Gorleston) on 37.
Check out the final leaderboard here.
Shepherd’s Surprise in Women’s Final
Emma Shepherd (Rowlands Castle) may only have been playing for two and a half years, but she claimed the women’s Race to Woodhall Spa crown with a composed 38 points, edging Jocelyn Bowe (Davenport) by a single point.
The 57-year-old 36-handicapper built her win on a steady front-nine of 18 points and a strong back-nine of 20.
“I’m shellshocked! It was totally unexpected, but I’m delighted! I never thought I’d get through the first round let alone win the final! I’d like to thank my home golf club, Rowlands Castle, for all their love and support and brilliant messages I’ve received and thank you to England Golf and Your Golf Travel for putting on such a great event,” Shepherd said.
Bowe’s 37 points earned her second place, while Anne McKay (Brocton Hall) took third on countback from Deborah Connor (Letchworth), both finishing with 35.
Check out the final leaderboard here.
Australian Spoons Final
In the Australian Spoons Final – a stableford foursomes for women with a Handicap Index® between 15.0 and 54.0 – Royal Ascot’s Julie Gill and Rayma Maier triumphed with 33 points.
Belton Park’s Ailis Smith and Pamela Rogers finished second on 31, with Portmore Park’s Amanda Webber and Joanne Lethaby third on 30.
From gritty comebacks to first-time champions, the Race to Woodhall Spa once again proved that club golfers, when given a stage, can deliver the kind of theatre the pros would be proud of.
