Sussex Spotlight (March): Chloe Briance

Sussex Spotlight on Women in Golf: Chloe Briance, Sussex County Champion 
We are delighted to feature our County Champion, Chloe Briance in our Sussex Spotlight series. Last year, Chloe won the Sussex County Championship and also the Scratch Foursomes with partner Heather Tidy. 

It seems Chloe has a long history in Sussex Golf and so I imagine many of you will have met, played, seen Chloe play over the years. Chloe currently plays off HCP 0.9 and has been playing for Sussex for 29 years (with the exception of a short break when she had her son).

When did you first take up Golf?
When I was 8, I used to go out with my Dad and his friends and walk the course (Goodwood Golf), occasionally being given the opportunity to hit the ball. Shortly after this I started having lessons at Goodwood with the Pro, Keith McDonald. Golf has featured heavily in my family, my mum played off 8, my dad 4, brother 3 and my grandad was still in single figures when he stopped playing at 75.

How did your junior golf progress?
I continued playing at Goodwood Golf Club for many years representing the club and County in Junior events including Junior Counties Week for Sussex. One strong memory I have is playing in my first Sussex County Championships (Ladies) at the age of 16 years at West Sussex GC. I reached the final and lost on the 18th hole to Zoe Steel after thinning a bunker shot through the green (from the greenside bunker) and ended up under some trees. What was your HCP at that time? I can't precisely recall but think it was probably just under 5.

Following this competition, I was asked to join and represent Sussex at County Match Week (CMW), 1995 was my first CMW (pictured right, aged 16). The following year at 17, I won both the Junior County Championship and the Senior Championship.

How did you manage school and what were your career aspirations?
At 16, I stayed on to do A-Levels however I was very much of the opinion that I wanted to be a golf professional. I was in the England U18 squad and got selected for the Junior Home Internationals at Formby Golf Club and then was selected to play in the ladies Home Internationals England team at Royal St Davids in 2000. I was playing lots on the Amateur Circuit and whilst my aim was to turn professional, I soon realised that I did not have that all encompassing commitment that would be required to turn professional. I really enjoyed the Amateur circuit, was travelling abroad playing in many competitions and so decided to remain as an Amateur.

I secured a job with Waitrose who supported my amateur golf commitments allowing me to take 11 weeks off unpaid every year. They also encouraged me to join their Waitrose/John Lewis senior management programme and I have now been working with them for 28 years. Since having my son in 2011, I am fortunate to now only work two days per week but they still continue to support me and my golf commitments.

Where do you play golf now and how often?

I joined Bognor Regis GC approximately 17 years ago, it was a members club and also had (and remains to have) a very strong ladies section - I usually play twice per week plus practice sessions although this is not the case now due to the weather and rainfall!

What do you feel has been your proudest moment in Golf?
There have been many occasions however the pinnacle has to be representing England at the Home Internationals, Royal St Davids. On a county level, it has to be winning the County Championships six times over 4 decades - this feels extremely special to me.
 

You are next playing in the Scratch Foursomes with Heather?
Yes we will return to defend our title. I have played with Heather many times both at a club level and also at County level, we know each others games so well and we are also great friends. 

Do you prefer Strokeplay or Match play?
I've always just wanted to get through the stroke play qualifying on every tournament I've played in as match play anything can happen. What do you think makes a good match play player? Someone who never gives up, just because you have a bad hole, you just need to keep going. No-one is perfect, someone will make a mistake and you just need to be there to take advantage.

What competitions do you enjoy playing?
I really enjoy playing in our Division 1 team but I also love putting on the yellow shirt and representing Sussex.

What are your future aspirations?
Having represented England Golf as a Junior and as an adult, my aim would be to represent England at the Seniors - I'm a few years from eligibility so should give me time to focus and practice. One of my inspirations has been and remains to be is Aileen Greenfield. She is an amazing player and if I can achieve anything like what Aileen has accomplished (and continues to achieve) then I will be very happy.

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Our thanks to Chloe for speaking with us and sharing her long history in Sussex and England Golf. She is evidently a very dedicated and loyal individual who will be inspiring many younger players coming through. We look forward to seeing her on the course and competing for many more years to come.

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