by The Isle of Wight Golf Team is optimistic when it comes to securing medals at Island Games in Orkney.
The team has a mixture of experience and youthful enthusiasm and promises a strong performance.
Darren Masterton, the team manager and a veteran of the competition, explained the potential of the squad before the games that began on Saturday (June 12).
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He described the team as a “fantastic mix of players with lots of experiences, skills, consistency and youth”.
One of the most important players is Sophie Beardsall, who will appear at the games.
As a former flag carrier for Team Isle of Wight, it is their ultimate goal to secure a team gold medal.
Her sister Caroline Johnson will make her debut at the games and share the experience with her sister.
Another remarkable player is Lucy Burke, a former island champion who will take part in her fourth island games and is the team manager for women.
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The Shanklin and Sandown Golf Club player expect a challenging competition due to the weather conditions in Orkney.
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However, it is still confident to adapt to the team’s ability.
The 30 -year -old Lucy from Newport said: “Really enthusiastic about the upcoming challenge, but the conditions in Orkney are tested a bit.
“It will 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 would say that we are all pretty good in most weather conditions.
“Our women’s team is probably the strongest that we have had for a few years, and I think we have a very good chance of a medal.”
The last member of the women’s team is Sammi Keen, an experienced island game competitor at the age of only 32.
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After winning a team silver medal at the Gotland Games in 2017, she is confident that she is expanding her medal.
Sammi said: “The course will be a challenge, but I think I hope that it has a bit of advantage.”
In the men’s team, George Foreman, the island champion in 2022, returns to take part in competitions after led the team in the last games.
He strives to expand his silver medal from 2011.
Conner Knight, the master of the Isle of Wight Scratch Match Play, will make his debut at the Island Games.
He strives to have a significant influence both individually and as part of the team.
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Chris Hayward, the current island champion, returns for his second games and strives for a top -tten -finish in the hope of delivering extraordinary golf.
Finally, Nat Riddett will take part in his third island games.
After ending the top 13 in his previous games, he is decided to break into the top ten and possibly fight for a medal.
