The role of County Volunteer is both beneficial to the person and the County, with well-known benefits for personal well-being.
There are so many different opportunities for a volunteer in Hertfordshire, from ball spotters and starters at events to team captains and board members with so much in between.
We sat down with Aly Nedza, Women’s First Team Manager to discuss her background in golf, interests and vision for the county plus the challenges / opportunities for all!
Sit back, relax, grab a coffee and enjoy our conversation
Interview
- How long have you been involved in golf and a volunteer in Hertfordshire?
It was my sister Julie that got me really interested in golf, going to the range initially and finding out I could cream away a 5 iron. I headed to Mill Green GC where I became a member for 16 years.
Since 2020, my home club has been Welwyn Garden City, the undulations have certainly made me a better player.
I got my handicap index down as low as 6.5, I’m currently on 9.2 .
- What is your role as a volunteer?
I started out being Captain of the Women’s Senior Team for 5 years and progressed to the 1st team. This role focuses on County Week each year. We work in the preceding months looking at players availability and form.
The Scratch league starts in April, so that is a useful source of information.
We encourage the players to enter the Powell Cup and the East Region Foursomes. The County Championship in early June also gives me insights into current form I constantly keep in touch with all the players including those in the US. Snap Chat is great for this (laughs).
Getting the pairings and balance of the team is crucial. We blend the team with youth and experience. Of course, I have a very useful support network out there too, that reports back on form, plus the County Office keeps me updated also.
Various volunteers across the Herts keep me well informed of players and form.
As well as the team, we take care of logistics such as hotels. For 2025, with Bedfordshire hosting, we booked our hotel near John O Gaunt back in August.
Proximity to course and facilities for all are musts – early breakfast and beating the traffic are challenges on the days of county week.
- In your role as Team Manager – what do you see as the major challenges for 2025
Gaining Volunteers is always a challenge, as some roles can be quite involved, but this brings rewards, you certainly get back what you put in.
Being a volunteer with the county allows you to meet some great people and to visit some wonderful courses not only in the county but across the land.
Plus, the thrill of the competition and winning does give such a great buzz!
- What is your style as Team Manager?
My professional life before retirement as a Chief Inspector prepared me with a skill set that is needed for this role.
I listen to points of view / ideas and based on that I can make well informed decisions. I’m very hands on and will rarely be seen in the buggy at county week, preferring to be caddying or circling around the matches that need my input.
- What was the most enjoyable / rewarding event in 2024?
Without a doubt County Week is the highlight, hard work but so very rewarding.
- What are your next key commitments for the county?
- It will be very much start again in the new year gathering all the information to help me nurture my team ready for County Week 2025.
- What in your view is Hertfordshire’s greatest strength?
Being a Unified County is a massive strength, we also have so many great courses.
Support from the board, not only financially but also in commitment to the players and how we work as a group.
- If any, what challenges do we face? More Volunteers maybe? Participation?
Tradition and challenging the norm is probably a challenge that so many counties face. The game can only move forwards if we look to challenge the norm and make the game a better destination for all. Getting a good succession of volunteers
- Other than golf, what are your other great life passions?
Welsh Rugby Union (I used to play), would you believe I challenged the establishment once in Headingly, who wouldn’t play us if we were referred to as Ladies, so we became a Women’s Team and were accepted, in fact we got a rousing round of applause at the end of the match.
I’ve run marathons, but now I am confined to Parkruns, which I thoroughly enjoy. Regular Zumba and baking (which I give away …. Honestly), plus gardening are all pastimes that keep me away from dusting / housework.
- Who would be in your dream 4 Ball?
Miguel Angel Jimenez, the red wine would flow, and he would be such fun
Alan Shearer, because he is my hero and plays a decent game
Rory McIlroy, for all that he puts up with and he is just the greatest in the game today on so many levels
- Other than your home course, which course would you go back to and play again?
Without hesitation it would be Thracian Cliffs, in Bulgaria. I last played it when I struggled with carries over hazards, now that I am a better golfer, I would love to return so I could beat the course, as last time it won!
- What is your choice of golf ball and why?
Pro V1 and Pro V1x, although I did manage a hole in one using a Callaway
- What’s the longest iron in your bag?
Dare I say it’s now a 7 iron after my fitting and delivery of my new Titleist T200 irons.
- How many wedges do you carry?
Traditional PW, 48 Gap wedge, 54- and 60-degree Vokey models
- When was the last time you took a lesson?
At the time of my last club fitting, which was 3 weeks ago, and I actually had a putting lesson in the summer.
- What’s the last thing you watched on Netflix / Streamed?
Hidden Figures – a fab film on Netflix
- Facebook / Twitter or Instagram?
To communicate with my team, I need to embrace all platforms, even now Snap Chat with my players in the USA
- Kindle or the feel of a book?
Not a massive reader, but it would have to be a paperback.
- Golf Holiday or a get away from golf?
On holiday I like a mix, a good balance between golf and seeing a country. In the last year I have visited Gibraltar and Zante. Plus, I like days and weekends away that bring me to Golf Courses in the UK for events or just a break, such as Sutton Coldfield, Pennard, Thorpeness and of course Open venues.
- And finally, what would be your message to someone considering Volunteering with the County?
Volunteering will open up so many opportunities to meet people, make a difference and play at some wonderful places. Great to volunteer at all ages and if you are a senior and have time available, my advice would be to give it a go! You can really make it work for yourself, whilst benefiting others.
Interviewer: Thanks so much for your time ….. , I am sure you will continue to be a great ambassador and asset to the great county of Hertfordshire and let’s hope we can encourage others to follow in your “spikes” and become Hertfordshire Volunteers
If you are interested in learning more about the county, check out the webpage
