October saw the closing game of the East Kent Masonic Golf association season at the Weald of Kent Golf Club for the prestigious David Graeme Trophy.
Being contested for the 5th time, the trophy is a contest where golfers are pitted against each other according to their respective aprons. Having been won on the previous 3 occasions by the Light Blues, the Dark Blues were keen to get revenge.
In all, 30 players attended the day with 11 players for the Light Blue team, 14 for the dark Blues and 5 guests and potential members. To promote harmony between the groups, there was also an additional competition of a yellow ball medley thrown in for good measure. Each grouping would take it in turns to play with a yellow ball. The points scored by the player with the yellow ball would be doubled but once the ball was lost, the scoring stopped.
We were honoured by the presence of W. Bro David Graeme who first sponsored the trophy in 2020, and he watched eagerly as this year’s Captain Chris Metherell took to the first tee. He then kindly spent time wandering between groups offering an encouraging word and chatting with the members and guests whilst acting as unofficial photographer for the day.
he autumn conditions proved tough. The fairways were scattered with leaves and the ground moist from the recent heavy rainfall. The secretary, fresh from his teams win in the previous yellow ball medley took to the tee and promptly dunked his teams yellow ball into the lake and promptly ending their chances!
Despite the tough conditions, the scoring was high with Ben Parish of Richard Watts Lodge (No 8534) achieving a magnificent 43 points. Second place went to Chris Hills who was a guest. Third place (on countback) was Derek Reed of The Spirit of Rugby Lodge (9922)
The prizes for nearest the pins went to Ben Parish (6th), Tony Calver (13th) and Mark Costelloe (16th). The Longest drive (10th) went to Mick Beale.
The yellow ball medley was won by Nigel Mann, Ian Tremelling (Royal Navy Lodge 429) Mac Towe, (Trinity lodge 7021) & Steve Allen (Richard Watts Lodge 8534)
The main event of the David Graeme Trophy was won by the Light Blues who scored 355 Points from 11 Players which resulted in an average score of 32.27 points per player. The dark Blues scored 393 Points from 14 players which equalled an average 28.07 points per player.