It may have been the summer solstice that was colder and wetter than the winter solstice, but the heavy rain and a chill north wind left players at the Walton Heath Fixture wondering just where had summer gone. 

Despite the conditions it was all smiles by the end of the morning competition as the welcoming clubhouse lunch came into sight. 

The rain however continued over lunch, so virtually all players decided that the afternoon partial flooding of the silky smooth greens could be left for another day.

Having enjoyed the chance to dry out and a catch up with friends and colleagues, homeward bound was the answer, though one brave 4 x Ball decided to battle the elements, even though the afternoon greensomes competition was officially cancelled! 

Despite the conditions, there was some great scoring with the winner of the “President’s Trophy”, the Daily Mail’s David Crump’s 38pts beating DMGmedia’s Dan Schwarz into second, whose 37pts beat Mailmetromedia’s Luke Turner on countback.  

Just one point further back in 4th with 36pts was Stephen Omeara, also from Mailmetromedia, who had a better back nine on countback from Mailnewspapers Ian McIlgorm. 

David was cut 2-shots for his win and Dan 1-shot with the penalties remaining in place until after they have played 3 fixtures.  

Society Captain, Nick Stevens, playing off 2 handicap and having won the President’s trophy for the last couple of years, was unable to make it a hat trick of wins.

“It is always such a great challenge to play here. It is a wonderful course, but today the playing conditions with the weather not helping made it so much more difficult.  

“With the first fixture at Tandridge also suffering from heavy rain, I’ve never known such a wet start to our golfing season. Such a contrast from last year when we played here in glorious sunshine.” 

Under the Club’s covid restrictions, there was no “Nearest the Pin” competition or prize-giving, so prizes will be awarded at a later fixture.

There was £115 invested in the “Back the Winner” competition with two winners, David Crump and Malcolm Ginger, a guest, who won £40 each with £35 going to  Society funds.

Garth Burden