It was virtually a rain free day at The Berkshire as monsoon rain created flooding havoc in surrounding areas.

Both the Red and Blue courses were stunning, making it a magnificent golf venue after extensive ground and tree clearance work have cleared so much of the course with near perfect greens and lush fairways.

It was difficult to separate the morning winners on the challenging RED course, but in-form Mail photographer David Crump repeated his recent win at Walton Heath by winning the Rothermere Cup, beating Society handicap guru Ian McGowan on countback.

Having been cut 2-shots at Walton Heath from 17 handicap, David has now been cut a further two shots and will be playing the next fixture, Northwood, his home club, with a 4-shot penalty!

Their scores were so close it was only on very close countback that his 37pts beat Ian with a better back 6-holes separating them.

Ian was cut one shot in second place with Phillip Woods in third, one point away. In fourth with 34 points, again winning on countback, was Clive Heard.

The afternoon greensomes was a clear run-away win for former HQP’s Alan Jackson and his guest Phil Rock who scored a stunning 47 points around the BLUE course, 4 points clear of runners-up Clive Heard and partner John Tucker.

There was £100 invested in the “Back the Winner” competition, with winner David, Garth Burden and guest Shelly Bansal winning £25 each with £25 into the Society funds.

Because of covid virus restrictions still in force, there was again no Ball Sweep, Nearest the Pin or 2’s competition, but these will be back for the next fixture at Northwood on Monday, August 16, along with a carvery lunch as hopefully “normal service” is resumed.

Increased costs charged by Golf Clubs this year will reflect on our prize table, though the Society subsidy from funds for each player that averages £30 to £50 depending on the courses played will remain the same.

Subject to any new covid restrictions, prizes won last year at West Hill with Tandridge and Walton Heath this year will be distributed at Northwood.

Garth Burden