Storm Austen Fails to Dampen Spirits at East Kent Masonic Golf Season Finale
Dark Blues edge out Light Blues in a windswept battle for the David Graeme Trophy
October saw our hardy golfers from the East Kent Masonic Golf Association, brave the elements at Etchinghill Golf Club for the eagerly anticipated season finale and the annual contest for the David Graeme Trophy.
With Storm Austen making its presence well and truly felt, the competitors faced a formidable challenge as high winds and driving rain swept across the course. However, in true Masonic golfing spirit, neither the weather nor the prospect of a soaking was enough to deter those determined to bring the season to a fitting close.
The David Graeme Trophy is traditionally contested between the “Light Blues”, brethren who have yet to achieve Provincial rank, and the “Dark Blues”, those who have attained that distinction. As always, friendly rivalry was the order of the day, with both sides keen to claim the bragging rights for another year.
Etchinghill ‘s challenging layout provided a stern examination of golfing ability, not least because, as the players soon discovered, the first 13 holes appeared to be relentlessly uphill, with only the final five offering the welcome prospect of a downhill journey! Add Storm Austen’s blustery winds and persistent rain into the equation, and it was clear that this would be a day when simply keeping the ball on the fairway was an achievement.
Unsurprisingly, the weather played havoc with the scoring, but it also produced one of the closest team ever contests of this prestigious trophy.
The Dark Blues, fielding nine players, amassed a total of 202 Stableford points, giving them an average of 22.4 points per player. The Light Blues, with seven players, accumulated 153 points, averaging 21.9 points per player.
With just half a point separating the team averages, the Dark Blues emerged victorious by the narrowest of margins, proving that experience — or perhaps simply a greater familiarity with golfing in adverse conditions — can sometimes make all the difference!
Individual Honours
Despite the challenging conditions, there were some commendable individual performances.
The day’s overall winner was Julian Friel of Douglas Lodge, who produced an excellent round of 31 points, a particularly impressive achievement given the weather.
Hot on his heels was Derek Reed of The Spirit of Rugby Lodge, who also returned 31 points but was narrowly pipped to the top spot on countback. Congratulations to both players for demonstrating that good golf is still possible, even when the weather has other ideas!
At the other end of the scoring spectrum, the much coveted “Most Golf Played” award was shared jointly by Roy Butler and Tom McGuirk. Both gentlemen clearly believed in getting maximum value from their green fees, ensuring they enjoyed considerably more strokes than some of their fellow competitors!
The nearest-the-pin competitions also provided moments of success amid the storm, with honours going to Keith Bennet, Tom McGuirk, Nigel Mann and Daren Horne.
Meanwhile, Reece Barber claimed the Longest Drive prize, no mean feat when judging the wind was every bit as important as striking the ball!
Generosity Shines Through the Storm
The day’s successes were not confined to the golf course. 2026 Captain Paul Ames organised a raffle which raised £150 for his chosen charities.
This latest contribution brings the total raised for the Captain’s charities to over £1,500, a tremendous achievement and a wonderful reflection of the generosity and charitable spirit of the Association’s members and supporters.
A Fitting End to the Season
Although the weather may have been less than kind, the camaraderie, good humour and friendly competition that characterise the East Kent Masonic Golf Association were very much in evidence throughout the day.
The David Graeme Trophy once again demonstrated that Masonic golf is about far more than just the scores on the card. It is about friendship, fellowship, shared experiences and, occasionally, the ability to laugh in the face of truly dreadful golfing weather.
Congratulations to the victorious Dark Blues, to Julian Friel on his individual success, and to all those who braved Storm Austen to make the event such a memorable occasion.
Special congratulations must also go to Captain Paul Ames for his continued fundraising efforts, ensuring that the Association’s activities make a positive difference well beyond the fairways.
As the curtain falls on another season of East Kent Masonic golf, one thing is certain: the weather may have won a few battles, but the spirit of Masonic golfing fellowship and charitable giving won the day!
Here’s to fairways, friendship, fundraising and, hopefully, a little more sunshine next season!
2027 Season Fixtures
| Friday 9th April 2027 Redlibbets Golf Club East Kent V West Kent Plus Social StablefordThursday 27th May 2027 Park Wood Golf Club East Kent V Met GL for the Russell Race TrophyFriday 25th June 2027 Canterbury Golf ClubFriday 30th July 2027 Tenterden Golf ClubFriday 20th August 2027 Sittingbourne & Milton Regis Golf ClubFriday 24th September 2027 Faversham Golf ClubFriday 15th October 2027 Weald of Kent Golf Club David Graeme Trophy Dark Blues V Light Blues |
