Friday 22nd March saw golfing resume for 2024 season at Dale Hill Golf & Country club.

The first fixture of the year traditionally starts with the AGM to present and adopt last year’s accounts and of course to nominate our committee for the forthcoming season. The usually efficient secretary, encountering traffic issues was a few minutes late much to the amusement of the waiting players. Commenting at 836am, the meeting began with our Provincial Senior warden for 2024, Chris Metherell (Malling Centenary lodge 8086) officially declared captain for 2024. To his side, Roy Butler (Maeidis Stana Lodge 7868) was declared as his Vice Captain. A record breaking 8 minutes later with the remains of the business completed, the AGM was declared closed at 844am.

Hearty breakfast rolls were served as the players then mixed to discuss their masonic and golfing exploits over the winter season and the teams took to the tee just before 10am.

Arriving at the tee early, Captain Chris teed off to rapturous applause. Followed closely by his new vice-captain, Roy Butler. Joining the leading pack were past captain Leon Zacharow and treasurer Derek Reed. Then panic ensued as a group of club members arrived claiming that they in fact had reserved the 10am tee slot. Assuming this to be an error, but allowing them through, the remains of the EKMGA members waited patiently and the next two groups teed off.

At this time, the official Dale Hill starter arrived in a confused manner claiming our first tee time was in fact 1040am. This later proved to be correct, much to the embarrassment of the secretary. Fortunately, thanks to another society having decided against playing in inclement weather and not turning up, we were able to continue.

The course itself had suffered intense rainfall in recent weeks and in many parts was unplayable with balls plugging into saturated fairways. That said, 18 of the 24 made it to the finish line to enjoy a feast of slow cooked lamb. Our captain took to the stage to announce the winners whilst questioning the wisdom of re-electing the secretary to the post.

Winner of the day was our Roy Butler with 34 points closely beating James Beever. (Guest) Third place was taken by Paul Ames. (Erasmus Wilson lodge).

April see’s a busy schedule with the Annual match V Met GL for the Russell Race trophy to be held on the 11^{th of} April, followed by the quest for the Kent Silver Salver on the 26^th April.