It was an early start for ten representatives of the East Kent Masonic Golf Association as they jumped in their cars and drove across to Northwood Golf Club in South Herts to compete for the Russell Race Trophy against the golfers from Metropolitan Grand Lodge.

The Northwood Golf course is one of the oldest in Hertfordshire (founded in 1891) and can boast a rich history. It shares design elements with the old course at St Andrews and has been the filming location for an episode of “The Good Life” (the houses that were homes to Tom, Barbara, Gerry & Margot, are just around the corner from the golf club). The course itself is framed by many mature trees, and a premium is placed on accuracy form the tee and a delicate hand on the ferociously quick greens. Add to this the placement of many deep bunkers and a brook that runs through the length of the course, and it was more than apparent that this would be a good test of golfing ability.

The East Kent Team have recently enjoyed a good track record when competing for this particular Trophy, but the fact that this was an “away” fixture always makes the stakes a little higher. The “home” team tend to have the advantage as they will be more familiar with the golf course and may well have done some reconnaissance in the preceding weeks. Nevertheless, the respective fourballs were selected and the initial tee shots were despatched down the first fairway by Captain Chris Metherell and Vice Captain “Admiral” Roy Butler. The other four teams duly followed and battle commenced.

There were many sounds of friendly laughter, gentle banter and a genuine cross-province camaraderie was evident, as was an apparent absence of shouts of “fore” and this suggested that all players were playing good golf and that the event may well be closely contested

We were blessed with good weather and several of our team were seen proudly sporting their EKMGA golf shirts. A stiff breeze continued to blow through the trees and added a further challenge, this however, along with all of the other hazards on the course, was no match for the golfing talents of East Kent who celebrated in the clubhouse having recorded a dominant 4 – 1 victory on opposition soil.

Chris Metherell humbly accepted the Trophy from Matthew Beckwith (the Captain of Met Grand Lodge) and we look forward to hosting the event in East Kent next year and stoutly defending the Russell Race Trophy.

 The results of each match were:  

Chris Metherell & Roy Butler Beat Matt Beckwith & Robert Grant

Derek Reed & Daren Horne Beat Bob Hancock & Michael Horley

Peter Marno & Julian Friel Beat Raj Rajkumar & Gordon Beasley

Paul McGuirk & Mac Towe Lost to Kevin Jones & Anil Dhiri

Nigel Mann & Lee Havill Beat Eric Mould & John Bennett