East Kent Golfers Triumph again!

Season Opener, AGM & Captains Drive off

New Captain Roy Butler (L) takes over from Chris Metherall. (R)

The Masonic Golfing Season launched its 2025 season at the prestigious Westerham Golf on Thursday 22nd April.

The Season Opener usually incorporates The AGM and is the time when the accounts are presented and a new captain elected. The aim as always is to observe the formalities required of the AGM but to keep it short, sweet and to the point.

Entering his 5th year as chairman, Keith Hodgson called the meeting to order at exactly 10:30 am and with the accounts and reports previously circulated, managed to conclude the meeting some 5 minutes and 14 second later.

Moving to the important part, which was the annual grudge match of, East Kent V Metropolitan Golf Society, (Met GL) for the Russell Race Trophy. Having only won the trophy once in the last 10 years, Met GL Golfers were keen for revenge and fielded 8 players for the event. As East Kent had 21 members and guests to choose from, we were able to pick from the plethora of talent we had available.

The format for day was individual Stableford competition with the Russell race trophy being contested by the first 4 teams on a 4 Ball Better Ball basis. After a light brunch of bacon rolls and coffee, 2024 captain Chris Metherell (Malling Centenary Lodge), handed over the baton to his successor Roy Butler. (Maides Stanna Lodge) (see picture)

The picturesque Westerham Golf Club provided the perfect backdrop for this friendly yet competitive encounter. The first match ebbed and flowed with each player stepping up at different points to keep the score within 1 of each other. Eventually the match ended with honours even which pleased both teams.

The second match was equally stressful with Nigel Mann & Paul McGuirk taking an early lead only to find themselves one down at the turn. They battled on and eventually scored a one point on the 12th Hole. The 13th & 14th holes were halved to retain the slender lead. On the 15th Tee, Nigel Mann, having hit his drive so far left it was on the 16th fairway, played a magnificent shot over the trees which landed on the green and rolled into the hole for an Eagle and to make East Kents lead in their game to 2 up.

The strong pairing of Darren Horne and Derek Reed lost their match 2&1 making the scores 1&1/2 each and left us with a tense few minutes in the club house waiting for the final match to come in.

The paring of Chris Metherell & Leon Zacharow Came in triumphant winning their match 4&2 meaning East Kent could celebrate another victory.

Robert Grant Presents the Russel Race Trophy to Captain Roy Butler.

East Kent team displayed remarkable skill and determination, ultimately securing a well-deserved victory. Their performance was a testament to their dedication and teamwork, as they outplayed their opponents in a closely contested match.

This victory adds another feather to the cap of the East Kent Masonic Golf Association, further solidifying their reputation as formidable competitors in the masonic golfing community. The match also highlighted the spirit of unity and fellowship that defines these events, bringing together players from different regions to celebrate their shared love for golf.

Left to Right. Nigel Mann Winner accepts his award from Roy Butler. Roger Charter Runner Up and Darren Horne 3rd.

East Kent team displayed remarkable skill and determination, ultimately securing a well-deserved victory. Their performance was a testament to their dedication and teamwork, as they outplayed their opponents in a closely contested match.

This victory adds another feather to the cap of the East Kent Masonic Golf Association, further solidifying their reputation as formidable competitors in the masonic golfing community. The match also highlighted the spirit of unity and fellowship that defines these events, bringing together players from different regions to celebrate their shared love for golf.

In the individual competition, Nigel Mann won the day with 42 points. Roger Charter came in with a magnificent 38 points for runner up with Daren Horne taking the third position with 36 points. Other prizes were

Nearest The Pin 4th Hole – Steve Collins

Nearest The Pin 8th Hole – Nigel Mann

Nearest The Pin 11th Hole – Robert Grant

Nearest The Pin 13th Hole – Leon Zachrow

Longest Drive 16th Hole – Andy Crowhurst

Captain Roy Butler also gave a presentation of his charity for the Year chich is Five Acre Wood School in Maidstone which is a Foundation District Special School for children and young people with Profound, Severe and Complex Learning Difficulties, including Autistic Spectrum Disorder.

Russell Race Trophy

Roy Butler & Paul Ames Drew with Henry Chaw and Gordon Beasley

Paul McGuirk & Nigel Mann Beat Graham Dear & Steve Collins 2&1

Derek Reed & Darren Horne Lost to Robert Grant & Anil Dhiri

Leon Zachrow & Chris Metherell Beat Barry Neil & Michael Choo 4&2

East Kent 2 & 1/2. Met GL 1 & 1/2