Light Blues storm to Victory for the David Graeme Trophy
Season Finale – Battle of the Aprons
October saw the closing game of the East Kent Masonic Golf association season at the Weald of Kent Golf Club for the prestigious David Graeme Trophy.
Being contested for the 5th year, the trophy is a contest where golfers are pitted against each other according to their respective aprons. Having been won on the previous 3 occasions by the Light Blues, the Dark Blues members were keen to get revenge.
In all, 30 players attended the day with 11 players for the Light Blue team, 14 for the Dark Blues along with 5 guests and potential members. To promote harmony between the groups, there was also an additional competition of a yellow ball medley thrown in for good measure. One member from each group would take it in turns to play with a yellow ball. The points scored by the player with the yellow ball would be doubled and the winner declared by the greatest number of points scored by that team. However, once the ball was lost, the scoring stopped and so it was imperative to play with caution and retain the yellow ball for as long as possible.
On the day, we were also honoured by the presence of WBro David Graeme who first sponsored the trophy in 2020. He watched eagerly as this year’s Captain Chris Metherell took to the first tee. He then kindly spent time wandering between groups offering an encouraging word and chatting with the members and guests whilst acting as unofficial photographer for the day.
The autumn conditions proved tough. The fairways were moist from the recent heavy rainfall and the autumnal winds meant leaves covered the ground making it especially difficult to find your ball. Our Secretary, Paul McGuirk, fresh from his teams win in the previous yellow ball medley, took the first turn on the yellow ball and promptly dunked it straight into the lake, promptly ending their team’s chances!
Despite the tough conditions, the scoring was high with Ben Parish of Richard Watts Lodge (No 8534) achieving a magnificent 43 points. Second place went to Chris Hills, who was a guest on 38 points. Third place (on countback) was Derek Reed of The Spirit of Rugby Lodge (9922)
Individual Winner – Ben Parish (Richard Watts lodge 8534) with 43 Points
The yellow ball medley was won by Nigel Mann, Ian Tremelling (Royal Navy Lodge 429) Mac Towe, (Trinity lodge 7021) & Steve Allen (Richard Watts Lodge 8534)
The prizes for nearest the pins went to Ben Parish (6th), Tony Calver (13th) and Mark Costelloe (16th). The Longest drive (10th) went to Mick Beale.
The yellow ball medley was won by Nigel Mann, Ian Tremelling (Royal Navy Lodge 429) Mac Towe, (Trinity lodge 7021) & Steve Allen (Richard Watts Lodge 8534)
The main event of the David Graeme Trophy was won by the Light Blues who scored 355 Points from 11 Players which resulted in an average score of 32.27 points per player. The dark Blues scored 393 Points from 14 players which equalled an average 28.07 points per player.
Dates for the 2025 Season
Thursday 24th April 2025
Friday 30th May 2025
Friday 27th June 2025
Friday 25th July 2025
Friday 29th August 2025
Friday 26th September 2025
Friday 17th October 2025