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Richard Watts Lodge Clinches the William Blay Trophy in a Nail  – Biting – Finish

The East Kent Masonic Golf Association held the annual William Blay tournament at the prestigious Rochester & Cobham Golf Club on Thursday 22nd June.  Despite the formidable challenge posed by the high and penal rough, the event witnessed an brilliant display of skill, camaraderie and a number of unprintable swear words among the participants.

Whilst everyone played in the individual Stableford competition, the highlight of the tournament was the highly coveted William Blay Trophy. The team competition required the aggregation of the best three scores from each team, adding an extra layer of pressure and teamwork to the proceedings.

The minimum entry for each lodge this year was reduced to two players with the additional 7 unattached players facing a random draw to see which team they would represent.  Despite the secretaries anxieties of the day, this conveniently formed exactly 6 teams of 4 players with everyone in with a chance of winning the main prize.

image of Rob Spinks the winner of the event.

In the individual competition, Steve Allen emerged as the victor, showcasing his golfing prowess by amassing an impressive 39 points.

A picture of Rob Mann the Runner up in the competition receiving his trophy

Following closely behind was Nigel Mann, who despite having completed 72 Holes of Golf at Shirley Park golf club on the longest day challenge in aid of the 2025 festival, and having a rather shaky start to his round, displayed great consistency to secure second place with 35 points. Both golfers demonstrated exceptional skill and resilience, conquering the demanding course, and setting an admirable standard for their fellow competitors.

Full Individual Results – Click below

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RtlqdUThIPfWdI4DIK8nrUXyZEspcrzW/view?usp=sharing

A Picture of the winning team receiving their trophy

In a thrilling battle for the main prize, Richard Watts Lodge number 8534 emerged as the victors by the tiniest of margins, narrowly defeating Weald of Kent Lodge. Both teams displayed exceptional talent and tenacity, resulting in an identical total score of 93 points. The competition was eventually decided on countback, utilising the fourth score from each team to determine the winner.  In the end, the fourth score of 21 points from Adam Lawrence for the Richard Watts lodge team pipped the 20 points of Derek Reed who was representing the Weald of Kent team.

Picture of the runners up receiving the trophy

Full William Blay Results:

  • 1st – Richard Watts Lodge No. 8534 (93 Points – plus 4th score of 21 points)
  • 2nd – Weald of Kent Lodge – No. 1854 (93 Points – plus 4th Score of 20 points)
  • 3rd – Royal Navy Lodge No 429 (87 Points)
  • 4th Richard Watts (B) Lodge No 8534 (81 points)
  • 5th Douglas Lodge No 1725 (85 Points)
  • 6th Maedes Stana Lodge No 7868 (76 points)

The William Blay Trophy has a long-standing tradition of honouring the finest golfing talent among the Masonic community.  It is through such events that the bonds of friendship and fraternity within the East Kent

As the event ended, participants celebrated the accomplishments of the individual winners and the Richard Watts Lodge team over a traditional light lunch of ham, egg & chips.  The tournament highlighted the essence of sportsmanship, unity, and friendly rivalry within the Masonic community.

The East Kent Masonic Golf Association and the William Blay Trophy continue to promote the spirit of golfing excellence and fraternal bonds. The 2023 tournament at Rochester & Cobham Golf Club will be remembered for its thrilling moments, closely contested matches, and the exceptional skill displayed by all participants. Congratulations to Rob Spinks, Nigel Mann, and the victorious Richard Watts Lodge of for their outstanding achievements, adding yet another chapter to the rich legacy of the East Kent Masonic Golf Association.

The East Kent Masonic Golf Association would like to thank Rochester & Cobham Golf Club who were on hand to provide the facilities for a memorable and challenging tournament for all participants. The rough’s formidable height and penal nature posed a true test of skill and endurance, resulting in the loss of many golf balls along the way. However, the competitors persevered and showcased their unwavering passion for the sport.

East Kent Masonic Golf events are open to all East Kent Masons and their guests or prospective members.   For more information Contact  Golf@ekprovince.co.uk

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