Richard Watts Lodge Regains the William Blay Trophy

Richard Watts Lodge Regain the William Blay

On Friday 25th July, the East Kent Masonic Golf Association held its annual William Blay Trophy competition at the scenic Chestfield Golf Club. In a landmark moment for the Association, this year’s event proudly welcomed lady golfers from West Kent — the first time such participation has taken place in East Kent, marking a significant step forward in inclusivity and inter-Province camaraderie.

The competition, held in fine summer conditions, attracted 47 Players and guests from across Kent making it the busiest event of the year so far. The course, perched above Whitstable with coastal views and a mix of tight fairways and fast greens, offered a true test of skill and strategy.

The William Blay Trophy, usually housed in the museum at Canterbury was donated by the past Deputy Grand Master for the Masonic Province of Kent before its division into two provinces. The competition is a team Stableford format with the best three of four scores from each lodge team counting toward the result.

As in previous years, the entry criteria for each lodge were only two subscribing members with a selection of single players being randomly drawn to make up the teams. The support this year was exceptional with eight lodges entering at least one team ensuring a highly competitive and enjoyable day.

Runners Up – Weald of Kent Lodge

🏆 William Blay Trophy Results (Best 3 from 4 Scores)

🥇 1st Place: Richard Watts Lodge (1) No. 8534 – 111 Points

🥈 2nd Place: Weald of Kent Lodge No. 1854 – 103 Points

🥉 3rd Place: Richard Watts Lodge (2) No. 8534 – 100 Points

4th Place: Maeides Stanna Lodge No. 7868 – 97 Points

5th Place: Queenborough Lodge No. 3893 – 92 Points

6th Place: Douglas Lodge No. 1725 – 85 Points

7th Place: Malling Centenary Lodge No. 8068 – 81 Points

8th Place: Royal Navy Lodge No. 429 – 76 Points

⛳ Individual Stableford Winners

1st Place – Richard Cooper (Guest of Fleur-de-Lis Lodge) – 42 Points

Runner Up – Colin George (Weald of Kent Lodge) – 41 Points

Third Place – Ashley Lawrence (Richard Watts Lodge) – 40 Points

Best Ladies Score – Fiona Murray – 38 Points

Left to Right. Richard Cooper, Colin George, David Davenport & Fiona Murray

After a spirited day on the fairways, players gathered in the clubhouse for a well-deserved meal and the prize presentation. In his remarks, Roy Butler extended sincere thanks to all participants and guests, with special appreciation for the lady golfers from West Kent whose inclusion brought a fresh and welcome dimension to the day.

Captain Roy Butler also organized a raffle on the day which raised over £340 for the Five Acre Wood School

Thanks were also expressed to the team at Chestfield Golf Club for their warm hospitality and the superb condition of the course, which received high praise from all attendees.

⛳Other Awards

Nearest the Pin – 4th Hole: Daren Horne

Nearest the Pin – 8th Hole: Ash Lawrence

Nearest the Pin – 12th Hole: John Fairfax

Nearest the Pin – 16th Hole: Richard Cooper

Longest Drive – 11th Hole (Men): Paul Ames

Longest Drive – 13th Hole (Ladies): Fiona Murray

Longest Walk Award: Dave Davenport

For the Full results and Placings Click here

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