After the biblical rain of the previous day, 24 club members and guests arrived at Betchworth Park Golf Club in bright sunshine prepared to challenge for the prestigious Green Jacket. Some, feeling they weren't prepared enough, made use of the facilities at the practice ground, others were happy to relax in the clubhouse and discuss how they would overcome the difficulties the course was about to present.

Tee off time arrived, and after the group photo we were given a demonstration on how the game should (mostly) be played by some of the younger members with the lowest handicaps. Monstrous drives up the first fairway, that didn't all go in the right direction!

The next 4+ hours were spent by everyone trying to summon their best game, a task met with variable success. Mixed emotions of joy, satisfaction and frustration over the perfect drive, well placed approach shot and missed short putt were experienced by all, some with more joy, others with more frustration.

The perfect shot came to the fore at the right time for a few individuals with the longest drive on the 4th being hit by Oli Howell in the 'Young Guns' category and Steve Maynard in the 'More Mature' category. Paul Howard drilled his tee shot on the par 3 10th to be nearest the pin.

But it's consistency over the whole round, not individual outstanding shots, that wins the day. Winning by a margin showing that he played consistently well, was this year's champion, George Hess.

Before the presentations, talk in the clubhouse over refreshments was of the difficulty in reading the greens, the beautifully manicured course and the stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The overall consensus was that a great day was had by all, in some cases despite the golf.

Congratulating George on his performance, Club Chairman, James Malley presented the Green Jacket. George for his part said he is looking forward to defending his title next year. The rest of the group are looking forward to stopping that from happening.