A reasonably large field of 59 took to the calm sunburnt fairways on Sunday in the annual 36 hole slog in very warm conditions and the early starters definitely had the advantage of playing a good 9 or 10 holes in very calm conditions until inevitably the breeze turned into a gentle wind and by the time the last groups came in the trademark 20mph wind had arrived for the rest of the day and for those that had the Curry, rice and chips for lunch wasn’t the only wind they had to worry about in the afternoon round. Top accolade of the day must go to visitor Jamie Milligan from Wellingborough Golf Club who returned a mens amateur course equaling score of 66 which also left him tied for first place in the handicap division with a Nett 67 for the morning round. With all the competitors now playing the course under the same conditions the afternoon rounds began promptly on time and with a few retiring some had new playing partners. Considering the conditions were a little tougher in the afternoon there were still some excellent scores returned and most notably young Max Elliot with a Nett 66. Thanks to the bar staff and caterers for keeping the players fed and watered, Mike Amos who bravely delayed his Sunday lunch by an hour to assist with the incoming cards and updating the Scoreboard, Matthew and his trusty laptop for inputting scores and ensuring nobody received more than one prize and Howard Kellett for assisting myself with the starting in the morning ensuring everyone was off on time. The winner of the Sir John Drughorn Scratch Cup was Jamie Milligan with a total gross score of 142 and the winner of the Handicap Trophy was a rapidly improving Junior from Gorleston, Ethan Bemment with a Nett score of 139. Thanks to Captain Andy Clifford who presented the prizes and observed proceedings out on the course in the afternoon and congratulations to all who won the other 14 prizes up for grabs in the Best Handicap scores AM & PM, 36-hole Handicap and 36-hole Scratch categories. It is hoped that this competition can be played 2 weeks later next year to avoid clashing with the Felixstowe Open and the fact that it’s normally in the same week as the Richard Hunt and Ralph Moffitt events. August 22nd, 2027, has been pencilled in and is subject to confirmation. Stuart Pearce