The Ladies at Axe Cliff Golf Club were busy last week with a friendly on Monday when 15 ladies from Woodbury Park and five mixed teams enjoyed a Texas Scramble format.

The weather was interesting with hot Sun to start ; then came the cold wind followed by heavy Rain, It didn't stop the fun even at the 19th when all tucked into tasty cakes and tea in lovely crockery even before the Platinum Jubilee celebrations had started. Then the Par Cup on Wednesday which was won by in-formStella Thompson with -1 followed by captain Paula Heasman on -3, leaving third place to Jill Wellington with -4.

The Men's Haven Cup team competition was closely fought this year and all three places had the same score of 62 and hence decided on countback. The winners were A. Anning and J. Gait, leaving R Ballard and Ben Libby in second spot . Steve Anning and Paul Curtin were third.

In the Seniors' Chris Alexander is the new Lavarack Stick champion with a solid 39 points but we now know that he is over 70 as only over 70s can compete for this Old Hickory walking stick which never leaves the clubhouse with pride of place on the Wall. It was presented to the club in 1977 by Frederick Lavarack. I wonder if he putted with it ?

Dave Morgan was able to play his first attempt having reached 70 only on the May 25 and nearly won it with 35 points and so did Malcolm Glass with the same score but Malcolm has played many times, being 78.

The younger guys had to be satisfied with just a monthly Stableford with Paul "Masher " Curtin winning Division One with 35 on countback from Colin Hales who always has a great smile on him. Masher cant play next year as he wont be 70 until July and The Lavarack is always played in June. Maybe 2024 will be his year - I'd love to know how he got his nickname- something to with potatoes maybe !.

Last Friday on what was perfect golfing weather, dry, warmish and gentle breeze, saw the Seniors start of their most difficult competition, in my opinion - The Masters. It is held over four Medal Rounds over a few weeks. In round 1one. Chris Alexander ( surely his handicap needs a review?) and Paul Curtin got off to a good start with below pars of 67 each. Three other good players also had solid net 73s so it is going to be a close battle this year. They are Stuart Mackie, Tony Strong and Terry Atkins. I had my best round of the year with a net 77, as did Nigel Tarr my playing partner and buggy driver. He made up for not having Geoff Hughes' multiple sandwiches to share by telling me how to make an eggs Benedict breakfast which he often treats his B & B clients to .

Luckily I was able to go and enjoy a ream Tea at St Gregory's Church Hall afterwards as a start to the Jubilee celebrations.