After a long lay off due to bad weather and course closure, Belfairs start to the new season has been disappointing.

In the Norman Plum Trophy, we were defeated by a strong Theydon Bois team, and we lost our opening match to Hartswood in the Jubilee Cup.

The home event of the Roger Foreman Cup saw Belfairs fare no better against Southend who took the honours and bragging rights with a very creditable 10½ - 5½ victory.

With their scheduled opener against Hartswood postponed, Belfairs veterans visited Mardyke Valley for their first match and encountered both terrible weather and a determined home side to go down 6 - 2.

Belfairs golf course had to shut down on Sunday morning due to extensive damage to numerous greens inflicted by vandals.

The incident occurred on Saturday evening, with one or more quad bikes reportedly driven across fairways and greens, notably affecting the 6th, 16th, and 17th holes.

The green=keeping team is actively addressing the destruction to expedite the course's reopening.

For the latest information on the course status, please contact 01702 545325.

Joan Howroyd, one of Belfairs Golf Club’s most popular members, marked a significant moment on Sunday as she assumed the role of Club Captain. The traditional drive-in ceremony, a time-honoured event in the golfing world, was not only a personal milestone for Joan but also a happy occasion celebrated by family, friends, fellow club members, and representatives from neighbouring Kindred golf clubs.

This year's drive-in took on a festive theme, with Club President Hugh Brown initiating the proceedings before Joan took centre stage. Joan's calculated swing landed her ball seventy-two feet from the pin, prompting cheers and applause from the gathered spectators.

As Joan embarks on her tenure as Club Captain, we extend our warmest wishes for an enjoyable and successful year ahead.

Ray Beadell fashioned another fine round to continue his current winning streak.

In a field of 34, the in-form veteran took first place on coun-tback, relegating Baz Patel (lowest gross score) to runner-up.

The unlucky Peter Mahoney also had every chance to win but ruined his chances with an 8 on the 17th.

Result

Belfairs celebrated a new club champion when Nick Mounsey successfully overcame the challenge of Adam Joyce.

The 36 hole event saw Mounsey take a commanding lead at half-way, but defending champion Joyce would not give up his title  without a fight and fought back to reduce the deficit to just 2 hole before Mounsey reestablished an unassailable lead to win 6 &5 and become Champion Golfer 2023

Congratulations to Nick on a well-earned victory and well done to the players for producing a final that displayed both determination and sportsmanship.