MALDON Golf Club head greenkeeper Stuart Reece-Ford secured his seventh Club Scratch Championship title after a thrilling sudden-death play-off victory, to claim the prestigious Walter James Putter.

Reece-Ford and the in-form Billy Mason, both three-handicappers, each returned gross scores of 75, four clear of the rest of the field and duly headed to the 19th hole to try to determine a winner.

The outstanding golf continued as the first extra hole, the 489-yard par five, was halved with eagle threes.

The 20th hole, the 402 yard, stroke index two, par four was also halved, this time with birdie threes.

The title was ultimately decided on the third extra hole when Mason's tee shot unfortunately finished out of bounds and the play-off was duly conceded.

Members stood to applaud both players as they returned to the clubhouse after a truly magnificent battle, most befitting of the club scratch title.

Third place went to Keith Hinton, with a gross 79.

Dave Poynton and Chris Purkiss both returned scores of 81 for fourth and fifth.

The nearest the pin prizes went to Charles Harris and Nigel Cook.

Divisional prizes went to Chris Purkiss and Alan Syrett.

The presentation also took place for the President's Trophy.

This full handicap medal, inaugurated in 2011 to mark the contribution to the club of its president, Mrs RM Pink CBE and her late husband Leslie, was won by Leon Griffiths, with a nett 69.

Second place went to Dave Newton, with nett 70.

Billy Mason was again among the prizes, finishing third with a nett 71, while Michael Kempen was placed fourth, with nett 72.

Mason's third place meant he extended his lead at the top of the Order of Merit table to 89 points.

Maldon's ladies' section contested their Midsummer Madness pairs competition.

Lady captain Mary King was presented with a rose - a gift from the ladies to thank her for her hard work and commitment throughout the year.

Sue Gardiner and Val Rayner were first, Kate Stevenson and Jean Roberts second and Sally Francis and Margaret Churcher third.

The men's monthly medal for July was won by Tony Reece-Ford, with a nett 72.

Second place went to Jon Dormon, on nett 73, with Andrew Goodwin third, with nett 74.

Maldon Golf Club's darts team, which competes in division three of the Maldon and District Darts League, continued their rich vein of form with another victory, this time away to The Compasses in Great Totham.

The best-of-17 tie was won by ten matches to seven and, as a result, the Maldon team moved up to second place in the league.