BILLY Mason retained his Golden Putter title after winning this year's competition by three clear shots at Maldon Golf Club.

Mason won with a fantastic score of 40 points off his handicap of two at the event, contested by more than 70 members over three days.

His round of two-under-par gross 69 saw him claim victory in the singles stableford competition off full handicap, which also counted as the first qualifying competition for the annual Order of Merit title.

Peter Bibby was runner-up on countback ahead of third-placed Nick Shakespeare and Keith Bannister who was fourth, after all three players scored 37 points.

Fifth place went to Tim Hill with 36 points, after a four-way countback.

The captain's weekly prizes for nearest-the-pin went to Mick Orrin on the par three fifth/14th hole and to Mark Beckwith for the closest second shot to the pin on the par four ninth/18th hole.

Around £250 was raised for the captain's charity at the competition, which was originally planned as a one-off event in 2006 to raise money for Arthritis Care.

However, the inaugural winner Gordon Harvey donated the trophy to the club to be contested on an annual basis as a charity fundraiser.

Entry fees now go towards the Captain's Charity, which this year is Prostate Cancer UK.

Maldon GC's Seniors' section competed in the Tony Stevenson Trophy qualifier.

Mick Meager won the stableford event with 41 points, ahead of club treasurer Mike Ecart (38 points) and seniors' captain John Sharp who was third on countback from Tony Reece-Ford after both players scored 35 points.

Maldon GC's seniors section played away friendlies against Forrester Park and Gosfield Lakes and also hosted Colne Valley.

Maldon's ladies Medal 2 was won by Jane Henderson ahead of lady captain Mary King who was runner-up, with Margaret Caviel third.