THE first round of Maldon Golf Club’s Scratch Championship for the Walter James Putter took place on Sunday.

In recent years the competition has been extended to include divisional prizes to increase participation and this year 45 players turned out to compete.

The eponymous prize putter, crafted by Walter James, former club professional, hangs permanently in the Maldon clubhouse.

The winner of the competition receives a memento of their victory but, unlike all other club competitions, does not get to take their trophy home, such is the prestige of this commemorative item.

The best gross for round one was returned by three-handicapper, Stuart Reece-Ford, Maldon’s assistant greenkeeper, with a gross 77.

Joint second at the halfway stage were Darren Mason (10 hcp) and Mark Hinton (7) with gross 78s.

David Follows (11) shot a gross 79, while Dave Poynton (6) is fifth going in to the second week with a gross 80.

The nearest the pin prize for the closest second shot to the par four sixth/15th hole went to Chris Purkiss.

Sunday also saw a lunchtime presentation of the President’s Cup for which members competed two weeks ago.

Maldon’s president, Mrs RM (Tilly) Pink CBE, was on hand to present the trophy to the winner, Colin Gooday, who shot nett 68 to secure the trophy.

Maldon’s seniors played another of their friendly matches on Friday, this time away to Channels Golf Club and, after a close-fought match, Maldon were just pipped by 4½-3½.

The Seniors’ stableford on Wednesday was won by Dave Allen with 37 points.

Mike Worden was second with 32 points.

Maldon ladies contested their Medal 9 last Tuesday.

The winner, with a nett 78, was Mary King.

Sally Francis was second, with nett 86.