THE rain stopped, the clouds opened up and the sun shone – so it must have been the third Thursday in August when traditionally the Four Marks Putting Club holds the finals of its annual putting tournament.

The course had been prepared as usual by our greenkeeper Norman Day, ably assisted by his staff. Although there had been heavy rain overnight and the grass was still damp, it seemed to be drying out so it was decided to go ahead with the event. Recorder and adjudicator Mervyn Dunwoody handed out the scorecards and the 21 members who had qualified this year took to the greens.

The competition contained all the keen competitiveness and high expectations of previous years.

The scoring during the final was very close. It was played out right up to the last hole, but four competitors were just ahead of the field. In joint third place were Mike Bowman and Brian Arrowsmith, one stroke behind runner-up Mervyn Dunwoody. Defending champion Graham Brooks came in with the lowest score and was declared champion for the second year.

New champion Graham Brooks is pictured being presented with the club’s Challenge Cup by honorary president Derek Seaton. With the sun putting in a brief appearance, it was generally agreed that it was a “most enjoyable occasion” and much appreciation was expressed to those members who were involved in the running of this year’s event.