After a slightly damp start that had a few of us wondering whether we’d packed waterproofs or swimming costumes, the sun eventually got the message and put in a welcome appearance for our home match against Alton. Our visitors were particularly keen to see how they would cope with the Lakes and, in particular, our new holes. Whether they were taking mental notes or simply pretending not to notice the trouble ahead is open for debate, but it certainly didn’t stop them producing some excellent golf.

The result was a thoroughly honourable draw, which felt about right after an day of good shots, the occasional lucky bounce (and too many unlucky bounces), and just enough muttering about putts that somehow looked straighter from behind the ball. As always, the score was only part of the story. The laughs, the banter and the post-match dissection of every missed three-footer were worth the trip on their own.

Special congratulations go to Mack and Jock, who pocketed the prize money with the biggest team win of the day at 5&3. Meanwhile, Wayne judged the 18th to perfection to claim Nearest the Pin and, more importantly, the bottle of wine. It just goes to show that one well-struck shot can make the rest of the round and the drive home feel considerably better.

Many thanks to our friends from Alton for another enjoyable fixture. Great golf, great company and, for once, weather that remembered whose side it was on.