THE new captains at Matfen Hall drove off as members enjoyed a Texas Scramble competition to kickstart the new season.

Tom Longhurst and Lynda Conway hit the first shots of 2017 during the competition, which was won by the team of Graeme Wigham, Ian Telford, Darren Smith and Tony Liddle with an impressive score of 30.75 over the nine-hole format.

The start of the season coincided with the US Masters, and Matfen’s annual Masters Night brought out the crowds with Ernie Hunter, Guy Hunter, Fraser Steel and Peter Smith (29.4) teaming up for the victory. The event also saw members gather for a meal and question and answer session with 2007 Masters player Ken Ferrie.

Bellingham teenager Jack Johnstone shot his way to the club’s RVI Trophy with figures of 69-4-65. Second was Brian Hardon (80-13-67), with Stewart Jones (78-10-68) third. The talented Haydon Bridge High School pupil was third in the Stableford Cup qualifier, denied second place on countback from David Scott after both tied on 32 points. They were close behind overall victor Alec Jones, but not close enough as he carded 34 points for the win.

Johnny Armstrong (84-16-68) triumphed in the Spring Rose Bowl, with Alan Glass (89-19-70) runner-up and Brian Hardon (83-13-70) third.

Di Hutchinson (96-19-77) triumphed in the Ladies England Golf Medal ahead of Jane Jones (91-12-79), while Ruth Foley (17) won the ladies’ nine-hole competition.

Ian Crawford (39) took the honours at Hexham’s latest competition, seeing off the challenge from David Haffey (38) and Jordan Mackey (38) who were close behind.

The opening medal of the season at Tynedale produced good results in both Division One and Division Two.

Vice captain Michael Stonehouse (80-12-68) took top honours in Division One, finishing ahead of Pete Carson (84-12-72) who was second on countback from third placed Edwin Bell (85-13-72).d placed Edwin Bell who had a Gross 85-13=Nett 72.

Nick Collins (89-19-70) took the plaudits in Division Two, but he needed countback to see off the strong challenge from Harry Teasdale (91-21-70) and Gary Brown (86-16-70).

Dave Clough (85-19-66) edged out John Steventon (75-9-66) for the Fred Punshon #1 at Stocksfield . Ray Spoor (93-25-68) finished in third.

In the club’s opening medals for ladies, Diane Harvey (106-32-74) and Ann Murphy (89-21-68) took the titles.

Christine Roberts (110-35-75) and Brenda Mills (92-21-71) were the respective runners-up, with Carole Smith (99-24-75 & 103-24-79) third in both.