It is the focus of the club’s activities since pressure of work had led to a decline in numbers of those able to compete in standard competition.

This year membership rose again 36.

Friday trophies are donated by Ron and Jean Greatbatch. The main one, most improved eclectic, is to reward regular participation and personal improvement. It is a “me versus the golf course” format and eases the pressure on golfers, especially those new to the game. This year it was won by Malcolm Pym and the women’s most improved went to Barb Zippel.

The trophy for lowest eclectic is for the golfer who, throughout the season, took most shots off their original round. It will most likely be won by the most capable players who take every opportunity to reduce their hole-by-hole score. These were won by Jason Darke and Jeanette Bubner.

The season wind-up, Farmers versus Oystergrowers, was perhaps the best ever. This unique event grew out of a suggestion by Geoff Hammat in 2004 and has greatly contributed to a revival of interest in social golf.

All the oystergrowers are genuine oystergrowers, but hard years on the land have meant that few farmers can afford the time to participate.

However, others are only too eager to fill in and maintain the tradition and a record number took part this year, including eight women who took up the cudgels.

Vice captain Jason Darke presented Louisa Drew’s shield to the oystergrowers again this year.

That now makes the overall score Oystergrowers 3 to Farmers 2 – a ledger which farmers are determined to square up next year.