Last Friday the Axe Cliff Golf Club seniors’ and ladies’ joined forces to play in a special fun game cunningly devised by Rob Grove to celebrate the 50th wedding anniversary of long-standing members Chris and Sandra Walker, writes Dave Bruce.

Some 60 members took part in the Shot Gun Stableford, playing in teams of three who shared two tees in order that everyone could be accommodated.

The fun element was that you didn’t know how many scores would count until you reached the green, where Rob had put a picture of either Chris and Sandra on their own, or one of both of them together.

If it was Chris then only one score would count; if Sandra then two scores would count; if a joint picture then all three scores counted.

If, however, there was a wedding cake in the picture then you had to double the score. Everyone was given a small prize, but overall winners for the seniors were John Pugh, Gilbert Cox and Brian Thompson with an outstanding 89 points.

Gilbert was delighted that Brian kept score as the format was difficult for him to follow without his specs. John putted beautifully and Brian was – well, Brian!

In second place came Steve Bond, Bob Cook and Sid Pember only one point behind. Third place was given to man of the moment Chris Walker, Leighton Morgan and Richard Orsman with a solid 84 points - Chris had a little tear in his eye when he saw a picture of Sandra on her own.

The best ladies’ team was Caroline Bond, Paula Heasam and Jill Wellington with 82 points closely followed by Sandra Walker, Barbara Cummings and Pauline Willis - not surprisingly, Sandra had a twinkle in her eye when she saw a picture of Chris on his own!

In third place was the strong team of Stella Thompson, Anne Jarvis and Margaret Kenchington, looking splendid in pink.

After the competition, Chris and Sandra celebrated their anniversary with everyone and their family and invited friends and made a presentation to Rob Grove for organising the competition.

Captain’s Caroline Bond and Dave Bruce also presented flowers and vintage port to Sandra and Chris.

Simon Wellington made a brave guest appearance as the dancing monkey from Chessington, where Sandra and Chris had held their original wedding reception.

We didn’t realise what a good mover Simon is as he danced with Sandra. The ‘happy couple’ are going to spend a week travelling around the country visiting friends and family who, in some cases, they haven’t seen for years.