CLACTON Golf Club captain Nick Smith drove into office in style.

In front of a large crowd of members, he drove the ball 134 yards.

Meanwhile, playing in the first round of the Essex Golf Union's Thornton Cup, Clacton received a tough draw at home to Basildon.

The day started with the foursomes, which Clacton won 3-2.

After a well-earned lunch, it was time for the ten singles matchplay matches.

Basildon were not going to give up and it looked as if they would win.

Andy Hobbs was two-down but then fought back to win his match two-up, to take the tie to a play-off.

With a large crowd watching, Clacton's Matt Baker faced Josh Tobin and both players hit enormous drives.

Both players scrambled a half and went to the second play-off hole, which Baker won to seal the match for Clacton.

In the second round, they now travel to Boyce Hill.

Clacton seniors captain Tony Burnside and his team travelled to Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club, in Suffolk.

However, Burnside, past captain Joe Middleton, Bill Davey, John Hillier, Nigle Martin, Ray Crossfield, Laurie Farrgia, Doug Nichols, John Willson, Norman Borstel, Graham Smith, Peter Wiggins, Richard Borstel, Dave Aylott, Derek Woodrow and Ken Hilton were in the main upstaged by local knowledge and lost 5-2.

Clacton entertain Felixstowe on September 26.

The Captains' Putter competition attracted a large field of players and the winners were Gordon Pryke and Brian Vasey, with 39 points.

They won on countback from Phil Link and Brady Diplock.

In third place were Perry Bettis and Mark James, with 36.

Clacton's juniors played their May Medal and leading the way home with a winning score of 78-8-70 was junior captain Josh Bethell.

In second place was Henry Goodwin, with 100-30-70, and in third was Riley Faulkner, with 77-5-72.

In fourth was Wilf Elliott, with 85-11-74.

Clacton's Top Dogs winter league winners were captain Nick Smith and Gary Lee.

Clacton members were saddened to hear of the death of 1995 past lady captain Sheila Griggs.

Sheila had been a well-respected member for many years and will be sorely missed.