STOKE by Nayland Golf Club clinched victory in the opening round of this year's Jubilee Cup.

They were victorious at Burnham on Crouch in cold and windy conditions, on an exposed course.

Stoke captain Richard Bland led his team to five singles wins and a half point, before they clinched victory with two wins in the paired format.

The Jubilee Cup sees teams made up of 12 players, six of which will be in the 12-16 handicap range and a further six in the 17-24 handicap range.

Matches are played in a matchplay format and consist of six single games, played off scratch, between players of the first group and 3 Four Ball Better Ball games played between players of the second group.

Teams compete initially in leagues, before reaching the knockout stages.

Alan Smith scored his first hole in one on the par-three third hole on the Gainsborough course, in the St Patrick's Day competition.

Stoke by Nayland Ladies played their first 18-hole stableford competition on the Constable course which has just been newly measured and rated.

Result, silver division: 1 Mandy Byham 33pts; 2 Mal Went 31pts; 3 Bev Thompson 28pts.

Bronze division: 1 Sue Gregory 31pts; 2 Amanda Hall 30pts ocb; 3 Hilary Cairns 30pts.

18 hole stableford: 1 Jackie Frost 29pts ocb; 2 Sue Gregory 29pts; 3 Barbara Jones 27pts.

Stoke by Nayland are preparing to host their annual Golf Membership Open Weekend.

The event will be held on on Saturday April 8 and Sunday April 9 from 10am-3pm (both days).

Everyone is welcome to attend to see what is on offer, from beginners to seasoned players who would like to take advantage of the membership deals on offer.

There will also be free golf clinics given at the Driving Range from 10am-noon on both days and complimentary nine holes of golf on Sunday, from 11am.

Visit www.stokebynayland.com to find out more about the Open Weekend and the rolling four-week courses offered for adults, ladies only and for juniors to get into golf.

Stoke by Nayland GC has launched a new initiative to encourage aspiring golfers of any age to get into the game of golf and have fun at the same time.

The venue has been awarded the official England Golf Golfmark Award, the authorised seal of approval for clubs which successfully work to develop the game.

For full details about dates and coaching packages including individual coaching, group lessons and junior sessions go to www.stokebynayland.com/golf and see “Golf Lessons and Coaching” or call 01206 265812 or email golfcoaching@stokebynayland.com

For information about membership options email mary.saward@stokegolfandleisure.com or call 01206 265841