THERE was a close finish as Colchester Golf Club’s ladies’ captain Renate Clarke held her winter competition.

Played in a Texas Scramble format the winning team of Heather Dennis, Philippa Deman, Bridget Whitworth and Daphne Bloomfield returned a respectable score of 59 nett to sneak ahead of the runners-up by just half a shot.

The second-placed team of Nikki Bryant, Jenny Mitchell, Fiona Prentice and Patricia Walker returned 59.5 nett to secure their position in the field of 64 players.

Third spot and back from the winning group were Pat Kettle, Nesta James, Chris Clarke and June Warburton with a score of 64 nett.

With the rest of the club settled into winter golf, it is the time of year where groups of members go off and play on different courses, mostly in Suffolk.

Two of the club's larger groups took advantage of a cold, bright, cloudless day to play at Rushmere GC and Woodbridge GC.

Led by Bill Hart, 19 members availed themselves of Rushmere GC’s hospitality where Mike Horley scored 40 points.

Playing off 15 handicap, he beat club captain Mike Withers (10) by one point.

The minor placings were separated after a countback and third place was awarded to Glenn Sibbons (11), with Michael Blakebrough (10) slotting into fourth.

Paul Nunny had a group at Woodbridge GC where Alan MacNaught (five) took the honours with a more modest 32 points.

In second place was ex-member and guest Duncan Smith who wrestled his place after the countback from Geoffrey Johnson (17), with both players returning 29 points.