“On a very hot warm day we travelled to Banstead Golf Club, Cheam, just off M25 south London.  Opening in 1890, built on “ fast draining  downland” it plays on some holes very much like a links course. With fast, hard greens it was difficult to keep the ball on the green anywhere from 100 yards. The course was in superb condition with the greens very true but very quick .

However, crossing the very busy fast A217 road, after 6 holes and returning after 12 holes, was the biggest challenge.  Quite a different experience, but didn’t affect the result - Berks won 6 ½, 3 ½. A terrible rainstorm arrived just as our last pairings were finishing, which was just as well, because it rained for an hour or so afterwards during drinks and dinner.

Captain Jim kept up his remarkable, ”not losing  this season in his pair” with 2024 Captain Paul Gold, using his ‘chip’n’run’ method to keep the ball in play. Winning on the 16th, 4+2.

Banstead GC laid on a great 3-course meal and Captain Jim, in his short speech, thanked the Surrey side for hosting this relatively new fixture. Approximately,  8 years old, on such a great historic course. We look forward to next year’s match at Royal Ascot.”