The first Garon Park Golf Club major competition of 2007, the SMAC Trophy, was contested by a strong field of almost 50 golfers on the A and Ccourses.

The Essex Golf Complex continues to play off winter tees, but all greens are open and the course itself is in immaculate condition for the time of year despite the recent wet weather.

The windy conditions seriously affected the scoring with only four players recording totals under par.

The competition was narrowly won, on countback, by Jed Beardsall, with a healthy 42 Stableford points.

Eric Cundy was beaten by countback into second place with third spot going to John Halfhide with 41 points.

On Monday the Eastern Avenue course hosted the Essex PGA with 25 of the county's professionals teeing up at this increasingly popular venue on the B and C courses.

All prize money was generated by the entry fee and optional "birdie sweep".

The calm conditions and course culture, which drew many positive comments from the visiting players, contributed to some fine scoring.

Matt Bannister, from Nazeing Golf Club, emerged victorious with a fine score of 66 This included five birdies and an eagle. Mark Hooper, from Rayleigh Golf Range, finished second on 67.

Lady captain Barbara Connelly was driven in twice.

The midweek players met for lunch and a round of golf before the thriving weekend section joined Connelly for nine holes and lunch again.

The Garon Park midweek Stableford was played, in very windy conditions, at the Essex Golf Complex.

Division One was won by David Torkington, with Ron Woodroof finishing second on countback, after both finished on 35 points.

Second division winner was John Slattery (31) from John Prosser (30).

These were healthy scores considering the blustery, to say the least, conditions and all competitors should be commended for taking part.