VW Bro Robert Grant PGSwdB AMetGM reports.

On a gloriously warm day on Thursday, 4th August, the Lodge of St James No 765, London's Premier Golf Lodge, held its inaugural golf event for 30 Golfers at the Royal Blackheath Golf Club. Instituted in 1608, the Royal Blackheath Golf Club is England's oldest golf club. It is situated near historic Greenwich, in South London.

The course was set up superbly with excellent fairways. A few well-positioned bunkers made it a fitting test of golfing prowess.

Members and their guests competed strongly over 18 challenging holes for the prestigious member and guest individual trophies, replicas of a bygone golfing age. One of the most popular spots on the superb links was the 'Water Hole' on the 8th tee, where much-needed hydration was imbibed, including some non-alcoholic. The nearest the pin prize followed the refuelling with the longest drive on the 13th over the pond. Fortunately, no ducks were endangered by wayward shots over their habitat!

Pre-prandial drinks were taken on the terrace, followed by a magnificent guided tour of the world-famous golf museum by its curator Christian. He outlined the history of the club when King James 1st, the first Stuart King of England, settled at Greenwich Palace, London. The new Court brought the exotic game of golf with them from Scotland, and there is evidence of golf being played at Blackheath from the start of his reign. Amongst the unique, much prized golfing trophies and artefacts displayed in the museum are the original lease for the Grade-1 listed clubhouse, Eltham Lodge, dated 1664, and the oldest competitive medal in the world: the Spring Medal 1792, originally the Gold Medal of the Knuckle Club, the Masonic fraternity which formed the club. Indeed, Lodge meetings were held in the clubhouse by the Knuckle Club, so it was fitting that the first St James Lodge golf event was held at this iconic venue.

Dinner was served in the grand dining room with first class fayre and wines followed by the prize-giving, which rounded up a splendid day with the worthy winners being presented with their trophies. The winner of the member's prize was Dean Stevens OBE. The guest prize was won by Mike Williams Rochester and Cobham Golf Club, who also bagged the nearest the pin prize. The longest drive was won by a member Grant Convey.

Masons interested in joining the Lodge should contact the secretary, VW Bro Robert Grant on robametgm@gmail.com

This article is part of the Arena Magazine, Issue 50 December 2022 edition.
Arena Magazine is the official magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

Read more articles in the Arena Issue 50 here.