Forty pairs of golfers arrived early for the 27-hole Invitation event at Tidworth.

They came as guests of members from all over the south of England with one making the best use of his time while with his relatives on a visit from Australia.

The early starters teed off around 8am and embarked on the nine-hole Four-Ball Better Ball morning bogey competition after which, a ploughman's lunch awaited them before setting off on the 18-hole Four-Ball Better Ball Stableford competition.

With a forecast of thundery showers, and with seven hours of golf to be played, there was no surprise when the klaxon was sounded and the competition paused for a short time to allow the thunder and lightning to pass through. Rain was heavy while it lasted, but on resumption, the course, as ever, soaked it up and after about four holes of play, there was hardly any evidence of casual water.

There were some fine prizes for the winners and runners-up and those who had birdied the par threes were rewarded.

Club captain, Brian Hutchins presented the afternoon winners Ian Alexander and Mick Everton with their Taylormade Hybrid Clubs.

Other prize winners were: Afternoon Stableford: Second: Matt and Luke Miles; Third: Bill Bailey and Paul Duncan; Fourth: Ray Tilley and Steve Phillips.

Morning Bogey: First pair from 15th tee: Phil and Cliff Hall; Second Gary Renshaw and Ian Cox; First pair from sixth: Al Paterson and Paul Vernham; Second: Dennis Waites and Alistar Ross.

Nearest the pin (13th) was Jason Wyles