FORMER European and English Open champion Dr Kitrina Douglas will be guest speaker in the evening when the Christian Golf Society's annual Essex Golf Cup is staged at Three Rivers, Cold Norton, on Saturday June 21.

Following on from the success of the first event last year, the competition is one of five county/regional cups taking place across the country.

The winners will qualify to play in the National Golf Cup in September where the prize will be a golf holiday for two provided by Spring Harvest Holidays, a main sponsor of the event.

The competition will be run as a pairs Stableford off full handicap with an unusual twist - one member of each team has to be a regular churchgoers/Christian.

James Butcher, co-founder of the Christian Golf Society, explained: "The intention is for the tournament to bring together friends with a shared passion for golf in healthy competition.

"The day will also give the opportunity for the golfers to chat about the Christian faith in an informal relaxed atmosphere."

The day will start with a late breakfast on arrival, 18 holes of golf on the Three Rivers course, followed by an early evening meal with Dr Douglas.

She will tell of the adventures the professional game has brought her as a successful player, coach and BBC pundit.

Entry to the competition is £35 per player with an early bird special of £32 if entry forms are received by Saturday May 10.

Entry forms can be downloaded from the website www.christiangolfsociety.org.uk or from James Butcher on 07752 469219.

There are also posters and invites available online that can be used by Christian golfers to invite their friends.

Martin Eady, Essex Golf Cup organiser, said: "Over 20 golfers had a great day of golf last year. We are looking forward to another great year with entries from churches across Essex."

l BELFAIRS Ladies had a bright and windy, but bitterly cold, day for their Spring meeting where the overall winner in the LGU medal was Pam Hayhurst.

She captured the senior division on 98-24=74 from Joan Smith (9) 78 and Alex Meddle (99-20=79).

Junior champion was Simone McCarthy (106-28=78) from Anna McLynn (30) 79 and June Woollard (26) 81.

Scratch prize winner was Joan Smith while lady captain Lorna Steel had the best front nine. Back nine prize went to Mair Owen.

Gloria Goldring was queen of the greens, capturing the putting honours with 29.

The eight-hole fun competition in the afternoon was won by Anna McLynn, Chrissie Curtis and Simone McCarthy.