THORPE Hall Golf Club came within a whisker of winning the Hudson Trophy for a fourth time.

The Hudson Trophy is a 36 hole foursome stroke play inter-club competition held every year at South Herts Golf Club.

Golfers from 20 clubs competed in what was the contest’s 60th year, with one professional and three amateurs representing each club.

The competition has a rich history closely aligned to the Ryder Cup, with it originating when the American team were invited to practice at South Herts.

One of their sponsors, Robert A. Hudson, was a successful businessman from Oregon and became a friend of the club.

In 1959, he presented South Herts with a silver casket to be played for by invited clubs.

Thorpe Hall pride themselves in having won the coveted Hudson Trophy three times, with Matt Southgate following in the footsteps of dad Ian by helping the club to the title.

On this occasion, Thorpe Hall were represented by club assistant professional Mark Talbot, who played alongside Pat Bridge, and Dan Capps was joined by Peter Alabaster.

After the morning round, Thorpe Hall were leading by two shots.

But Thorpe Hall were overtaken in the afternoon by the team from Old Fold Manor, who won by three shots.

Meanwhile, 31 cadets aged between five and 15 went head-to-head for prizes in the Cadet Captain’s Day.

Isabel Clarke was triumphant, having scored 41 points, while Thomas Dye won the junior prize after registering 51 points on nine holes.

Close to 100 parents and helpers attended the prizegiving, which was conducted by club professional John Fryatt.