John Britten has become the first player in Chipstead Golf club's 96-year history to retain the club championship.

John, who plays off a handicap of five, had gross scores of 72 and 74, which enabled him to narrowly beat his closest rival, David Bell (a fellow five handicap) by only one shot.

John, who lives in Coulsdon, and works for BMW dealer L&C in Croydon said: "This was nailbiting stuff down to the last shot.

"Chipstead is producing a number of top golfers so the competition is increasing".

The Handicap Shield was won by 14 year old Ben Daniels, a junior member at the club, holding a handicap of 14, with net scores of 59 and 65.

Director of golf Gary Torbett said: "This was a great achievement for Ben who was only one shot behind the leaders gross score after round one. We have been doing a lot to encourage junior golfers."

July 9, 2002 13:00