GOLF: SUFFOLK had to be content with ninth place out of a field of 11 in the English Golf Union South East Group men's qualifier at John O'Gaunt GC in Bedfordshire.

SUFFOLK had to be content with ninth place out of a field of 11 in the English Golf Union South East Group men's qualifier at John O'Gaunt GC in Bedfordshire.

One consolation for Suffolk, however, was that they finished above neighbours Essex and Norfolk. The winners were Surrey with Middlesex runners-up.

As far as Suffolk were concerned, there were good individual performances from Andrew Tokley and Kieran Canham of Stoke-by-Nayland, who finished seventh and eighth respectively out of a field of 66.

Suffolk scores: A Tokley 71, 70; K Canham 72, 70; S Nichols 77, 75; J Moul 80, 72; J Finch 78, 78; J Blackmore 80, 78.

n Woodbridge defend their inter-club veterans tournament, sponsored by Crofts, on Stoke-by-Nayland's Constable course next Monday, July 23.

Each team consists of nine players from which eight make up the team score. The minimum age is 60.

The clubs taking part are Clacton, Channels, Colchester, Frinton, Gosfield Lakes, Ipswich, Rushmere, Stoke-by-Nayland, Stowmarket, Waldringfield and Woodbridge.

n The Suffolk Ladies County Golf Association are organising a fund-raising day at Rushmere on Friday, October 19.

Proceeds will help with the operating costs of the Suffolk ladies and to support coaching of Suffolk juniors.

The cost of entering a team of three (men, ladies or mixed) is £75 to include a meal and prizes. Contact Judith Dunnett (01473-624077) to enter a team, sponsor a hole or donate a prize for the Suffolk Golf Day.

n Darren Parker of Maylands is the new East Anglian Open champion.

Last week at the Cambridgeshire Moat House Hotel and Golf Club at Bar Hill, the 33-year-old had rounds of 71 and 70 to win by two shots from three players including Jon Bevan of Fynn Valley.

Bevan had rounds of 73 and 70, despite the fact that his caddy was called away on the second fairway of his second round after receiving a message about a family bereavement.

Andy Cotton (Waldringfield Heath) – 72, 72 – was one shot behind Bevan, Neil Lythgoe (Royal Norwich) and Matt Deal (Hendon).

Other leading Suffolk scores: 145 Alex Lucas (Fynn Valley) 72, 73; 146 Adrian Hubert (Woodbridge) 75, 71; 147 James Keely (Woodbridge) 75, 72; 148 Paul Wilby (Fynn Valley) 75, 73; 151 Robin Mann (Waldringfield Heath) 77, 74; 153 Tony Dobson (Bourne Hill Driving Range) 77, 76.

n Tuesday, July 31, is the date for the Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club Seniors Open.

Following the very successful rebirth last year, it has been decided to run it again.

The format will be a pairs better-ball Stableford and the age limit for players is 55 and over.

The entry fee of £46 per pair includes bacon roll and coffee on arrival, 18 holes of golf on the Martello course and a meal afterwards. There will be many attractive prizes on offer.

Felixstowe will be delighted to welcome members from other golf clubs and entry forms can be obtained through the secretary by ringing 01394-286834.