WINDERMERE Golf Club held its annual Greenkeepers Challenge, with 24 lady members competing in a nine-hole competition.

The unique event was started at the club by then-head greenkeeper Tony Clark more than 15 years ago and progressed by his successor David Wilkinson, whose donated trophy for the event is still used today.

The contest requires a somewhat unusual approach to the game, with different challenges on each green.

Head Greenkeeper John Baines said: “The Greenkeepers Challenge’is an event that has evolved over the years.

“It used to be a club competition, but is now embraced by our lady members.

“Each hole has different rules, with certain holes requiring the player to putt with only one hand, there are multiple flags on some greens with strange hole cups and the use of very peculiar clubs is required.

“For example, there is a driver and putter, both only one-and-a-half feet long, but also a five-foot putter made out of a broom.

“On certain holes, the ladies have to putt with their drivers and then drive with their putters.”

There were also opportunities to support new lady captain Helen Partington’s annual charity – the Windermere First Responders – by utilising options for throwing the ball, charged at £1 per throw.

Baines added: “The Greenkeepers Challenge is such a popular event and always enjoyed by the ladies, who have tremendous fun.

“The greenkeepers also have to play the course themselves at the end of the contest. It’s a very enjoyable day at a time of year when, traditionally, most of us are feeling a bit fed up.”