Surbiton Golf Club played host to a thrilling instalment of the Baltic Exchange Golf Society’s much-loved fixture, the annual Brokers vs Principals match—an event steeped in tradition, good humour, and occasionally questionable course management.

Under near-perfect summer skies, it was the Principals team who emerged victorious, claiming a 3–1 win over their broker counterparts. The contest was played in excellent spirit and even better conditions, with Surbiton’s picturesque course presented in magnificent shape throughout the day.

The match saw its fair share of standout moments. Mr Jeremy Brewer showed clinical precision on the par-three 13th to scoop the Closest to the Pin prize, while Mr Sam Round lived up to his billing with a monstrous effort to take Longest Drive on the 16th.

There was also a moment of quiet brilliance on the greens from Mr Chris Cox. Faced with a putt so long his caddie reportedly asked if he needed a hybrid or even a fairway wood, Cox took his time, surveyed the line with the composure of a man choosing a bottle of claret, and gently cosied the ball up before tapping in for a solid two-putt. A sign of real class from the old timer. In the hotly contested individual competition for most Stableford points, Mr Peter Hirons and Mr Robert Gemmell both posted impressive totals of 37 points apiece. In the end, it was Hirons who edged the honours on countback, his steady finish on the closing holes making all the difference.

While the course drew widespread praise, there was one recurring topic of discussion in the clubhouse: the pin positions. Many of the day’s flagsticks were placed with what can only be described as surgical cruelty, prompting puzzled green reads, nervy putts, and a flurry of muttered commentary from otherwise composed Society members. It’s understood that the committee is now awaiting a formal response from Surbiton’s head greenkeeper regarding these “imaginative” placements—though whether that arrives before next year’s rematch is anyone’s guess.

All told, it was a superb day of golf, camaraderie, and competitive spirit—an excellent showcase of everything the Baltic Exchange Golf Society stands for.