Only two players, Terri O’Shea and Clare Salter, ventured out onto the Duchy course for the medal competition last week. The rest of the ladies preferred several rounds of coffee in the clubhouse as they watched Storm Ali roar overhead.

This week the dismal weather was a distant memory as high pressure brought in glorious autumnal sunshine and temperatures of 20C. The largest field of the year, 52 players, took to the course for the Committee Cup; a Stableford competition played in pairs off a 90% handicap allowance, the best score being counted.

The players certainly took advantage of the fine weather. There were five two spot birdies on various par 3 holes: Lally Gibson (5th), Gail Proctor & Ang Hudd (10th), Gill Seaward and Gill Russell (15th).

Scoring was so close for the final winning pairs, that the competition organiser had to employ count back to separate them.

Kay Clarke & Jenny Howarth’s 38 points would have seen them far up the leader board on most days, but it was only good enough for sixth place. Three teams scored 39 points with Ang Hudd and Shar Bradshaw taking third place on count back ahead of Jane Richardson and Maureen Goodsir (4th) and fifth-placed Gill Seaward and Suzanne Young. Jenny Ahlberg and Lena Warren (40 points) were the clubhouse leaders and looked likely winners, until the final pairings of the day finished their round. A fine 42 points from Maureen Charlton and Pauline Young ensured they were the Committee Cup winners by a two point margin.

Seniors

Early doors; there was a definite nip in the air. By mid-morning, the clearest blue sky imaginable. Not the time to be counting shopping days to you know what (83, if you’re interested).

Incredibly, a local eating establishment already has their Christmas tree up and decorated! Whatever next – Easter eggs in the shops by November?

A Texas Scramble (six drives each) was this week’s format, and the formidable trio of Captain, Ray Guthrie, Paul Cains and Mel Field blew away the opposition with a marvellous score of 51.6.

The results are as follows: First – Ray Guthrie, Paul Cains and Mel Field; second – Graham Bradley, Martin Clark and Vic Clarke; third – Don Perry, Ray Wilkinson and Gerald Shearn; fourth – Alan Skivington, Ham Ridene and Eddie Cheasley; fifth – David Metcalfe, Geoff Potts and Steve Park.

Nearest the Pins: fifth – Alan Smith; eighth – David Metcalfe; fourteenth – Bob McKeegan-Brown; fifteenth – Paul Cains.

Mixed

An unbelievable tense final day in France, concluded with a thrashing of the USA by a jubilant European team. Every one of the twelve players contributed to the winning score of 17.5-10.5, proof indeed, that the Europeans were more focused and together than the fragmented and distinctly unhappy USA team.

Back on British soil, fourteen mixed pairs competed for the Romaine Punchbowl. A change of format ensured an excellent turnout and all were keen to finish their games in good time to witness the conclusion of the singles matches in the Ryder Cup.

In occasional, gusty, but warm conditions, some excellent scores were recorded, but many congratulations to Terri O’Shea and Neil Morgan in winning the trophy, with an impressive 48 points.

Results: Terri O’Shea and Neil Morgan, 48 points, second were June and Steve Symonds, with 44 points, in third place, Bobby Appleby and Phil Thompson, with 43 points on countback from Jane and Steve Ball, also on 43 points, in fourth place.