Mendip Matters; At the time I wrote the article about young Sam Scrivens’ acceptance onto the PGA Professionals’ training programme, I had not realised what great strides Sam had made this year in improving his own golf.

Regular play and sheer hard work has led to his handicap dropping from a season’s beginning of 14 to his current 4.1. Well done Sam, keep it going.

The ever popular weekly Flag event has now reverted to its Pre-Covid format. With a Reserved Tee slot from 11 am – 12.30 pm every Wednesday, this is a Roll Up event. Ideal for the new member to meet with others members. Just turn up by 10.30 am when teams will be drawn. It is also a good chance to get a qualifying card in to bring your handicap up-to-date. The sooner all competitive players get twenty scores onto the system from 2021 play, the quicker their handicaps will reflect their current playing ability. This week’s event was won by Alan O’Leary/Stephen Lake/Jim Scott/Abe Fukuyama with an amazing 95 points, with Alan also winning the Individual Competition with 43 points, well clear of Henry Banks, 38 and Martin Myers, 37.

Nearest the Pin went to Andy Griffiths with Trevor Messenger in second place.

The Ladies’ Bowmaker was won by Lynn Cox/Jinhee Page/Penny Oliver/Alison Kay with 73 points. This put them an incredible ten points clear of the second team, Caroline Laws/Anne Hopkins/Val Dixon/Susy Rudkin with Allison Rumming/Anne Collins/Sandie Roper/Pauline Williams third with 62.

The Ladies’ Friendly Team visited Knowle and found the home side a little too strong. Mary Ainsworth/Caroline Simper picked up a half for Mendip.

A small field competed in the Mixed Foursomes event which saw a closely fought contest. Winning with a net 74 were Alan and Pauline Williams, who were followed by Chris Atkinson and Antony Scott with 75. Julia and Mike Philips were third with 76 after countback from Andy Humphries and Lyn Jones.

The Seniors’ Monthly Competition saw 82 competitors despite the early onset of some real wintery weather. Despite all the recent heavy rain, the Greens stood up to the downpours extremely well with still a good fast and true putting surface evidenced by the 14 two spots that were recorded. Winning Division One with 38 points was John Ellis, whose finish of twos at the 17th and 18th proved decisive. Brian Smith was second on countback and this leaves Brian currently leading the Seniors’ Order of Merit. Nick Inskip was third with 36 points. Divison Two was won by John Hargraves, with 38, with Andrew Ashman second with 35 after countback from Jim Boyd. The Veterans’ prize was won by John Sewart, with 35, with Selwyn Rees second with 34 and Terry Carter third with 33.

The Seniors’ Avalon Team entertained league leaders, Worlebury and after a very close match went down 3–2 to a very strong team. Mendip’s wins came from John Ellis/John Stembridge and Chris Betenson/Terry Carter.

Team Captain, Kevin Carmody, arranged an end of season event for those who had played in the Avalon League matches this year. The golf for the 24 players was followed by a fine meal provided by Steve and his team. All who played agreed that the course was in tremendous condition bearing in mind it is now October and had had to cope with some dreadful weather of late. The team event was won by Steve Davis/Jeremy Cooke/Phil Butcher/Alan Williams with 87 points. Although not in the winning team, Simon Brand, playing off seven, carded an excellent two over par gross score.

Nearest the Pin was set on the 18th with only two players managing to hit the green, nearest was Simon Wynn.

Tony Williams