Following the end of the latest Lockdown the fairways of Mendip, despite some inclement weather, have been extremely busy with hardly a tee time unused.

As before, regrettably, the club is unable to welcome

Visiting Golfers as top priority for the time being has, quite rightly, been given to Mendip’s Members. Interestingly, in 2020 up until 13th December and despite the Course being closed through Lockdowns for 78 days, 33,868 rounds of golf have been played. This is over 10,000 rounds more than 2019, which in itself seemed that the Course was usually busy! It is a tribute to Richard Gregory and the Greens Team that they have been able to keep the Course playing so well despite this large increase in traffic.

The Greens Staff have continued with their winter programme, despite the continuing rainfall, which in itself is up on 2019 figures. The new teeing area for Hole 8 has been constructed and the bunker renovation programme should be almost complete by the end of the year.

Competitions have recommenced and 42 Ladies played in an American Foursomes 9 hole event. Andrea Williams and Margaret Allen were Runners-up with 20 points, beating Penny Oliver and Elaine Richardson on countback. However, the Winners, with an excellent 24 points, were Susy Rudkin and Pauline Williams, well done, Ladies!

The Seniors held their annual Turkey Trot Singles Competition and despite poor weather, 92 Competitors took part. Everyone got off to a good start with mince pies and mulled wine provided. Then came the task of understanding their new Handicaps following implementation of the new system; most saw an increase by one or two shots, a few had much more generous increases and a small number had no increases, reflecting how well they had played under the old system!

The scores reflected how well the Course is playing in a very wet December with the Greens in particularly good order, with 12 pairings equaling or bettering Par. After a triple countback on 38 points, Simon Brand came out as the Winner, followed by Malcolm Srawley and Nigel Cheshire. In fourth place came Seniors’ Captain Elect, Alan Edwards on 37 points, beating on countback Brian Francis and Gareth Collier.

The last Nearest the Pin Pro’s Challenge before Lockdown saw a first victory for Paul Griffiths with Andy Griffiths 2nd and Thomas Richardson 3rd.

Tony Williams