The Captains’ Challenge competition took place on the last Sunday before the end of British Summer Time, although those of us who played felt that the cold, easterly wind meant that winter was already with us.

However, it was dry and when the sun came out later in the day, we enjoyed a pleasant autumn afternoon. Andrew Boatswain, Club Captain, played with some bright red balls on the basis that they would be easy to spot amongst the fallen leaves. A theory that only begins to work if you keep to the fairways – not his choice on the day! Consequently, he and Kathy Lane didn’t get near to the trophy, other than when presenting it to the winners!

The format for the day was a mixed greensomes stableford competition. Course conditions were really good even after the enormous quantity of rain that has fallen on the course over the last few weeks, and congratulations are due to our greens staff.

There was fierce competition for the prizes, with several pairs putting in some impressive scores. Steve Clark and Phil Lewison came first. Runners-up were Colin Mantle and Cath Levell on countback. Any member of a pair that beat the Captains’ score won a sleeve of balls. So, now there are a multitude of Titleist Prov1s let loose and about to be lost all round the course!

The Seniors’ pre-AGM stableford, played for the Harry Mayle Cup, took place in surprisingly dry and pleasant weather. Scoring was generally very good, with Nick Carter coming out on top with 41 points, only just beating Mike Gee, also on 41 points, on the back six holes. Other prize winners were Nick Wilson (40) and Richard Gould (39).

Adam Holliday and Paul Cullen played 36 holes in the Final of the Dickinson Cup. The match was very tight, with Adam one-up after the first eighteen. Paul fought back, winning a few holes. Adam eventually managed to gain a lead of more than one and eventually won on the 16th, 3&2! A great match and great company.

Sandy Heath and Erica Klim won the Ladies’ Daily Mail Foursomes and will go on to represent the club in the National Competition next year.

Janice White