Mendip's last Team Turkey Trot event of the season was a Bowmaker Medal. With excellent playing conditions and weather, it was difficult to believe that we are in December, yet still have fast running, true greens and a course looking summer-like. This resulted in another low scoring event for the full field that took part.
In third position, with net 130, and beating the very strong team of Messrs Streeter, Perkins and Say on countback, were Stephen Coate, Danny Middle and Matt Lambert (Danny and Matt following up their victory the previous week). In second position were Paul Smith, Club Captain, Duncan Offer, and John Voysey, with net 128, but with a fine score of net 125 were Chris Lindley, Club Chairman, Ian Fairclough, and Simon Grant.
For those men keen enough to try and reduce their handicaps at this time of year, Mendip ran a Men's Qualifying Stableford. Paul Cullen achieved his objective by winning Division Three, with 41 points, followed by Andrew Cox, with 35, and Aaron Mitchell, with 32. Division Two was won by Steve Antell, with 39, with James Herniman, with 36, and Brian Say, with 34. Division One saw a three-way tie on 36 points, which after countback saw Neil Clarke, in third position, Ian Parham, in second, and in first place, Matt Andrews.
The Ladies nine-hole competition was played in very blustery and cold conditions, meaning good scoring was at a premium. However, in third position, after countback, were Sally Scott and Vi Hayes, with fifteen points, second place went to Jean Padfield and Chris Olds, with sixteen, and winning with eighteen points, were Di Stanton and Liz Rose.
The Seniors Section held their own Turkey Trot event and a free entry attracted an excellent field of sixty players. The benign conditions led to very good scoring for many of the field and 38 points unusually did not get you into the top three. Thanks to the generosity of the Seniors Section, 22 players received prizes! In fifth place, on 38 points, losing on countback, was Mike Lill, beaten by Alan Williams, who took fourth slot. In third position, with 39 points, was Brian Say.
In runner-up position, safe in the knowledge that the Handicap Secretary had put his pen away for the season, was Roger Ashton, who often saves his best form for this time of year, with 40 points, but winning, after countback, was the returning to form, Chris Bryant.
As usual, this event is followed by the Seniors AGM. This was well attended and members voted for the qualification entry age to the Seniors Section at Mendip to be reduced to 55, in line with the county and many other clubs. The number of matches to be played next year and beyond was discussed, but the vote was to continue with the present number, although team size would be reduced to twelve players.
The new Seniors Captain was appointed and this was Geoff Mosley and his Vice-Captain for 2015 is to be David Pilbeam.