MINEHEAD & West Somerset Golf Club have held the annual Arnold Palmer Charity Classic Day, in aid of the local branch of the RNLI in their 200th year.

This is the biggest charity event of the year and is open to members and guests.

Winners of the mixed pairs competition Chris and Sue Garwood
Winners of the mixed pairs competition Chris and Sue Garwood (Tindle)

While the golf formed the centrepiece of the day, other activities included a putting competition won by Neil Mossman and a nearest the pin on the simulator won by Mark Matravers.

In addition, a raffle was held and, in the evening, a two-course steak or salmon meal was provided with live entertainment from the Minehead RNLI singing sea shanties.

Prizegiving followed together with an auction and the golden ticket draw which was won by Corrinne Rees who received a free 12-month subscription for 2025/26.

Nearly 150 members and guests took part, with the first tee off at 7.30 am and the last at 2 pm with the format a four ball betterball Stableford. The showers forecast did not materialize although the wind picked up as the day progressed with those playing later in the day feeling the brunt of the very strong gusts.

Men’s Pairs category and winner of the Arnold Palmer Charity Shield: 1st Nick Baker & Elliot Binding 49 points, 2nd Graham Hammond & Peter Young 47 points, 3rd Adam Farmer & Jason Abbott 47 points, 4th Glenn Ross & Neil Mossman 46 points, 5th Martin Hole & Richard Austwick 42 points.

Member/Guest category: 1st Richard Glenn & Alan Glenn 45 points, 2nd Josh Ruston & Connor Sibley-Adams 44 points, 3rd Paul Fulbrook & Ian Eidman 44 points.

Ladies Pairs category and winner of the Arnold Palmer Charity Rose Bowl: 1st Tricia Grinter & Jennifer James 41 points, 2nd Ruth Maclennan & Suzanne Boydell 41 points.

Mixed Pairs category: 1st Chris & Sue Garwood 46 points, 2nd Dave & Ruth Ball 43 points.

Non-Member / Non-Member category: 1st Peter Adams & Gareth Morgan 41 points.

Nearest the Pins/Targets: 4th Ruth Ball, 8th Paul Fullbrook, 10th Dan Bevens,14th Paul Skinner, 17th Richard Austwick, 18th Peter Young.

The Arnold Palmer Charity Shield was presented by Mr Steve Beswick, a past Captain of Minehead and West Somerset Golf Club and founder member of the Arnold Palmer event and one which has raised many thousands pounds for charities over the years. The club was delighted to welcome Steve and his wife Doreen as guests for the evening. The principal aim as always is to raise as much money as possible and this year was one of the best ever.

On behalf of Minehead & West Somerset Golf Club, Mr Beswick presented a cheque to Minehead RNLI for £8,264.64, a quite simply staggering effort with grateful thanks to all members and guests who gave so generously on the day.

All those responsible for the successful event were thanked.