LAST weekend saw the changing of the guard at Minehead & West Somerset Golf Club as the tenure of the men’s, ladies and seniors captaincies drew to a close.

Grateful thanks go to Martin Hole (men’s captain), Ginnette Bowyer (ladies captain) and Bob Arthington (seniors captain) for all their efforts and hard work over the last twelve months.

Sunday witnessed the Captains Drive In, to welcome in two of the new captains, Pat Lucas and Chris Durman, in front of an excellent turn out for the occasion.

A shotgun Bowmaker medal competition followed the Drive In event, with eighteen teams participating. The winners with 138 points were Brian Hamblin, Steve Gay and Stuart Bailey. In second place on countback with 141 points were Simon Rudd, Dave Singleton and Dan Sefton, ahead of Ginnette Bowyer, Jenny Elliott and Pat Lucas.

On Monday, Minehead Seniors played a Stableford off the white tees. In near spring-like conditions and a perceptible run on the fairways, scores are now beginning to improve. In first place, Paul Thompson was the decisive winner with 43 points, ahead of Bob Arthington with 40, while third place went to Malcome Bruce with 38.

In what was the warmest day of the year with virtually no breeze, the Seniors played a medal (Yellow tees) on Wednesday. Conditions favoured the lower handicap players which was reflected in the scoring. In first place on count back with a nett 70 (-2) was Steve Gay with Martin Hole taking second place. Rob Poirrier came third on countback with a nett 71 (-1) ahead of Dave Oatridge in fourth.

On the same day, Minehead Seniors played a home friendly match against Oake Manor GC. Always an enjoyable occasion between these two clubs with a chance to renew long standing friendships. Played in the usual excellent spirit, Minehead managed a 4.5/1.5 victory.

Strong winds played havoc on Friday where a full entry participated in a Stableford competition (white tees). Many congratulations to Trevor Stephens on achieving 34 points to record the win. Three players scored 32 points, the positions on count back resulted in Edward Frewin second, Bob Arthington third and John Burrow fourth.

The week concluded with a Mens’ match against Tiverton GC on Saturday. In a closely fought contest, where six of the eight matches were decided on the final hole, the result was a five all draw with the return date set for July 19.

Meanwhile, Minehead ladies section saw the first Medal (stroke play) competition of the year being played. This counts for handicap.

First was new captain Pat Lucas with an impressive score of nett 64 playing nine under her handicap. This included a two (an eagle) on the par four sixth hole. Second was Emma Harris with a nett 70, also playing under her handicap.

This coming week sees the start of the match season for the ladies section with an annual three-way match against the Tiverton club and Taunton & Pickeridge Club.

*The weather has certainly improved over the past couple of weeks although the winds have continued - and the nights can be cold.

But after all the bad weather of earlier in the year, it is nice for players to be able to play the local course - and enjoy it at the same time!