MANY congratulations goto Minehead and West Somerset Golf Club member Martin Hole who achieved a hole in one on the 248 yard par 4, first hole.

This was the second time in his golfing career that Martin had achieved this feat and in time honoured tradition, he celebrated the event in the clubhouse which was much appreciated by everyone, though not his wallet!

A biting east wind and a flock of Curlew at the water’s edge heralded the onset of winter on Friday of last week as the Seniors played an individual white, yellow and red Stableford. Conditions called for an extra layer to be worn by the participants and meant that scoring on the front nine proved very difficult indeed.

Despite these additional challenges Malcolm Bruce managed to overcome such issues with aplomb, scoring an excellent 35 points, winning outright, thus registering his first trip to the podium in over two years. It was a very welcome and long overdue return to form. 

Steve Gay continued his fine run, particularly on the back nine, taking second place with 34 points while Pat Jones was third, one point adrift with 33.

Minehead Seniors started the week with a ‘3 clubs and a putter’ strokeplay competition. The ability to avoid bunkers proved crucial particularly having regard to the format and club selection. 

Theree were no such problems for Martin Hole who continued his run of success and won with a nett 72 while Bob Arthington took second place on countback with a 75, just pipping Steve Gay who ended in third position.

On Wednesday, a 6/1, 6/2 and 6/3 competition was played. Another full entry took part in excellent weather so no blame was attached to the conditions in terms of golfing performance. 

At the end of what turned out to be a very close competition, the winners with 68 points were Martin Hole, Mark Watson and Pete Heddercott. In second place on count back with 67 points were Andy Giles, Neville Parsons and John Perkins. Graham Smith, Roger Green and Paul Thompson took third position.

Friday was the much anticipated first round of the Trafalgar Tankard Trophy. This 4BBB pairs competition extends throughout the winter where the best four aggregate scores out of six rounds take the trophy. 

Eighteen pairs took to the starting line in the perfect weather conditions. At the end of another keenly contested round three pairs shared first place with 42 points. However, after countback, the winners were Steve Woodbury and Martyn Westbury, just ahead of second placed Steve Gay and Rob Poirrier with third position going to Trevor Stephens and Dave Ball.