AS a prelude to Minehead Golf Club Open Week, the Brown Cup, first club major of 2024 was played on Sunday in spring like conditions. 

Although the overall scoring was not as low as expected, the highlight of the day was a stunning back nine of only 30 strokes from Archie Walsh (Handicap 0) helping him claim a narrow one shot win with a four under par 68.

Runner up with a nett 69 was Paul Fullbrook with Martyn Ketchen, Chris Garwood, Paul Skinner, Steve Gay and Neil Megarry all recording  70.

The delayed 2023 Luttrell Cup Final also took place on Sunday with the winner of the Men’s section Jason Abbott playing the Lady Captain and winner of the Ladies section, Sarah Hill.

Sarah played some excellent golf, notably her short game, to claim a 4and3 victory. 

Monday saw the commencement of Open Week, the first event being the Seniors 4BBB competition.

The rain was predicted to close in around 11.30am and true to form it did.

Consequently, two of the early starting pairs took full advantage with Martin Hole and Bob Arthington and Andy Giles and Willie Brown both achieving 42 points.

Willie Brown chipped in magnificently from 45 yards on the 18th for a two to claim four points.

The later starters had to contend with strong winds and horizontal rain making conditions extremely difficult which mitigated against anyone making a stern challenge. 

Congratulations must go to the winning pair of Andy Giles and Willie Brown (Minehead), ahead on countback from Martin Hole and Bob Arthington (Minehead). Third place with 41 points went to Tim Ackland and Denis Compton (Minehead).

On Friday the club played host to the Men’s Individual Stableford Open. With a large entry, weather conditions from the off were challenging as players were faced with a bitterly cold east wind driving the temperatures down. 

The early leaderboard showed two Minehead members, Doug Hayhoe and Chris Durman out in front with 38 points. They were joined subsequently by Viv Stephens and separated only by countback.

Chris Durman (Minehead) took first place, followed by Doug Hayhoe (Minehead) in second and Viv Stephens (Minehead) in third position.

A full entry for the Men’s 4BBB Open assembled on Saturday. The course remained predominantly dry for much of the day but with a sustained strong east wind blowing.

54 pairs teed off with Ellis Taylor and Archie Walsh (Minehead) setting the pace for much of the day with 44 points only to be beaten by Dave Hillier and Chris Durman (Minehead) who won with an excellent 47 points. Third place on countback with 44 points went to Danny Webber and Andrew Parkinson.

The Mixed Greensomes Open was played on Sunday in almost spring-like conditions. Yet another excellent entry for the final Open Competition saw a close result. 

In first place on countback with 41 points were Lady Captain Sarah Hill and her partner, Mick Bovingdon (Minehead). Second position was claimed by Emma and Mark Harris (Visiting Pair) while third place on countback with 40 points were Trish Grinter and Andrew Hill (Minehead). 

Once again Minehead and West Somerset Golf Club Open Week has proved a huge success with tremendous support from members and visitors alike. 

Many thanks must go to Glenn Ross, General Manager for organizing the event so efficiently, together with the greenkeepers and all volunteers. 

Probably the encouraging aspect of the week was the high proportion of visitors who have made Minehead almost an annual pilgrimage at this time of year, and who were again complimentary towards the cub and the course. They look forward to welcoming everyone back next year.