PETE Barton secured the Seniors Club Championship for the first time in a tense playoff with defending Champion Leighton Jenkins last Thursday at Brean Golf Club.

Barton held a three stroke advantage over Jenkins as they moved into the second day of competition and he remained the front runner well into the back nine and at points held a 5 stroke lead.

A chip in birdie from Jenkins at the 17th against Barton's sand save par saw the duo level as they played the par 5 18th. With a sizeable crowd gathered on the terrace of the Country Club both players made par for 155 totals and the Championship went into extra time for the first time ever.  

It was a three hole playoff and first blood went to Jenkins as he attempted to complete a hat trick of Seniors titles.

His par four at the first to Barton's bogey five, after he missed the green from a tricky spot in the right rough, gave him the advantage with two to play. Both made bogey fives at the tough par 4 third and again headed back to the 18th tee, the final hole of the playoff.

Jenkins laid up short of the ditch in the fairway whilst Barton pulled his driver out and proceeded to clear the ditch which brought the par 5 green into range in two for him.

Jenkins continued down the fairway but the slight headwind left him a little further back that he would have liked. Barton's second shot ended just off the front right of the green and when Jenkins also came up short with his third it would be all down to the short game.

Jenkins chipped up but not stone dead and then Barton produced a delightful chip, when many might have putted, to just a few inches from the hole to secure his birdie. When Jenkins putt it stayed above ground it meant Barton was the Champion.

It took a short while for it to register with the new Champion though as he was ready to head off to the next hole!

Another soggy start greeted the golfers arriving for the 2023 Captains Charity Day at Brean.

It almost seems like the norm for a weekend in 2023 to see the wet stuff falling, however the 14 teams battled on through it to support the Captain's Charity for the year, Macmillan Cancer Support.

Leading the way at the end of play was a trio of Hollyhead's and a Hubbard after winning a back nine countback.

Chris Hubbard joined forces with Brian and his two sons Kevin and Daniel to record the winning score of 103pts and secure 1st place.

Following the Presentations, Club Captain Gordy Wheelgahan thanked everyone for taking part and making the day a great success.

He acknowledged the support of Brean Leisure Park which was gratefully received for the whole event and he made special mention to his better half Sally as ably assisted by Sheila Fairchild they raised just under £350 from the raffle.

The event concluded with an Auction of various items by PGA Professional Andrew March and this added a considerable sum to the day's coffers, seeing £2000 added to the season's ongoing total.