THE wet weather at the start of the week led to a shortened round for the seniors at Wedmore, who cut their course for their better ball competition to avoid the slippery slopes on the back nine.

THE wet weather at the start of the week led to a shortened round for the seniors at Wedmore, who cut their course for their better ball competition to avoid the slippery slopes on the back nine.

This was a good decision for club director Andrew Edwards who, in partnership with John Cutter, had his best result in some while to win with 35 points over 14 holes.

It was a close run thing though, as only countback kept them ahead of Keith Thomas and Derek Osborn with Chris Scott and Michael Blandford a further point away in third place.

By Thursday for the ladies’ competition the rain had turned to a hard frost which meant play was back on the winter greens. This was a shame as this was due to be the first qualifying competition of the year. The frozen conditions did not make for easy scoring and only Deidre Wheadon played under her handicap.

Her 37 points won bronze division ahead of Val Webber on 35 points and Nan Watt on 34. The lower handicappers in silver division found scoring even harder, though Rachel Lockley had an excellent 35 points to take first place ahead of Ronnie Follenfant (34) and Liz Hill (32).

The hard frosts and winter greens were still in place for the January Medal. The shorter course always means someone comes in with an exceptional score and this week Perry Snelgrove recorded a seven under par 63 to win Division 3.

John Cutter had a good 66 to take second with D Craddock third on 70. There was a close finish in Division 1 with Paul Plume (66) edging out Danny Guyatt on countback, with Nick Parker a shot back in third.

Scores were not quite so hot in Division 2 with David Coggan’s one under par 69 leading the way, one shot ahead of Brian Webber, who pipped Martin Wilyman on countback.

? CHRIS Fairchild mastered the frosty conditions as he won the Boycie Trophy over Burnham and Berrow’s Channel Course.

With the annual car rally taking place at the Leisure Park, two away trips were organised for the members over the weekend. Saturday saw nearly 30 visit their near neighbours to contest a Stableford event over 18 holes.

Fairchild, who has been in good form of late, returned an excellent card of 37 points which saw him take first place by a single point. Three players all handed in 36 points and a countback was required to decide the other prizewinners.

Professional David Haines came out on top on the back nine ahead of Roy Baker with Steve Foy ending up fourth.

The following day almost 50 members travelled to Oake Manor to contest the Car Rally Trophy. This sees all the players return a Stableford card and then the pairs are drawn following the completion of play in the clubhouse.

This year’s winners were Paul Jones and Dave Bradley, who combined to score 73 points. Thanks go to both Mike Sutton and Dave Lockwood for their hard work in the organisation and making these two events possible over the two days.

The only Brean action took place earlier in the week when the seniors’ Stableford was held. Some inspired putting saw Mike Allen emerge as the winner on 39 points ahead of George Thomas on 37. Third place went to Geoff Seaman. Thomas topped up his prize winnings as he recorded the only two of the day.

David Haines is closing in on second place in the Gloucester and Somerset PGA Order of Merit as they reach the midway point of their season.

He finished in fourth place around the Old Course at Minchinhampton this week after a level par 71 and is now just two points away from second position.

It was not such a good day for his colleague Andrew March, who finished well down the field but remains inside the top 10.

? WESTON seniors recently took up their annual five-club challenge in which they tackle 18 holes with only five clubs, including a putter.

Every year they are surprised by how good the scoring was, despite the limited number of clubs and this year was no exception with the winner, Peter Sedley-Jones, scoring a creditable 41 points.

Scores: Peter Sedley-Jones 41; David Bates 38; Ken Marshall 38; Rick Fowler 38; Jim Blackhurst 37; Mo Sweeney 36; Frank Burns 36; Dave Farmer 36.

? THE January Stableford at Worlebury was a free event put on by the committee in thanks to the members’ support and understanding during the continued course works.

The weather conditions were not great as the course was still a bit hard from the previous frost and bounces were unpredictable.

Dave Hallet would have been second in Division 2 with 41 points, but for a slight aberration in managing to hit his own trolley with his ball and incurring a two shot penalty for his troubles.

Division 1: Kevin Pearson 43; Bill Stow 40; Mike Holley 40. Division 2: Andrew Morgan 43; Mark Lyons 40; Dave Hallet 39. Division 3: Colin Dale 39; Roland Dibble 39; Kenny Yam 38.

The Roy Connett Salver competition postponed prior to Christmas has been re-arranged for Saturday. This is for all pairs who managed to beat the captain and professional in the previous year’s charity fixtures.

The AGM is also scheduled for this Saturday at 7:30pm. Incoming club captain Jim Sutherland will hit his inaugural drive when taking up his new appointment on Sunday at 8.45pm, followed by the competition of the day.