MARTYN Cahill was the winner of the Christmas Open at Brean Golf Club over the holiday period.

MARTYN Cahill was the winner of the Christmas Open at Brean Golf Club over the holiday period.

The running Stableford was restricted to just three days play thanks to the snow, but when the course re-opened, a good sized entry resumed golfing activities.

Cahill’s winning round came on the final day as his card of 42 points left him one clear of the field. A mammoth 25 points on the back nine played a major part in his success.

Second placed Brian Read also compiled his best effort on the final morning, but it just left him one shy of Cahill’s total. Third place needed a countback to determine the outcome with Stewart Garrett just pipping Dave Bailey after they both scored 40 points.

The first silverware of 2011 was awarded on Sunday as the Monthly Medal was accompanied by the New Year and Deacon Trophy.

Steve Jones was a regular winner in 2010 and started the New Year off in the same fashion after a nett 65. This gave him the New Year’s Trophy for the best overall score as well as the Division 1 Medal ahead of Tony Higgins after his nett 70.

Roy Fletcher matched Jones’s score, but couldn’t beat his back nine score so had to settle for the Deacon Trophy for the best score in Division 2. John Doughty took the runners-up spot on 67.

Last year’s winner Nigel Ellis put up a good defence of his title as he won his Division, but his nett 67 wasn’t good enough to retain the cup. Captain-elect Dave Bradley maintained his recent good form by taking second with a nett 69.