Sidmouth seniors saw the return of the annual three-clubs and a putter competition, writes Charles Oram.

This year the event was renamed ‘3 clubs, a putter, rainproof outerwear, a hand-warmer and an umbrella’ competition, since the weather was dreadful!

Many of us these days carry at least three wedges, apart from a panoply of irons, utility clubs and woods. So to be restricted to three clubs is like asking Usain Bolt to run in wellington boots!

Since this was a team competition, groups of three players drawn randomly, it was as if the local running club had organised a three-legged race. The best two stableford scores for each team counted on each hole.

In first place came David Bromage, Bob Cook and Paul Blay with a weather-defying 79 points.

Blay is certainly a man in form since he was part of the second-placed team in last month’s competition.

In second place were Les Pratt, Colston Herbert and Rob Owen on 74 points. Third slot was taken by Dennis Gilson, Howard Cushing and Vernon Ruffle on 73 points.

Rory McIlroy has famously struggled this year with his new clubs for which he is being paid £76 million in sponsorship.

Ruffle has had no such problems with his new set, and, since acquiring them has won some useful prize money.

Brian LeMasurier took the prize for the nearest the 18th pin in two shots. He must have excellent eyesight, for many of us were unable to see the flag through the rain until we were within putting distance!