Nine former senior captains competed in the annual Walking Stick Trophy at Sidmouth Golf club, writes Douglas Goodall.

The weather forecast predicted a very wet day, but it turned out to be dry with a strong southerly wind which was a stiff test for the veterans

Barry Jones, who is recovering from surgery, saw all the players off from the first tee. Bob Cook had a poor start with only one point from the first two holes, but after that he got his game together and went on to win with 39 points. An excellent finish of four, four, four certainly helped his cause

John Hicks played the first nine holes well given the testing conditions. He had 20 points at the halfway mark. In the end he had 38 points which made him a close runner up

When the last four-ball eventually finished and came into the clubhouse, the past senior captains were joined by their wives and those past captains who are no longer able to play and everyone sat down for an excellent lunch provided by Kerry and Wayne

After the meal the present senior captain, Doug Goodall, introduced each past captain outlining the years in which they held office. The most senior was Les Harlow who has recently celebrated 70 years of marriage to Mary – a platinum wedding anniversary!

Bob Cook’s name will be added to the Walking Stick and since the competition began it has never been won by the same person twice!