To say golfers have been chomping at the bit to get back on the golf course is pretty much an understatement.
On Monday, March 29, all tee-times at Sidmouth had been taken with over 140 entrants taking part in the first qualifier of the season, the Monday Stableford, again generously sponsored by the Upper Crust Bakery.
Ignoring the obvious, that three months lay-off might have caused their golf game to go a bit rusty, they drove and chipped and hacked their way round, happy just to be outside in the sunshine doing what they love and had been missing these long months past.
Quite a few even posted some decent scores and it was Steve Milton who won the competition with an excellent 40 points. Not bad from a standing start! In second spot was Adam Lloyd on 39 with Iain Roberts taking third with 38.
On Friday, the Sidmouth Jewellers sponsored Stableford qualifier saw past Challenge Cup winner, John Dunn, showing he still had it, posting a winning score of 38 points. Not far behind him in second place was Simon Moore on 37, with Steve Harper-Smith taking third with a more modest 34.
The official start of Sidmouth's golfing season usually begins with the Captain's Drive in, which took place over the weekend.
The Captains' Scramble took place on Saturday with another full field, this time of 40 teams of four playing the Texas format. Rising to the top and claiming the prestigious first prize were a full complement of past Challenge Cup winners, James Spiller, David Bater, Neil Holland and Duncan Taylor, posting a high-class score of 49.8.
The second team was not far behind on 50.2, consisting of Nick Gingell, Charlie Miles, Marc Jenkins and Matt Cooke.
Andrew Dean, Andy Truscott, Andy Griffiths and ....no not Andy, but Wilf Hudson came third with 50.5.
Top ladies’ team on 56.2 were Diane Hoyden, Penny Anderson, Gill Walker and Sas Huntwood, whilst Maria Clapp, Angela Coles, Mandy Furniss and Andrea Milton posted 56.5 to take the runners up prize.
Well done to all competitors who turned out in the cold weather and a big thank you from Club Captain, Jonathan Lee, to everyone, who helped to raise over £800 for his chosen charity this year, the Sidmouth Hospice.
In addition, because current Covid regulations preclude the normal awards evening, 2020 Captain Lester Wilmington presented the club trophies al fresco throughout Saturday from the putting green, as recipients presented themselves prior to or after playing the Captain's Scramble.
Sunday saw the official Drive-in of club Captains - Jonathan Lee for the men and Mo Kendall for the ladies - who aquitted themselves well with hardly a hint of a shank.
Outgoing captains, Lester Wilmington and Penny Lyne putted out to finish their year, which turned out to be one of the toughest ever.
The Club thanks them sincerely for all their efforts and hard work and, despite the many trials they faced throughout this past 12 months, there were many highlights throughout the year, not least overseeing yet another excellent year of success with the Academy golfers. We wish them a restful year and good golfing.
2020 Knockout Trophy winners
Challenge Cup: Winner James Spiller, r/u Adrian Priest
Challenge Plate: Winner Simon Moore, r/u Richard Powell
Hall Trophy (Scratch): Winner John Jones, r/u James Spiller
Burgoyne Cup: Winner Mike Davis, r/u Dave Richards
Matchplay: Winner Ben Gibbs, r/u Moray Bosence
Seniors Cup: Winner Pat McCormack, r/u Richard Powell
Margot Beauchamp Memorial Trophy: John Jones, r/u Mike Shepherd
Greenwood Trophy (Mixed Pairs): Winners Angela Coles and Stuart Coles, r/u Andrew Thompson and Sheila Thompson
Final action of the weekend was the Upper Crust Bakery stableford on Monday. Taking first place on countback with 40 points was young Archie Griffith's, showing youthful stamina on the back nine. Not so young Terry Jones and John Cowanalso with 40 apiece in second and third. The really Senior winners were, in first place, Bob Reynolds also with 40, beating John Cowan, Steve Kerrigan 36 and Paul Renken 35 into the minor places.


Sidmouth Herald: Lester Wilmington with the Scratch cup won by Harry TinknellLester Wilmington with the Scratch cup won by Harry Tinknell (Image: Sidmouth GC)

Sidmouth Herald: The Captain drives inThe Captain drives in (Image: Sidmouth GC)

Sidmouth Herald: Past Captains Putt Out of OfficePast Captains Putt Out of Office (Image: Sidmouth GC)

Sidmouth Herald: Presentation Table featuring club secretary Tim Aggett and Lester WilmingtonPresentation Table featuring club secretary Tim Aggett and Lester Wilmington (Image: Sidmouth GC)

Sidmouth Herald: Challenge Cup winner James Spiller receiving the trophy from outgoing captain Lester WilmingtonChallenge Cup winner James Spiller receiving the trophy from outgoing captain Lester Wilmington (Image: Sidmouth GC)