In the past week Honiton GC members have learned of the sudden passing of ex-club captain Andy Sharland, writes John Pawley.

His smile and encouragement for all will be greatly missed. On the course the seniors vice captain Mike Sennitt joined the elite group of hole-in-one members when he sunk his approach to the second hole at Fridays Open.

Early in the week the Mixed Open Greensomes was won by Locals Ron Graham and Sarah Loader out of the 134 mixed pairs from all over.

Ross Latcham/Cathy Uttley were second with Bob Barnes/Daphne Moray third. The Seniors return match versus Exeter proved successful for Alan Pollock’s men, and they retain the Stan Parker trophy with a seven-and-a-half to four-and-a-half score line.

Vicki Rogers, Linda McLaughlin, Barry Rogers and Phil Wall with 86 pts won the better ball mixed competition which had 28 starters. Stephani Barnes, Rosemary Whiteley, Bob Barnes and Terry Linsdell came next with 84 pts.

The second Honiton ladies Open of the year was well supported and in good weather. Eventual winners were Portmore (76) with Came Down next (72) followed by a Okehampton/Honiton team including Liz Wood (71) then another mixed Honiton/East Devon, team including Henrietta Bradshaw. The all-home team category went to Di Wall, Joan Smith and Ann Trayling with (74)

The Seniors Open last Friday had 156 players from clubs near and far, with the organisation and course presentation being praised by all. The overall winners came from Long Sutton with a great score of 59.7 followed by teams from Weymouth, Holsworthy, Tavistock and Sidmouth in the Away category. Best Honiton team was Peter Clarke, Dave Lavender and Phil Wall (62.3) followed by Jim Wallis, Tony Williams and Dave Crabb (63.1). Stan Squire, Mike Watts and John Pawley were third (64.7) with Alan Pollock, Bob Underwood and Rob Sexton fourth (64.8).