thirty seven ladies took to the golf course at Sidmouth to play for the Dodd Salver, writes Alison Cook.

The salver was presented to the club in 1978 by Mr H Dodd, in memory of his wife Clarice, and is one of the most prized and valuable trophies for which the ladies play each year. Appropriately, the playing format is a demanding one and a good score is well-earned by the winner.

Playing conditions were tricky and the ball frequently had a mind of its own, being especially reluctant to go down the hole on the greens. For the winner and for the runner up, however, this posed few problems, since Gill Paddon came in with a net 67 and Dee Bridgewater with 68. Both ladies had a handicap cut as an additional reward for their efforts.

Gill was also winner of Division two of the medal round, played alongside the salver,with Sheila Thomson and Penny Ashby winning Divisions one and three, respectively. The putting competition was won by Penny Lyne with 26 putts and Julie Lye had the only two of the day.

?This week also saw a strong field of 31 players taking to the course for a County Prize in which players are pitting their wits and skills against the course. The aim is to finish with a net score which equals, or, ideally, is better than, the course par of 69.

This week’s winner, Sheila Thomson, did it in style and came in with +4 , significantly better than the course par, and her handicap will be cut by one. In second place was Marie Timms with +1. Third place went to Liz Chance and Linda Reynolds achieved the only two.

Hopefully, the same conditions will hold for next week’s medal competition.