And the prize for the most questionable prize in the Sidmouth Seniors’ calendar goes to ............the putter to be presented to the winner of the annual Putting competition that was held last week, writes Charles Oram.

If you have just demonstrated that you are the best in your field, why would you want to change your equipment?

If anyone is in doubt ask Rory McIlroy!

In terms of utility, the putter prize probably ranks with the Blankety-Blank chequebook and pen, and the Countdown teapot!

But it is the honour that counts, after all.

It was no surprise that the event was won by Les Pratt, who took only 28 putts in his round. Many congratulations to him. Chris Grubb had the same number of putts, but was beaten on a count back.

Pratt is a regular winner of nearest-the-pin prizes. (Perhaps we should call him ‘Laser Les’!).

However, on this occasion he kindly left the field clear for Mike Anderson to win the bottle of wine for the most accurate tee shot on the 12th hole - and for Colin Mitchell to secure a similar prize for his approach shot to the 18th green.

The putting competition was combined with a stroke-play contest - and the latter was won by former club captain and president, Chris Timms, with an impressive net 63, playing off a handicap of 12. Timms has recently joined the ranks of the seniors and is certainly making his mark. In second place came another 12 handicapper, John Game, who edged Chris Grubb into third place on a count back (again!). Timms and Game both had a stroke shaved from their handicaps as a result of their performances.

There were prizes galore on offer; and Chris Grubb, Geoff Lory, John Hicks and Tony Willson acquired some brand new golf balls for each scoring a birdie on the par threes.

A good time was had by all - and the 51 golfers in the field were greatly relieved that the forecast rain failed to appear.