Saturday saw a new competition at Sidmouth Golf Club, sponsored by Nothcott Brothers Funeral Directors for the first time, writes John Barnard.

The format was two man teams (played as a fourball), with six holes played as a texas scramble, six holes as a better ball except the par threes where both scores had to count and the final six holes played as foursomes. The scorecards were going to need some scrutiny on completion as this was an unusual but exciting format getting steadily more difficult each six holes.

Understanding and playing it well were Simon Savage (one of the sponsors) and Stuart Cole. Out early and not scoring well on the front nine with only 17 points, but over the last nine holes, they rattled up 29 points to win on countback with 46 points, from club captain John Barnard and Mick (‘Arry) Baden.

They started really well. John chipped in from seventy yards for a two on the first and then birdied the seventh for a steady front nine of 23 points.

All was going well until they didn’t score on either the thirteenth or seventeenth hole which cost them the win as they ended up also with 46 points.

Playing with the captain and ‘Arry were chair of competitions Lester Willmington and his son, Rob. Always just scoring a bit less than their partners, they missed a tiny putt on the thirteenth, but finished strongly with 45 points. If the putt had been holed, they would have pinched second place. As they left the course, Lester said ‘these cards are not going to be in the prizes’. Captain and ‘Arry though differently and so it proved.

Weather wise, it was one of the best days of the year and an exciting format so let’s hope it will be played again. If the sponsor keeps winning, then it’s quite likely!