The Aylmer Cup was the prize at Sidmouth Golf Club on Saturday, writes John Barnard.

The last medal of the year and it is becoming noticeable that as we move further into the Autumn, the golf ball stops flying as far so the course plays longer.

Also, the greens staff have done some essential major work on the greens but for a week or so, they are a bit bumpy and not as true as usual.

It was therefore remarkable scoring achieved by the leaders. Dan Churchill managed a nett 58, the lowest nett medal round of the year.

Nine pars and a birdie off his mid(now lower!) handicap was great play and he won by three shots from Andrew Dean.

Andrew had a mixed start but on his back nine, four pars and two birdies shot him up the leader board.

It was the day that the higher handicappers ruled. Steve Channing came in with a nett 62, his best round for some time. He was playing really steadily all the way but bogies over the last four holes kept him in third place but was enough to give him third place on countback.

Alex Duckworth must be very disappointed. A nett 62, with a birdie and lots of pars, his round of the year and he didn’t even get into the prizes.

It all goes to show that even if the course is not in perfect condition, it is quite possible to play and score well, if you have the right attitude and didn’t get caught in the afternoon downpour.