This week saw Sidmouth Golf Club celebrate its 125th anniversary, writes Charlie Jarvis.

With the course looking like it should be on the PGA tour a special mention must be made of the work done by all the green staff for presenting the course in such fantastic condition.

There were competitions throughout a special week in honour of the anniversary and to see the course in such pristine condition for the week was very special indeed.

The club’s seniors began the week off with the playing of the Seniors Open, sponsored by the senior’s section.

The competition was won by the three-ball of Peter Emery, John Townsend, and John Hicks with a score of 83 stableford points.

Mick Munro, Mike Teague, and Jerry Russell finished second with a score of 81 whilst the trio of Bob Welsman, Brian Leach, and Donald Cooper claimed third with 77.

The prize for being nearest the pin on the 12th hole was won by H Thompson.

On Wednesday the ladies hosted an Invitation Open which was won by Sheila Thomson and Mary Marchant with 55 points.

Liz Chance and Shirley Horsborough were the runners-up with 50 points.

On Friday, the Men’s Open, sponsored by the Upper Crust Bakery, was won with a 10-under par total of 56 by Neil Holland, Jonathan Lee, and Steve Channing, following a tactical substitution by manager Jonathan!

Stuart George Coles, Chris Roberts, and Neil Bunting finished second one shot behind with Michael Knight, Paul Hitchcock, and Nick Baker a further shot back in third place.

John Jones won the nearest the pin on the 12th hole.

On Saturday the club hosted a celebration competition for all the members. The competition, sponsored by the Rising Sun in Sidford, was won by Phil Spencer and Mike Davis with 46 stableford points with Small Boy and James Spiller in second place with 45 points ahead on a countback from club captain and Neil Holland.

The ladies prize went to Linda Reynolds and Sue Billinghurst with 44 points, three clear of Liz Chance and Jacqui Jones.

Liz Chance won the nearest the pin on the sixth for the ladies, with Phil Spencer winning the men’s prize.

One of the entrants, former club professional John Slinger was presented with the waterproof trousers won by Colin Macklin on Professional’s Day in 1984 in the hope that they were still under warranty as they were no longer waterproof!

During the evening there was entertainment, sponsored by Power Plus Electrix, from former Golf Trick Shot Show World Champion Paul Barrington who wowed the watching crowd with his ability to hit a golf ball incredible distances in various situations with a series of different clubs.

The evening was rounded off with a little refreshment in the clubhouse with live music from The (Original) Velvet Touch.