This has been a slightly turbulent year for Sidmouth Golf Club, writes John Barnard.

Earlier in the year, the club manager and club professional both chose to move on, but the establishment is now back to full complement, and, on Saturday, the new professional, Ross Troake, decided to hold his first Professional’s Day.

There was a packed start sheet as 100 golfers battled it out in teams of four. Two best scored to count on each hole with some nearest the pin prizes and a putting competition as well.

There were some great prizes including top of the range golf shoes, golf bags, shirts etc. In first place were regular prize winners Kevin Legg, Roy Turner, Eric McMath joined by Doug Jones with 87 points. In fact, the first three places all had 87 points but probably making all the difference, Kevin chipped in for a two on the par four eighteenth hole which also won him the nearest the pin prize.

In second place were Pop Banfield, Simon Knowles, Craig Melluish and Moray Bosence, ruing the missed putts which would have made all the difference.

The same was true for third place team club captain Ray Gunstone, vice captain Richard Powell, david Burgess and Mark Laird.

In fourth place were Trevor Kerridge, Bob Welsman, Colin Macklin and David Stone with 86 points. The first ladies team who won fifth place outright was Yvonne Anning, Sheila Faulkner, Marie Timms and Liz Chance.

Nearest the pin on the fifteenth was won by Chris Grubb. Sheila Faulkner won the nearest the pin for the ladies on the fourth hole.

A great day was had by all and the busy clubhouse enjoyed the presentation of prizes.