The golfing season for the Sidmouth seniors roared into action in March of this year with their opening competition, which took place on a course under assault from biting winds and snow showers, writes Charles Oram.

On Monday, the seniors held their closing competition in very different weather conditions. It was mild, misty and still, with the players sprinkled from time to time by a fine mizzle.

The format this week was American foursomes, which is a stableford competition played in teams of two, but with a twist. The rules are so convoluted that each pairing had a print-out attached to their scorecard, explaining the finer points.

Although the weather was very different from the wintry conditions in March, some things do not change. Tony Willson was part of the winning team in the opening competition; and he again came first on Monday, with his playing partner Jerry Dewhirst. They were well ahead with 44 points. Paul Blay was a member of the second-placed team in March and he appeared in the same spot again this week, as he and Brian Alabaster were the runners-up with 42 points. In third place this time were Peter Spooner and Colston Herbert on 40 points.

To mark the end of the season, a dinner was held in the clubhouse in the evening. Seniors’ captain, Doug Goodall, presented the prizes for the day’s competition and awarded Les Pratt a new putter for his triumph in the putting competition held earlier in the year. Rod Wallace was announced as the winner of the prize for the best overall performance in the Monday stableford’s over the season.

The captain gave his end-of-term review in an entertaining speech, in which he highlighted some of the senior moments which had afflicted his players. I hope that’s everything.

Unfortunately, the captain forgot to email me his report this week!