ONE of the featured highlights of the Minehead and West Somerset Golf Club calendar is the Arnold Palmer Charity Classic which was established some 30 years ago by Steve Beswick and his wife Doreen who made a welcome appearance on the day.

The ethos of this event was always for a member to invite a guest and, as in all years past, the club was delighted to welcome many visitors and guests who had travelled from all over England to participate in what is not just a golf competition but a fun event where all monies are donated to a nominated charity, which this year was the St Margaret’s Hospice.

Spot prizes and fun events included a splashdown challenge which was won by Ros Wills (Oake Manor GC).

Who could hit the straightest drives on the ninth was won by Paddy Maclennan and the 17th it was won by Jennifer James. At the half-way house there was a target challenge together with the nearest the pin on all par 3 holes and a putting competition which ran throughout the day. There was also a raffle.

Once the golf concluded, a curry meal was served followed by an auction. Many thanks to all the clubs and individuals who kindly donated very worthwhile prizes and sponsored the individual holes.

The golf itself comprised a 4BBB pairs Stableford which saw 76 pairs participating in five categories.

Conditions on the course were favourable and as expected there were some excellent scores returned. The winners of the Arnold Palmer Shield on countback with a superb 50 points were Ian Gover (Minehead GC) and Iain Robertson (Taunton & Pickeridge GC). The shield was presented jointly by the club captain Doug Hayhoe and the ladies’ captain Pat Lucas. In second place with 50 points were Paul Rees (Minehead GC) and Mattthew Rees (Mid Herts GC), while Chris Webber (Minehead GC) and Darren Buller were third on countback with 48.

However, despite some excellent performances, the round of the day went to Will Paton (-2.7) (Minehead GC) and Archie Walsh (-2.3) (Minehead GC) who between them scored 12 birdies and an eagle on the par 5, 11th hole on their way to achieving a gross 58 (14 below par) equating to a Sstableford score of 47 points - a quite magnificent and unmatched achievement on the day.

The Arnold Palmer Rose Bowl Trophy played for by lady members of the club was won by Emma Harris and Deano Carlin with an excellent 48 points. Other prize winners were: The Arnold Palmer Mixed Bowl, Hazel and Nigel Binding (48 points); Mixed Pairs Catherine and Richard Binding (48 points); Men’s Pairs, Hanu Maki and Tom Baker (49 points) and Lady Member/Guest, Annette O’Hare and Judy Smale (44 points).

This event requires considerable organization and grateful thanks go to the club manager Glenn Ross and his team who devoted their time to ensure the day was an overwhelming success. Grateful thanks also gp to the prize sponsors, in particular John Bickerton (Bix) and Jordan (Pro shop). Many thanks also to the many volunteers who assisted Glenn and helped the day run smoothly and to Jon Pattison for the clubhouse entertainment.

In what proved to be a very successful day, a magnificent total of £7,400 was raised and will be presented to St Margaret’s Hospice.