THE Seniors at Minehead and West Somerset Golf Club encountered a bitter east wind for their first competition of the week, a 4BBB format on Monday. With players able to select their partners there was no surprise that several well-established and strong pairings did well.

Martin Hole and Bob Arthington won on the day with an excellent 40 points, followed two points behind by Chris Durman and Steve Woodbury on count back from Trevor Stephens and Dave Ball who both returned to the clubhouse with 38.

On Wednesday, an individual Stableford was played in thankfully improving conditions. In first place with 36 points on count back was Steve Gay with his long holiday clearly paying dividends! Second place went to Mark Watson on the same number of points while Paul Thompson took third position with 35 points.

On Friday there was a feel of Spring in the air, when round three of the Trafalgar Tankard was played. Scoring reflected the pleasant conditions that prevailed with an excellent 44 points from Dave Oatridge and Roger Green to win the round.

Martin Hole and Bob Arthington also dovetailed well together to come second with 41 points while 40 points secured third position for Pete Young and Doug Hayhoe.

Being a link course located by the coast, Minehead and West Somerset has been able to stage competitions where many others have had to cancel because of the wet weather. And unlike parkland courses, links courses have few trees and water hazards, making them unique in their layout and play style.

Meanwhile Oake Manor Golf Club, situated near Wellington, reported that January was their wettest month in 42 years. Only last July, they recorded the dryest month since the course was opened in 1993.