MINEHEAD Golf Club have hosted the Bickerton Bowl Scratch Open, one of the most prestigious competitions in the calendar. Played over 36 holes, the course was in superb condition as the 24 players teed off.

The overall winner was home golfer Will Paton (-2) who returned a gross 67 and gross 66 to record an aggregate score of 133 to win by three shots. His combined rounds included 14 birdies, a magnificent effort and worthy winner.

Second place with an aggregate gross 136 went to Jamie Short (-4) (Oake Manor) while Andrew Isaacs (-5) (Long Sutton) was third place on countback with an aggregate 137 ahead of Joshua Butterfield (-1) Weston-super-Mare).

The Bickerton Vase for the best nett score over 18 holes was won by Chris Webber (11) (Minehead) in decisive fashion with a nett 62, a round that included three birdies. Keegan Jones (12) (Minehead) came second with nett 67 while Howard Tippetts (14) Minehead) claimed third with nett 68.

Minehead Seniors began their week with a Greensomes competition which was won by Kevin Garner and Bob Arthington who mastered the conditions superbly to return an excellent nett 61 to triumph by 5.

Steve Woodbury and Malcolm Bruce were second with nett 66, while Steve Gay and Peter Chapple came third with nett 68 in a round which included an eagle 2 on the Par 4, 6th.

The Seniors played a midweek friendly match away at Ilfracombe which, unfortunately, resulted in a 7-1 defeat to the home side.

The final competition of the week was a 4BBB off white tees which turned out to be a high scoring contest, with only a six-point spread between all 14 teams.

The winners on countback with 45 points were Dave Ball and Richard Austwick, ahead of Karl Granger and Pete Heddercott., while third with 44 went to Andy Giles and John Burrow.