Minehead and West Somerset Golf Club celebrated its Open Week starting on Monday 6th March. Five events were programmed, which meant that the Seniors were only scheduled to play an ‘in-house’ Stableford on Wednesday, that unfortunately, the snow managed to curtail.

Monday started Open Week with the Seniors Open 4BBB. A large field comprising 62 pairs began to tee off at 8am with the final pairings going out at 1pm.

Conditions gradually deteriorated throughout the day, changing from occasional squalls to more continuous rain and wind. Despite the conditions, the winning pairs both managed an excellent score of 46 points. C Gardiner and S Furseland (Cannington GC) took first place on count back from second placed J Price and N Jackson (Oake Manor GC). In third place was Dorrien Bickerstaff (Minehead GC) and guest P Cullen with 44 on count back.

The Ladies’ Open scheduled to be played on the Thursday was reluctantly cancelled due to prevailing weather conditions.

The Men’s Open Stableford was played on the Friday in completely contrasting conditions which proved difficult for many.

It didn’t seem to affect Robin Howe who plays off a handicap of 37, who was the clear winner with 44 points. Second place was taken by Paul Fulbrook (9) with 39points while Scott Harris ( 9),(Bromsgrove Golf Centre) claimed third place on count back with 38.

Another full entry for the Mens Open 4BBB played on Saturday in ever changing conditions, with the wind swinging to south east and the rain setting in at around 1pm, which meant the early starters appeared to have an advantage.

Setting the early pace in the Clubhouse with 43 points were Dave Oatridge and Roger Green, however that score was surpassed as Richard Glenn (Minehead) and A Glenn (Malden GC) posted the winning score of 45 on count back. In second place were Andrew Hill (Minehead) and M Rowe (Nottingham GC) just ahead of Glenn and Daniel Ross (Minehead) with 44 in third place.

Rounding off Open Week was the Mixed Open Greensomes played on Sunday in what turned out to be the most favourable weather conditions of the week.

Twenty-four pairs contributed to an excellent competition played in a more relaxed spirit. Nevertheless, with a keen eye on a winning score, Paul and Corrinne Rees took the honours on countback with 40 points just ahead of second placed Jennifer James and Martin Wombwell. Third place with 39 points were P and G Richards (Taunton and Pickerage GC).

Despite the challenging conditions winter golf always produces, apart from the cancellation of the Ladies Open, ‘The Week’ proved to be a huge success with two events completely full while the remainder were almost so. It was also particularly encouraging to welcome many visitors to the club.

A good number of the visiting players commented on the excellent condition of the course, particularly the greens, which again reflects the hard work and dedication of the Minehead and West Somerset Golf Club greenkeeping staff.

Many congratulations to all the winners and to all those taking part and completing their rounds, often in very difficult conditions.