Friday, October 11, was just a beautiful day for a round of golf. The autumn sunshine compensated for the slight chill and the healthy breeze, luring 14 chickens from their coop to seek corn on the links - thus doubling the previous week's attendance.

This week, Chief Trotter Mickey Johnston himself was in attendance, collecting fees and cards while supporting Scotland's finest industry. His secretary Steve Cole merely had to sort out the scores, allocate prizes, record the results and prepare next week's cards - seemples!

Having remarked on the fine conditions, I should point out that the low October sun makes seeing the ball in flight quite difficult, and even more awkward, causes long shadows on the greens, which can distract players while they are putting. Having mentioned 'The Shadows' to my playing partners, Bart Youll, Steve Cole and Bill Beynon, it was touching to see them revert to being teenagers and perform a passable rendering of 'Apache' on the 11th tee! - Fans can purchase copies of their photograph from the Observer office.

Which reminds me - welcome back to Neil Dickinson, who enjoyed his first round of golf for some time with his partner Meurig Jones (not 'partner' you understand -playing partner! )

Back in the clubhouse after a very enjoyable 15 holes, Steve announced the following results to a spellbound flock:

In first place with 27 points, winning £1.50 and lowering his trotter handicap by five strokes for two weeks - John Hall.

In second place, also with 27 points, but an inferior back six holes, winning £1 and suffering a three-stroke cut - Mike Fox.

In third place with 24 points, winning 50p and losing one stroke, the always consistent Ken Gouldsbrough.

The Booby prize, embarrassingly awarded to the lowest score of the morning, was bravely accepted by Derek Bath - along with a 30p consolation prize and a generous handicap increase of two strokes.

Each of the 14 players had two opportunities to score a two - sadly none was successful.

There are two statistical attendance prediction possibilities for next today (Friday): 1. attendance doubles again, giving a field of 28. 2. attendance increases by seven again, giving a field of 21 - either will be fine.

See you there!

M.F.

Sunshine Seniors

What a glorious day for a game of golf on our delightful seaside links - the 32 seniors who turned out for the second eclectic of the winter season on Tuesday couldn't believe their luck! We enjoyed wall-to-wall sunshine, temperatures in the 20s and just enough breeze to make shot-making interesting.

The field continues to grow; this week we welcomed Geoffrey Aston and David Lamb back to the Tuesday morning mob - no better way to recuperate than a stroll in the fresh air punctuated by the odd golf shot, eh chaps? Sadly, Derek 'Bubbles' Bath has been ordered to rest his troublesome knee for a couple of weeks, so his recuperation will take place mostly in an armchair.

The results make interesting reading. The overall winner with 39 Stableford points was the consistent (but a little unlucky on finals day) Bob Wiseman. Bob plays off 25, which gives him 20 more shots than the seniors in second and third places, namely Jim Moffatt, with 39 points, but losing out on countback, and Steve Sutcliffe - who hasn't swung a club all summer, but still managed 38 points.

Two 2s were recorded. Stan Hudson slotted his putt on the 6th and our glorious leader Allen Watts birdied the 17th - will either of you reduce your eclectic score on those holes?

One more winner deserves a mention, skilfully choosing the winning number in last week's charity raffle and earning five chances to win the lottery this Saturday - that very nice old gentleman with a pretty good singing voice; Dudley Williams - congratulations cuddly!

And finally, a little look-ahead. On, Tuesday, October 22, we shall be playing a 'Waltz' competition, in conjunction with the BBC programme Strictly Come Dancing. Dress for this event is white tie and tails and the official starter will be Bruce Forsyth - who will expect the proper response to his well-known line: 'Nice to see you - to see you..." There will be a draw for partners; personally I would prefer a scantily clad Russian girl to Vanessa Feltz - but you can't win 'em all!

M.F.

Gents Monthly Medal

Eighty-six players entered the Gents Monthly Medal on Saturday, 52 in division one and 34 in division two.

Leading scores and prize winners were as follows:

Division one: 1. Tim Edwards 83-13-70 (medal plus £46); 2. Richard Prout 86-14-72 (£35); 3. Richard Morton 75-2-73, on countback (£23); 4. Alastair Knibb 84-11-73 (£12).

Division two: 1. Nick Allen 89-17-72 (medal plus £46); 2. David Blackmore 93-18-75, on countback (£35); 3. Stephen Cole 92-17-75, on countback (£23); 4. Peter Ellis 91-16-75 (£12).

Twos: Brian Cramb, Stan Hudson, Terence Martin, Richard Prout, Phillip Rees, Neal Stephens, Donald Callnon, Roger Scholfield (£10.60 each).

Bag draw: Michael Argent, Andrew Cope, John Ball, Michael Anthony (£20.50 each).

Pro Shop draw: Ross James, Richard Ormond (£37.50 credit each).

Handicap changes: Nick Allen 17 to 16; Mike Brew 18 to 19; Andrew Cope 7 to 8; Terry Davies 11 to 12; Tim Edwards 13 to 12; Ken Gouldsbrough 21 to 22; Robin Hagley 14 to 15; Alan E. James 12 to 13; Robert Wiseman 25 to 26.

Junior Section

A junior stableford was held on Sunday.

The winner of the 13 holes black box event was Seren Allen with a score of 32 points, with Lucy Anthony second with 17 and Nel Allen third with 16.

Max James won the yellow box sectrion with 30 points.

This Sunday is the Under 11s Championship and a stableford for anyone too old to take part. Meet at the club for 10.30, with the first tee time being at 11 am.