IN SPITE of the valiant efforts of the green keeping team at Dartmouth Golf Club, the weather has once again been playing havoc with golf competitions.

The ladies’ Chocolate and Fizz had to be postponed but the men managed to play the Midweek Stableford with some decent scores.

Andy Birss parred the first five holes but then had to wait until the fifteenth before the pars returned.

With a higher handicap, Tim Cronin had fewer pars but was accumulating points very steadily. There were clear winners in both divisions, with countback needed for second place.

Andy led the way in Division One with 35 points, John Grattan scoring 33 points and taking second ahead of Mario Aresti and John Oldrieve.

Tim Cronin’s total of 41 points was the standout score and he won Division Two, John Thompson and Paul Stubbs scoring 32 points apiece and joining Tim on the podium.

A Mixed Greensomes competition was held at the weekend - a common format for mixed friendlies but not one that the men play regularly. It obviously suited the men as they dominated the top spots.

Stephen Blackie & John Garner prevailed with a total of 40 pts, whilst second went to Adrian Rendle & Jeremy Wiltshire on 37 pts, on countback from Edd Mitchell & Matt Young and Steve Atkins & Gary Bonser.

With more than two inches of rain falling on the course on Monday, hopes weren’t high for the rearranged Chocolate and Fizz competition the following day, so many thanks for the heroic efforts of the greenkeepers, who had the course open for play with just a 10-minute delay. Everyone is very grateful for their efforts.

With a one-shot fine threatened for anyone not entering fully into the festive spirit, Christmas jumpers and hats were very much in evidence! With Christmas lunch to follow, the competition was played as a Bramble over nine holes and served as a great starter for the meal.

Sharon Jones doesn’t always play on the Championship course, but demonstrated that she was very much at home there, with her 21 points contributing to her team’s victory.

Shelley Durrans, Sharon Jones, Marilyn Lucas & Jules Vincent led the way with 43pts, ahead of Jan Cousins, Tina Scanlan & Anne Woodward, who scored 39pts.

The lunch afterwards was excellent, thanks to the Food & Beverage team.

After lunch, Pro Matt Handley took charge of the sack for the Secret Santa, which demonstrated the ladies’ prowess at purchasing a quality, fun gift for less than £10.

Congratulations also to Ping winners, Jan Cousins & Alison White; the Eclectic winners, Beccy Barrett and Barbara Dally and the Birdie Tree winners Beccy Barrett, Chris Mushens and Jules Vincent.

Finally, Chris Aresti presented outgoing Lady Captain Chris Mushens with a very generous gift voucher as a thank you for her year. Another beautiful meal followed the Christmas Wreath workshop run by Linsay Johns.

In spite of not everyone being as artistically talented as Linsay, the wreaths which were produced were all very good and will be displayed on doors throughout the South Hams.

As a bonus, £154 was raised for the Captains’ Charity, the Devon Air Ambulance. Many thanks to all who took part.