WITH rain once again washing out ladies’ day, the men at Dartmouth Golf Club were lucky to be able to play their Pairs Multiplier the following day.

With the points scored by each player being multiplied, it’s a format that can bring the whole gamut of emotions, from euphoria to despair - a big score for one player is worth nothing if the other scores a zero.

The scores at the bottom of the results displayed that misery, with all pairs having at least one 3-pointer which was multiplied by zero - particularly hard when one of these was on the tricky fourth hole.

There was similar frustration at the other end of the table, but their anguish was mitigated by some excellent scoring on the other holes.

Roy Baldwin & Brian Mushens thought that they were in a strong position but it turned out to be a “nearly” day - Brian’s tee shot on eighteen was nearly a hole-in-one, finishing just six inches short of the pin and their score of 56 points being well ahead of the next group but well behind the winners.

Steve Atkins & Gary Bonser had their share of holes with “nul Points”, but they also had more holes with “beaucoup de points” than others, including a 9-pointer when both parred the seventh. Their final score of 77 points was well clear of the rest of the field:

1st: Steve Atkins & Gary Bonser = 77 pts

2nd: Roy Baldwin & Brian Mushens - 56 pts

3rd: Malcolm Barrett & Andy Dykes - 49 pts

Saturday’s competition was also a team format, this time with the best two scores from the four counting.

Following very heavy rain and given that this was intended to be a fun competition, the decision to have extended preferred lies was much appreciated by all and made landing in the rough slightly more bearable, though still tricky.

The results’ table was very much a tale of two halves, with the teams at the top doing very well and those at the bottom not so well.

Only two points separated the top four teams. With count back needed to separate the teams, the rash of birdies on the front nine for one team were of limited value when another team finished strongly.

At least the twos of Dave Brooking and Clive Meredith gave their bar cards a boost!

1st: Kevin Hoare, Ian Metchette, Liam Wadeson & Colin Weedon - 85 pts on count back from

2nd: Dave Brooking, Clive Meredith, Richie Ogle & Keith Sexton - 85 pts

3rd: Rob Barrett, Andy Birss, Paul Brown & Steve Tozer - 84 pts on count back from

4th: Jeremy Enticknap, Tim Enticknap, Pete Hannaford & Gary Widdicombe - 84 pts

A reminder to all players that there is a link on the members’ home page to sign up for this year’s team squads. Please sign up if you’re interested or contact any of the team captains.