Dartmouth Golf Club

Men's section

The course at Dart­mouth is looking great as always and the recent rains have toned it up beautifully, reminding us of the saying 'England's green and pleasant land' writes John Garner.

Fifteen players took up the challenge for the Wednesday circus, and it is a challenge to most but not to Mike Shald­ers.

These days it seems that Mike has mastered the art of golf as he keeps on winning. His days of tantrums and gnashing of teeth seem to be over, no more stomping off the course as he sees the red mist, all is calm in his world now.

Well played again Mr Shalders as he shared the back nine with Steve Owen and won overall with 37. John Garner spoilt the party, though, as he won the front nine with 20.

There was a definite advantage for the early birds playing in the monthly stableford at the weekend.

The wind was from the west, peaking at force two or three in the morning, but by mid afternoon it had increased to five or six.

There are many who have played with Ed Mitchell this year and all agree that he's a single-figure golfer waiting to happen; he can reach the eighth in two comfortably off the white tees, which gives you an idea of his potential.

His problem in the past is, like most of us, that he finds it difficult to peak at the right time, but it all happened on Saturday and he finally got his timing right.

Playing off a handicap of 15, he scored 44 points to win convincingly and earned himself a two-shot cut. Well played Ed, keep it up and you'll soon be in single figures.

In second and also showing great potential was Paul Humphreys; he must have thought he had it in the bag with 41, but despite not winning he also got cut two shots.

Third and playing well too was Brian Mushens with 37, fourth Sam Knight 35 on countback from fifth Adrian 'get yer 'air cut' Rendle.