Golf Club Open organisers, must first hope for a good response and also good weather, writes John Pawley.

Cloudy damp conditions were around for the early starters at the Honiton Seniors Open, but these improved so that by the afternoon there was glorious sunshine, and great playing conditions on a very well presented course.

In all, 20 visiting clubs sent representatives and the field of 156 players paid due praise to the hard work that John Fleetwood, John Chew and all their helpers, had put in. The three-man team Texas Scramble competition had one overall winner prize then prizes for both away and home players.

The overall winners came from Long Sutton near Martock with a truly great score of 59.7.

They were followed by teams from Weymouth, Holsworthy, Tavistock and Sidmouth in the away category.

The best Honiton team was that of Peter Clarke, Dave Lavender and Phil Wall with a score of 62.3 who were followed by Jim Wallis, Tony Williams and Dave Crabb with 63.1. Stan Squire, Mike Watts and John Pawley were third with 64.7 and Alan Pollock, Bob Underwood and Rob Sexton fourth with 64.8.

Seniors captain, Alan Pollock presented the prizes, and also won one himself – the nearest the pin prize on the 12th. The winner of the longest drive on the 18th was Richard Dore from Long Sutton and around 15 golfers had twos. Honiton’s senior section is reeling from the news of the passing of past club captain Alan Sharland. Alan was a true gentleman and always had a smile and gave great support to fellow members of the club - he will be greatly missed.