THE men drew the short straw this week for their Turkey Trot, the weather being uninviting to say the least – cold, wet and very windy, writes Peter Crowter.

The format was a Texas Scramble off a shotgun start.

Twenty-two four-man teams started out but only seven sides stuck it out to the bitter end.

The winners, who trotted home with £40 worth of meat vouchers, were Derek Christison, John Legg-Bagg, Rob Walter and Mike Thompson with 64.2.

Runners-up were Mike Franklin, Jimmy Gbadebo, Steve Pratt and Rich Miles – 64.8.

Veterans’ Section

THE Thursday competition was a three-ball better-ball team medal off ¾ handicap, with the best single score to count.

Conditions were good with fairly light winds and receptive greens.

Scores were close and, the only team to open a two-shot gap between them and the side below them, was the winning trio of Nick Franks (11), Derek Griggs (21) and Robert Froy (28) after they carded an excellent 62 nett score.

Runners-up on countback were Richard Fox (17), David Inglesent (19) and David Cotgrove (26) with 64 nett.

Third, with the same score, was the team of Marcus Beresford (15), Colin Clark (22) and Terry Garrett (22).

Ladies’ Section

THIS week’s competition involved Hidden Partners, writes Rosemary Shepherd.

Forty-five ladies played a nine-hole Stableford competition – some playing the front nine and some playing the back nine.

The morning was described by the ladies as cold, dank and miserable, however, spirits were high as the golf was to be followed by a Christmas lunch.

With this in mind everyone set out cheerfully to do their best for their, as yet, unknown partner.

At lunch, the ladies were pleased to be joined by a number of former members.

Everyone enjoyed a glass of mulled wine, courtesy of the birthday girl, Di Edwards.

This was followed by an excellent hearty ‘Hartley’ lunch provided by Andrew and his catering staff who joined in the spirit of the day in festive fancy dress costumes.

The winning couple from the partners’ tournament, with a total of 36 points, were Heather Chapman (19 points on front nine) and Di Harris (17 points on back nine).

Second and third-placed pairs each had a combined total of 30 points.

Sylvia Frampton and Joan Brake took second place from Di Neal and Margaret Thompson on countback.

Liz Walker presented prizes of wine and chocolates to the winners.