Who cares – it’s only a game! writes a philosophical Lincoln Shaw.

Returned to the fray after a lengthy absence because of various health and family problems and, after a promising start, nose dived to near the bottom of the score list in Satur­day’s stableford.

With patient, helpful, playing companions, the sun shining much of the time and the occasional good shot, there was much to enjoy.

It can only get better, especially if the handicap system is adjusted yet again and I can claim even more shots.

Pride disappeared a long time ago and a brisk walk (preferably with a power-based trolley) can be very enjoyable if you don’t take life too seriously.

It was, I am told, the first day of spring and possible rich rewards for those who signed up to continue on the long, and, perhaps very rewarding, journey in the Mercedes quali­fier – which not everyone did.

Including young Charlie Evans, whose handicap of 23 will surely take a tumble after he finished with 43 points to take first place in division two and top overall. Four ahead of Dave Doyle (24), with Martin Eyre (16) a further point be­hind.

Familiar names in division one, with Jon­athan Ingham (14) in first place with 37 points followed by Pete Eva (5) with 35 points, squeezing Nigel Whe­lan (13) into third place on countback.

Those who will continue on the Mercedes trail will be (scratch to 10) Pete Eva; (11 to 18) Martin Eyre and (19 and above) David Doyle.

Fifty-seven players entered the twos sweep and seven of them got the ball into the hole from the tee, winning £20.36p each.

Meanwhile, 13 juniors took part in another stableford competition, on a cold, windy but otherwise quite pleasant day. Scoring was good.

In the Congu competition the winner was George Mes­sias (28) on countback from Sammy Ingham (28), who came in with the same score.

Third was Oliver Griffiths (28) with 34 points and fourth place shared by George Holland (8) and Toby White (28), each with 30 points.

In the non-Congu group the winner was Alfie Messias (32) with 36 points, from Noah Mulligan (45) with 33 and Lucas Bellamy (35) 28 points.

Saturday saw a winter competition reach its conclusion when the ladies’ foursomes final took place on a dry but very cold day.

A very close match, with Liz Sharman and Inger Reeve defeating Jenny Roberts and Linda Cant three and two on the 16th hole.

The following day saw Liz Sharman in action again, this time partnering Sue Curry in the Daily Mail Four­somes against Bigbury ladies. A close match that went all the way to the 18th, where the Thurlestone pair triumphed to win one up.

Meanwhile, the male seniors have been off on their travels again, a team of eight driving up to north Devon to Saunton Sands, which boasts two difficult courses. Twenty teams from across the county, supplemented by a couple from outside, competing in a four ball better ball contest.

The teams were split up into four pairs, with two pairs playing each of the courses.

The Thurlestone team was captained by Andrew Longhurst, ably supported by last year’s club captain Bill Hutchison with Paul Dunne, Patrick Robin­son, Bill Campbell, Mike Morgan, Harry Cattell and Tom Burnett.

With the Thurlestone course having been closed for a number of weeks, it was a pleasure to play on a course with well-drained fairways and fairly fast greens – with trolleys permitted.

The weather was kind, with only a short shower after which the clouds broke up, leaving the rest of the day warm and dry. Sadly Thurlestone just missed out on the prizes, coming a creditable fourth out of 20 teams.

The hosts, Saunton, were overall winners, with Bude in second place and the Isle of Wedmore third. Thurlestone did have a winner, however, with Harry Cattell achieving a two.

True to the spirit of the day, he shared the golf balls he won with his team mates.