Mar Menor is quite possibly SMGS members’ generally preferred course of those managed by GNK, due to it having not quite so many bunkers or as much pampas grass as the others, and being relatively short. However, it has its difficulties, with some holes closely bordered by water and well protected greens.

Some difficult pin positions, slowish putting surfaces and a gusting wind added to the complexity for the 40 members and 2 guests taking on the course and, whilst scoring was good overall, only 3 players, all low handicappers playing in the Gold Category, beat their handicaps. Richard McCann had the day’s best return by some distance, scoring 40 points.

Results, by Category and in reverse order, were the following:

Bronze Category: 5th Neil Oliver (34 on CB), 4th Chris Hamblett (34 on CB), 3rd Mick Seymour (34 on CB), 2nd Mike Jordan (34 on CB) and 1st Norman McBride with 36 points.

Silver Category: 5th Brian Mulligan (33), 4th George Brown (34 on CB), 3rd Noel Connellan (34 on CB), 2nd Kyrre Skarsmoen (35) and first Ken Flaherty with 36 points.

Gold Category: 5th Noel Bannon (35 on CB), 4th Phil de Lacy (35 on CB), 3rd Russell Bailey (37 on CB), 2nd Theo Boelhouwer (37 on CB) and 1st, with the day’s best score (and so a Ray Seaman donated gift), Richard McCann with 40 points.

Nearest the pins (sponsored by Property Shop): Hole 2 Gerald Bannon, Hole 8 Darren Hancock, Hole 14 Brian Mulligan, Hole 18 Spencer Andrews.

Abacus (sponsored by Mike Kaylor): Gary Beechey

Best Guest Winner: Kevin Toner

Our thanks go to all Mar Menor staff for their contribution to a very enjoyable day. Next week we will be at La Torre, then on following weeks at El Valle and Lo Romero. Keep up to date with all SMGS matters by logging on to our website www.smgs.org or simply give Captain Tony Smale a call on 628227687.