THE Eclectic Medal Series at Holsworthy Golf Club got underway with 52 players taking part with the competition also incorporating the PGA Pro-am with the day's winner going on to represent the club later at Saunton.

A jubilant Steve Kiff came first with a nett 66 and says he owes it all to the club's newly installed professional, Dan Wood, who has been giving lessons to Steve and has commended him on his efforts in working hard to improve his game. If all goes to plan Dan and Steve will be hopeful of making it all the way to the national final week which will be staged at the Antalya Golf Club in Turkey in December. Rob Moore lost out to Steve on countback with Ian Lorraine third, nett 67.

The Bader and Nantroy Trophy for mixed teams saw lady captain, Yvonne Bowler, at her best in company with Reg Daniel with them gelling well together in the greensomes competition to take top spot.

Yvonne also came in the prizes in the Ladies' Ping competition in partnering Barbara Lake, their better ball score of 36 points giving them second place. However, the best of the day belonged to Sue Griffiths and Glenys Mead with 39pts Glenys only joining the event at the last minute. Ely Walmsley and Barbara Abrams returned a score of 35pts to come third.

The opening match in the county's Sheelah Creasy competition was played at Teignmouth with the ladies facing stiff opposition to come away losers by 5½ to 2½. Gwen Adams was the sole winner whilst Pauline Bezzant gained a half after a disastrous start. The remaining team members, lady captain, Yvonne Bowler, Sue Griffiths, Barbara Lake, Hilary Dorren and Stephanie May acquitted themselves well, each losing out in the final few holes.

The Lady Veterans enjoyed organiser Eileen Pearce's competition with Gwen Adams once again demonstrating her prowess as, in company with Glenys Mead, Caroline Pirie and Lesley Richardson, they held off the challenge of second placed Eileen herself, Ruth Bennett, Jean Dimbleby and Sandra Hawkett with the Trio of Sue Eaton, Veronica Oke and Sylvia Caunter third.

Whilst the lady vets were battling it out the men too were enjoying summer-like conditions for their Alliance competition with Syd Pearce, Mac Cox and Tony Downing being the best of the day, their 82pts giving them top spot. Rickie Greenhalgh, Dennis Hicks and Ian Harper, 80pts and Alan Abrams, David Smith and Brian Toop, 78pts, took the minor placings.