The Seniors’ Bailey Salvers were contested last week at East Devon, writes Paul Willoughby.

The Bailey Salvers is a team two-ball better ball, but played as a four; it’s one of those easy ones where you can let your partner do all the work till he hoiks his drive into the bushes. When he does, it’s all up to you. No pressure, then! The prize was presented by the then East Devon club treasurer, Ralph Bailey in 1974.

In this competition it is the case that the best two scores count.

There were 88 players and the competition was won by Bill Coles and Charlie Stafford with a stonking 48 points.

That’s almost indecent (!), but nonetheless, excellent play. A gnat’s whisker behind was Cliff Lockwood and Andy Pelosi with 47 points.

Third were Mike Horsburgh and Paul Willoughby (Yeay!) with 45 points – are there still some spaces for the Ryder Cup team? Fourth, also with 45, but on countback, were Ian Drummond and Ian Sampson.