The scene was set for a true test of golfing endurance at East Devon Golf Club, and the players delivered performances that would make an Open Champion proud.

The forecast was a bit grim but, in the end, there was only one serious shower to dampen the determination of these brave players. There were two trophies to play for, the Thelma Philp for the scratch winner and the Hillary Rolls for the nett winner. With only a short break for lunch, the ladies had to dig deep into their inner resources to play the two medal rounds.

Gudrun Thorsteinsdottir is this year’s champion, returning an amazing 143 (73+70). Having established a course record for the new 55 course in her first round, she smashed it in the afternoon with a brilliant 70. Sophie Page was the runner-up with a combined score of 157.

Claire Dowling won the nett trophy with 140 and Helen Chivers was runner up with 149. Sarah Owen-Pawson was the most improved player between the morning and afternoon rounds with a spectacular 11 shots less.

All the players enjoyed a cream tea after their rounds, compliments of the Ladies Section. Well done to all those who took part.

Set on the World Heritage Jurassic Coast, East Devon Golf Club is ranked in the top 100 Golf Courses in England and in the top ten for Heathland Courses.

Golf has been played in Budleigh Salterton since 1894, with the original Budleigh Salterton Golf Club being a nine hole course situated on the east bank of the River Otter. Although benefiting from similarly commanding views to those of the current course, there were problems with the location, notably the lack of a full 18 holes and difficult access.

East Devon Golf Club as we know it today opened on 31 March 1902 on a heathland course laid out by Captain Robert Tosswill. The opening was celebrated by Charles Edward Pine-Coffin, the newly-formed club’s first captain, driving off the 1st (now 3rd) tee.

A deeper delve into the club website brings Caddy stories from the 1920s and a fascinating insight into the world of golf from many years ago, and particularly interesting are the tales of golfing exploits on the East Devon course.