MERV Slocombe has been a member of Enmore Park Golf Club for more than 60 years, and is as keen now as he was when he first joined, writes Richard Walsh.

Throughout the lockdown, his golf clubs have been beside the front door, ready for the resumption.

Slocombe said: “My dad joined in the late 1950s and enjoyed it so much that he persuaded me to sign up and booked some lessons with Ivor Yard, who was the professional at that time.

“In those days you had to be interviewed by the committee before being allowed to join, and I remember nervously waiting outside the old clubhouse.

“I was accepted and joined as a junior, which cost my dad six guineas - £6.30!”

Over the years Slocombe has entered fully into the life of the club and held various positions of responsibility.

He was on the management committee for 15 years, and has served on most of the committees, in addition to which he was the club captain in 1981 and club president in 2004.

Reflecting on his year as captain, he said: “Looking back to 40 years ago I seem to remember it all came and went very quickly - there was so much to do and I really enjoyed it.

“In fact, because I was spending so much time at Enmore, we came to buy a bungalow near to the club, where we still live today.

“When I was in my prime in 1975, I won the Exmoor Stag, as a result of which I played off a handicap of four, which was the lowest I ever got to.

“I still play as much as I can, although I’m now off 21.

“In those days we used to put on a pantomime and it was surprising the amount of talent that there was among the members.

“It was always very good and a lot of fun to be involved with.

“On one occasion Betty Edney and myself dressed up as Andy Pandy and Looby Loo, who were puppets on BBC Children’s television when we were growing up.”

How has he found the lockdown?

“The thing I have missed most has been the golf, and the chance to catch up with friends and chat out on the course,” he said.

“Enmore Park Golf Club has been part of my life for over 60 years now, and it’s all down to my Dad persuading me to join.

“I am glad he did, because I have had so much pleasure from it.”

Meanwhile, Brian Stoneman - who plays off level par - was the winner of Saturday’s Pro Shop Stableford, but only after countback edged him ahead of second-placed Lorraine Taylor - who plays off 29 - after both returned with 39 points.

There was a three-way tie on 38 points, but following countback Leighton Townsend (off eight) was third, James Gilbert (off 13) was fourth and Rhys Morgan (off 22) was fifth.

Twos were recorded by Tony Deeble, Simon Freeman, Ben Green,Sean Jones, Kevin Lewis, Malcolm McNairn, Andrew Merrick, Thomas Millar and Mike Rossiter.