Hello and welcome to this week's newsletter.

I'm pleased to say that I'm back and just about in one piece from the Slade tour down to Dorset. Ron organised the trip with his usual precision, and it's safe to say everyone had a good time. 22 players went with Roy Bowers joining us to observe some interesting golf, and Hugh Wiseman and Pete Lacey drove down to cheer us on for day 2.

The first day was at Dudsbury golf club where we were also staying. The course was a tricky layout with plenty of water. The day was won with 42 points by Keith Wardley and Raffa. In second place was Patrick Raye and Mike Hayden. Patrick navigated himself round the course fantastically well, as someone with a pilot's license would, despite going off track and driving his buggy across the range and causing the unsuspecting people practicing to watch in horror.

The hotels evening entertainment was interesting, I've never had a meal while being serenaded whilst eating my tea, but might suggest we start the tradition at home. As you can see from the video, one of our members couldn't resist the chance to get up and give it a go themselves.

Click here to view the video.

Day 2 was the Isle of Purbeck and those of you who've played it will know what a spectacular and challenging course it is. The wind was blowing in the wrong direction according to the locals and the going was hard work. The day was won by the recently reduced handicapped George Reynolds and Patrick Ray. Patrick knew the area well having ridden his speed boat in the harbour on many an occasion and partnering George they scored a very credible 36 points.

Day 3 was Badgemore Park. Captain Ron had never seen the course but decided that the club house looked nice so we'd give it a go. The course was perfect for the last day of a society and probably in the best condition of the three we played. The day was won by Simon Noakes and Martin Ward. Wardie was delighted to be playing against Mike Price, or his cash cow as he calls him, on the final day and Mike was equally pleased with the amount of 2 shots per hole he had to give him. They won with 44 points just pipping Raf and Colin Funston who had 43. This left a tight leader board at the top which until the final day I was in with a good shout myself, but Patrick Ray produced a steady final round and was the champion of the week with 119 points.

Thanks to Ron for organising and running the trip. It's safe to say everyone really enjoyed themselves and are looking forward to what Gerald has in store for us next year.

Rules are rules

Did you see that Edoardo Molinari got DQ'd from the European Tour's Shenzhen International in China on Friday? As disqualifications go, this one was pretty bizarre. His caddie hitched a ride on a cart between holes which is a two-stroke penalty for the player, but as the Italian didn't see him do it he ended up signing for the wrong score.

You may not ever find yourself in this exact situation but it's a reminder how extensive the Rules of Golf are. Too extensive? Maybe, but rules are rules and to help you stay out of trouble and even use them to your advantage we'll be bringing you a series of Rules features this season in our newsletters. Keep an eye out for these and remember, next time you have a caddie keep him/her away from carts!

Click here if you have a rules query you need some assistance with.