John Smith and Geoff Rogers with Ernie Kee and David Ruffett Our match versus the Wiltshire Golf Captains' was played at the West Wiltshire Golf Club in brilliant sunshine. This was a lovely hilltop chalk downland course among the Wiltshire Downs, a very good test of accurate iron play to be completed by good putting. It was a very tight and nail-biting match, with our Captain Roger Monson partnered by Glynn Kneebone leading from the front winning 3-2 beating Steve Griffiths and Harry Hassall. The second pair of Richard Pascoe and Cyril Boyne continued in this vein with a 3-2 result. Two games up after two matches. However, we then … [Read more...]
Archives for 2014
Devon Captains’ v Warwickshire Captains’
The Captains, Roger and David, toast golf and friendship. Departing Bicester Premier Inn, for the prestigious Coventry Golf Club Finham, refreshed, resolute and ready to do battle with the Warwickshire Captains'. Sat Nav loaded, or in my case "Flat Nav" not loaded, Monson's green army descended upon Coventry hoping to improve the previous day's disappointment. The clubhouse, a very large building provided to replace the old facility when the Warwickshire by-pass was constructed in 1972, provided a warm welcome to established friendships from previous encounters. The weather provided warm blue skies enriching the colour and scenic … [Read more...]
Devon Captains v Oxford Captains
DGCvOxonResultSheet4_6 The recent visit to the Oxford venue in 2012, abandoned because of torrential rain and a saturated golf course, looked set to be repeated the forecast was not good! Captain Monson however had other ideas, determined not to receive the tag "Captain Monsoon" early in his tenure. So it came to be that somehow Oxford Golf club managed to dodge the heavy rain, apparently so close to us a few miles away. Those of us that had previously played the course, under "Penners" stewardship looked forward to completing 18 holes this time. My partner Val Richards, feeling under the weather with a heavy cold, and I still haven't … [Read more...]
Sidmouth 125 Anniversary Match
Sidmouth Chairman Bob Webber with Captains Roger Monson and David Pepperell Sidmouth Captains challenged Devon Golf Captains to a match, as part of their celebratory year. This was gladly accepted by ourselves and date and time arranged to play the match at Sidmouth. This was also to be our incoming Captain's first match, Roger very generously elected to purchase suitably inscribed golf balls and were presented to all the players after the match. As is all too common we were very grateful to Terry Thorne and Mick Roberts for stepping in at short notice to substitute withdrawals, Ben Lynch stepped in a couple of hours before tee off, many … [Read more...]
President’s Day at Honiton
Winner of The Andrew Bowl, Robin Lovering (Torquay GC 2013) with Ron Graham Honiton Captain Joining Roy at Honiton Golf Club at 7.30am, without a cloud in the sky, promised a fine day for our President elect Tom Williams. Sadly we already knew that Tom was unable to join us, on this memorable occasion, because of his recent health problems, now well on the way to recovery. Later in the day more disappointment was to follow, Roger Monson our Captain elect telephoned to warn us that he was unwell and trying to obtain medical assistance. Unfortunately for all concerned Roger's condition did not improve until later Thursday … [Read more...]
Devon Golf Captains’ v Hampshire Golf Captains’
The Captain's last hurrah was staged at the unique Dawlish Warren, the nearest example of link's golf in the South of the County. Peter's finale was very threatened by the weather forecast, heavy and prolonged rain, the meteoroligist's however were not aware of Captain "Sunstan's" reputation! Despite heavy overnight rain and considerable downpours just a few miles away the entire match was played in dry and sunny conditions. As usual the green's at the Warren speedy and true, despite the May seeding grasses, the course played well softened by the overnight rain and to some degree nullifying the sometimes fiery bounces when drier … [Read more...]
Devon Golf Captains’ versus Sussex Golf Captains’
This match, hosted by Dartmouth Golf and Country Club, was keenly anticipated by both teams. We have played very few matches, if any, at Dartmouth. Lew Easter's Captain's Day and Captain v Vice Captain were the last occasions we visited the club. I can report that the Sussex lad's and ourselves thoroughly enjoyed the course and the facilities, including the excellent catering and the very efficient staff. Talking of efficiency Brian Rice, otherwise known as the Captain's chauffeur, used his new trolley for the first time and recorded the distance walked by himself, 8170 yards. This is often referred to as Army Golf, left right, left right, … [Read more...]
Annual Captain v Vice Captain Match
Saunton the venue and the "Green Army" moved to the North in considerable numbers. This is one our very special fixtures throughout the Season, for those of us whom eagerly anticipate this event we must thank Geoff Green for initiating the idea and presenting a trophy. The first tense moment is announced, the teams and more importantly our opponents, with many oohs and aahs, catcalls and amusement the scene is set! Peter and Roger had thoughtfully crafted teams and opponents with balanced handicaps, in some cases non CONGU!!!!! Good to see Bob Webber and Derek Reed playing, subsequent to recent serious health issues. Many old faces were … [Read more...]
Devon Captains’ versus Worcester at Exeter
DGC result sheet v Worcestershire 2014 (1)DGC.WorcsMatchReport … [Read more...]
Devon Juniors at Bovey Castle
Arriving a little early at Bovey I discovered David Grieve, with current Devon Golf Union President Mike Jewell, enjoying the bright sunshine on the terrace. Almost immediately an omen appeared, a Peregrine Falcon landed on the balustrsade just a few feet from us. It was obvious he had been sent to observe the prey for the Juniors. A few seconds later we realised there was a falconry display on the adjoining terrace, the seed was sown however ! Our fellow player's arrived together with our young opponents, we shared the usual light lunch and battle commenced. Unfortunately the greens had recently been scarifed and therefore no benefit to … [Read more...]