Peter Dunstan presents the Bowering Salver to Danny Wallace
When Peter arrived early in the morning, to set up his refreshment gazebo just off the bridle pathway that crosses the 11th fairway, a very bemused walker commented “what a strange place to have a picnic”! After that things could only get better, it was however well situated for the players refreshments later in the day for the wind strengthened and a more exposed location could well have seen Angela, Hilary and Doreen, Peter’s wife and lady helpers, doing a “Mary Poppins”. Danger was not entirely eliminated however, after partaking of refreshments David Jacobs went off to play his second shot on the 11th, carefully turning his trolley into the wind but forgetting to turn the power off, the rogue trolley made a quick dash toward the gazebo, with David in hot pursuit clearly coming second. Imagine the scene, the vulnerable ladies the tuck shop contents the determined Powakaddy, enter Captain Dunstan a hero, quickly evaluating the health and safety aspects and risking his own wellbeing rescued the perilous situation, Hurrah !
On the day the weather was a concern for our aptly named Captain “Sunstan”, misty rain and a strong breeze not what was required or familiar this year. At 1.20pm precisely Captain Lew Easter strode on to the tee and the rain stopped instantly, I suppose if your name is Easter you have some good connections ! From then on the course played toughly but fairly, witness some scores. The East course had been hollow tined three weeks earlier, within the maintenance programme, the greens had largely recovered and putted very well considering all things. On Captain’s Day there are now four trophies within the competition, the Bowering Salver, Scratch, Veteran and, since last year, the new Secretary’s Salver to be played for by Captains’ with 10 years or more membership of DGCs.
Unsurprisingly Saunton members took two of the major places, Danny Wallace winning the main event, The Bowering and the youthful Tim Neve The Veteran trophy. A double whammy for Richard Pascoe (Stover 1999) winning the Scratch and the Secretary’s Salver. The rules indicate that one player may receive but one prize but in the case of the Salver it is a separate competition, so well done Richard. After the presentation, from Peter’s excellent prize table, we were all pretty well ready to dine. Saunton Golf Club have to be congratulated on their catering and their in house staff, all were friendly and very efficient. Dinner was very very good and enjoyed by all present with numbers a little down this year. Peter thanked all who had contributed to his day, and even employed the knowledge of our resident Traffic Officer, “Penners” to many of us, to guide people home because of the Link Road closure. Peter closed with a toast to Devon Golf Captains’ responded to by yours truly, an excellent day for a very popular Captain to remember.
A few of us, unsuccessful in our campaign, retired to Saunton Sands Hotel to hold an inquest and drown our sorrows, maybe next year at Bigbury……….?
Malcolm Jordain
To view the results sheet for the complete result click here