John Burrow presenting Geoff Pascoe with the Andrew Bowl Arriving early at the golf club all seemed to be going swimmingly, players arriving on time in spite of the Devon County Show doing its best to hinder drivers. Weather looking very promising, as forecast, what could possibly go wrong? Our venerable and very respected Secretary Roy Smith had the great misfortune to stumble and fall, whilst returning from the Duckworth Suite where our presentation and AGM would later be held, prior to dinner. Here we must pay tribute to Exeter G&CC staff for their immediate and efficient management of this potentially serious situation. Their first … [Read more...]

The victorious Devon team. (David Barker the resident giant in the background) Weather, always a key factor when playing Saunton, was benign and user friendly in the extreme. The elements, relatively warm and the wind a mere zephyr, did not however reflect in the scores generally, winning score averaged 33.33 per pair. The course as always in good order, the greens, recently top dressed, were not quite as speedy as usual but considering the tournament was earlier than usual and it was March, very good. Once again many of us were able to renew friendship and acquaintance with our visitors from other counties. So, 144 players could not have … [Read more...]

THE DEVON TEAM   The final event of the 2018 Devon Golf Captain’s calendar took place at Saunton GC on Wed. /Thurs. 10/11th October. This event normally comprises of 12 counties but for some reason there were only 11 counties in it this year. We put a strong team together, which included several Saunton Captains, in the hope of regaining the trophy that we last won in the inaugural year, 2016. It was an early start for all the Devon boys on the Wednesday as our pairings were the first off on both courses along with the guys from Wiltshire. The weather very un-Saunton like with glorious sunshine and temperatures of 20C+, however we … [Read more...]

Captain's Day at Exeter G&CC is an excellent venue for such a day, practice facilities particularly good with an excellent short game area available. The squash bar providing excellent casual dining and refreshment area and in the evening the Duckworth Suite perfect for a hundred or more diners. Lew Easter and myself arriving at 7.15 to discover Roy Smith, Captain Ben Lynch and Vice Brian Rice already there preparing for the day. It's an enjoyable experience running the reception desk on the day, greeting old and new members to the day. In total 104 players on the day, proving Exeter to be a popular venue. Brian Rice had checked out … [Read more...]

The Winner of the Andrew Bowl Rick Clark   Presidents Day 2018 results   President's Day started, as always, with our ubiquitous Secretary Roy Smith first on the scene re-arranging the furniture to set up the reception desk. This year Roy was very kindly, and very gratefully, chauffeured by long time friend and past Captain Mike Badcock (Stover & DGCs). Thank you Michael from all of us, as we all know Roy's a precious commodity and worthy of being looked after. On the day also present, from very early on, Chris Morton, Lew Easter and yours truly all happy to help, unfortunately not contributing to our scores, as … [Read more...]

The annual six counties tournament at Saunton GC on 29th March, East & West courses, took place as scheduled. Unfortunately the first tournament of the year, the team championship, on March 1st had to be cancelled because of snow. The six counties commenced with steady rain, lasting around two hours. Despite the continuing poor weather the golf courses were in excellent condition the greens, even for Saunton, were fast and true particularly for this time of year. As always old friendships were readily acknowledged with players from the other counties, new players from all teams quickly discovered the badinage and humour that accompanies old … [Read more...]

    Captain's Day, the best and the worst day of the Captain's year. Concern over the arrangements for the day, weather in particular, and all the details you've thought through many times. The best is yet to come, the player's arrival, the renewal of acquaintance and welcoming new members, sunshine! Arriving shortly after 8.30 am, Lew Easter and I discovered all the team ready to go, we were to run the desk for Roy, Richard Bowden acting as starter, with PA (posh). The catering team, led by Kerry and Wayne already beavering away in the kitchen but still able to provide baps or breakfasts for those early starters requiring … [Read more...]

Peter Jeffery - Tim Aggett - Ted Rockey. The Tournament was threatened by heavy and sustained rain the previous day however, upon arrival at 7.30 Roy Smith, Brian Waggett and myself were relieved, to set up the reception desk, in sunshine and calm conditions. The course looked to be in splendid early season condition and so it was. Good growth providing lush fairways, the greens putted well despite heavy seeding in evidence but overall a tribute to the greenstaff after such heavy rain. On the day entries from Captains across the County were over 100 and top supporting club was Stover with 21 Captains entered, the maximum of 100 diners … [Read more...]