TIVERTON GOLF CLUB 8th APRIL
MATCH RESULT DEVON GCs 1/2 – DEVON JUNIORS 4.1/2
Tantara, the traditional opening match of the season against the Juniors is always very welcome. Summer just around the corner and fast running fairways and greens almost in sight! Well the reality yesterday was another very chilly day with drizzle and mizzle requiring waterproofs and wooly hats.
All things considered the golf course was in good order, with fairways quite dry and greens putting well with a reasonable pace for April. Generally the match is keenly played with the young lions wanting to display their prowess, the Captains trying hard not to be overwhelmed. Very seldom do the Captains prevail but always give one hundred percent, the main feature however is the spirit with which the games are played. Despite the huge differences in age, in my case with partner Mike Badcock we were 110 years difference with our young adversaries, golf provides a bridge for ability and humour like no other sport.
Mike, always a great pleasure to partner, has recently been created a life member, at his home club of more than 50 years Stover GC. Mike has served the club in almost every capacity, Captain, President, Chairman, Trustee and Junior organiser. For this outstanding service his Life Membership most certainly deserved. Mike observed that most of their life members, once created, didn’t last too long afterwards! I’m sure we wish him many more years actively involved with DGCs.
One of the match highlights was young Jack Pope holing out on the fourth recording his second hole in one in his short golfing history. Some very good golf took place with several games recording seven or eight birdies in total.The young men all suited and booted were a credit to their clubs and to those who give much time to Devon Golf. A suitable meal for our opponents, pie, chips and peas was enjoyed by all and the speeches ensued. Reference was quickly made by our respected Captain to his own match, with Tiverton Vice Captain John Sampson who was standing in for the club Captain, to their result. Amid noises off stage of growling and barking the “Dogs Licence” was announced and for a little while Penners and John will be known as “Rover & Chum”
Thanks to all concerned at Tiverton, from both Captains Rover and his new owner young Nick Ackfield, included a donation to the club junior section and many thanks to the members at Tiverton for the courtesy and use of their fine course. We must all hope that in the final few matches in Mike’s reign the weather improves dramatically,he most certainly deserves it !
Malcolm Jordain
To view the Teamsheet for the complete result click here