WEYBROOK PARK GOLF CLUB 2ND MAY
Match Result – Devon GCs 6 – Hampshire GCs 2
Day two began as day one, not a cloud in the sky and the temperature rising. Refreshed and relaxed we set off from Port Solent with just a little trepidation. A few of us had been warned the previous day that Weybrook was a “work in progress”, nothing could have been further from the truth! The golf club was purchased by it’s members from the original owners and operators Basingstoke and District Hospital . The club has benefitted financially from the proceeds of landfill income, therefore the “work in progress” is in fact an additional 9 holes already well advanced.
The tradition with the Hampshire captains now is for us all to breakfast together at the venue for the match. All our Captains were, by the time we arrived at the club, ready to deal with a “full English” duly demolished. To suit our homeward journey the kick off is a sensible 11am, with teams announced and a will to provide “Penners” with a winning climax to the tour, battle commenced. Some 6700 yards and playing off the back tee’s this is a very good test of golf with water as an added hazard on several holes. In particular the greens, recently top dressed, were true and of a very decent pace. The design, size and subtle levels were extremely impressive with many pin positions available on every green.
The course required and received some good golf, I had the pleasure of playing with “Penners” with super company in the guise of Hampshire Captain John and Weybrook Captain Barry. We immediately lost the first two holes but then rallied strongly with the first “half” coming on the tenth and ran out winners. Both away Captain’s displayed the true spirit of these match’s with some fairly hefty banter, coming from both sides. The game of the day though went to Brian “Riceman” Rice and Roger “Cooperman” Cooper, cruising at five up with six to play,then all square on the eighteenth tee Roger holed a putt to win one up, phew! All of the Devon boys agreed the course was an unexpected pleasure, with the Hampshire Captains’ the bonus as ever.
John and Mike both gave their thanks to everyone at the club for their service and attention. Mike particularly thanked David Jacob (Saunton) who literally replaced the injured Barry Long at the eleventh hour, get well soon Barry. So to the long journey home with a final thank you to all the drivers, a splendid tour and with enjoyable company.
Malcolm Jordain
To view the Teamsheet for the complete result click here
