The traditional curtain raiser to the season was played in wonderful weather at Stover, Captain Bob Beeson’s home course. Although still chilly out of the sun, several brave souls had dusted off their golf shorts.
After a light lunch, the 2025 Stover Captain, Alan Green, welcomed all and explained the day’s course changes due to work being carried out on the 5th fairway and the new 7th green not being in play. The teams were then announced by the Captain & Vice-Captain, Dave Smith, and the first of ten matches teed off at 12.37.
The course was in excellent condition considering the weather we have experienced over the winter months and apart from some confusion with the holes “Under Repair” everyone was full of praise and our thanks go to Jason Brooks & his greenkeeping team.
In the first match, Bob was partnered by the Hon. Secretary, Ian Black, as Alan was still recovering from a knee operation. However, Alan proved to be an excellent driver and caddie and helped Bob and Ian to a 2&1 win over Dave and 2025 President, Peter Dunstan. It was a great match with some interesting shots to discuss in the bar afterwards.
Bob and Dave waited nervously in the clubhouse for the results to come in. It was very close with honours even half way through the matches until a final surge from the Captain’s team gave Bob a 6-4 win.
A fine dinner was served and players were well watered thanks to the generosity of Bob, Dave and Brian Mushens, our webmaster, who had a hole-in-one on the 5th hole which had been shortened to 140 yards. It was the first hole-in-one on this normally tough par 5 and not likely to be repeated in the future as the hole has now returned to its usual yardage. Despite what was recorded on the scorecard, the Guinness World Record hole-in-one on the par 5 17th hole at Teign Valley was not threatened but it did result in the odd pint or two !!
Bob extended his thanks to Louise, Paul & Stuart for their help and service on what was a very busy day for the club.
Nearest the pins: 4th hole – Bob Collier (0-14 handicap) and Graham Heaman (15+) and 13th hole – Tony Pitcher (0-14) and Phil Webb (15+)
Bob thanks Stover Chairman, Richard Pascoe, and the board for allowing DGC to have courtesy of the course throughout his year and looks forward to meeting up at matches throughout the year and at his Captain’s Day on September 18th. As is tradition, there was a contribution to the the Stover Junior Section for the the club’s hospitality.