The Captain Michael Badcock and the winner Bob Beeson with the Bowering Salver
Leaving Churston at 7am Chris Morton and I were taken by surprise by way of rain, albeit a light shower. No need for concern arriving at Stover the sun started to shine, organised I’m sure by our genial Captain Mike. There’s a certain warmth and jovial presence whenever Mike’s around both avuncular and genuine, everyone who knows the man wanted him to enjoy his special day. Mike has served his beloved Stover golf club in every way imaginable and the overdue honour of Captaincy of his peers is hopefully some icing on his cake. In Mike’s long standing membership his friendship and golfing history with Roy Smith provided Roy with the opportunity to organise and help Mike on this his day to remember, and so he did. Roy’s efficiency and attention to detail was freely given with enthusiasm and pleasure
Mike decided that a marquee would be the better way to provide a comfortable and pleasant atmosphere in which to dine in the evening, and so it was. Situated upon the original first tee the marquee provided easily for the 110 Captains who dined and wined, the Stover specialities, chicken or steak pies, were thoroughly enjoyed by all and efficiently served by the catering staff, well done. Virtually everyone I spoke with enjoyed the golf course immensely, despite playing off the yellow tees no one overpowered the course and the winning scores reflected that completely. Having played the course several times recently the much needed rainfall is showing itself mainly in the growth on fairways, the greens are quite immaculate and the greenkeeper provided some testing pin positions, very subtle borrows enhanced by good pace meant great care was needed to avoid the dreaded three putt.
Prior to dinner in the marquee the prize presentation took place in a crowded clubhouse, a virtual Stover Fest was to take place with Mike’s fellow members and friends reaping just rewards. This I’m sure was very pleasant for Mike to present his prizes to good friends with whom he has spent many happy hours on golf courses at home and abroad. Bob Beeson, a character in his own right, was obviously delighted to have won the main event and the Secretaries Salver, open to Captains with a minimum of 10 years membership, Bob warmly thanked the Captain and all who had helped on the day, a popular win. Another popular win was Brian (Waggs) Waggett who won the Vets prize with Roger (Cooperman) Cooper collecting third in the same catergory, two very good friends of the Captain. Richard Ward (Dainton Park) shot a stunning 38pts, off 3 handicap, with I believe two blobs to win the Scratch prize. And so to the next Captain’s Day at Sidmouth GC next year, Bob Webber has a hard act to follow but I know he will be up to the mark and we look forward to it!
Malcolm Jordain
