Captain’s Day 2025 at Stover on 18th September

After some downpours earlier in the week, Bob Beeson’s prayers were answered with only light drizzle greeting the early starters for his Captain’s Day. However, this soon disappeared, and the predicted high winds failed to materialise.

Bob, ably assisted by Mike Badcock, manned the registration desk and the 95 players were presented with a commemorative golf ball which some managed to lose in the deep rough on the right of the first hole.

For many, this was their first experience of the new Stover layout, albeit in its current composite form. Comments were very positive although some struggled with the differing speeds of the new and old greens – “10 feet short or 10 feet long!”. No doubt members are keenly anticipating the introduction of the remodelled 7^th hole in 2026, it having been delayed by a storm earlier this year.

After the front nine, refreshments with tasty sausage rolls and pasties enabled players to discuss the club they had used to attempt to be nearest the champagne bottle on the 9^th fairway and to prepare for the challenge of the more familiar back nine.

After play, the AGM took place in the marquee which was full to overflowing. Officers were duly elected for next year and with no AOB, the prize presentation swiftly followed. In his introduction, Bob offered thanks to Simon Bawden, who kindly entered all the scores into Intelligent Golf to facilitate results processing, and the board and greenkeeping and catering staff of Stover Golf Club for their support during his year. In thanking officers of DGC, he presented his Vice-Captain, Dave Smith, a photograph of Stover’s 16^th hole complete with an H to mark the scene of an incident in the Captain v Vice-Captain match – enough said!

Honorary Secretary, Ian Black, announced the winners of the day and with 38 points, Stover’s John Bailey retained both the Bowering Salver and the Secretaries’ Salver, having been successful last year at Libbaton – a unique achievement!

Brian Stevens from Libbaton won the Scratch prize with Malcolm Jordain (Churston) taking the vets’ honours. Malcolm has been a stalwart of Devon Golf Captains for many years and by passing on the roles of match fixture secretary to Jeff Laing and 4BBB administration to Brian Mushens, he can now enjoy a well-deserved rest. Thank you Malcolm for all you have done for Devon Golf Captains.

Moving to the clubhouse for dinner for some 110 captains, we were served with a delicious three-course meal. Surely no one remained hungry at the end of it!

During dinner, Bob was visited by the “Dainton Divers” in recognition of his recent visit to the river on Stover’s 10^th hole.

All in all, it was a great day and thanks go to Bob for his organisation and generosity at the end of a busy year of captaincy.

Looking forward to 2026, some dates for your diaries. The Annual Dinner will be held at Sandy Park on Friday March 6^th and Roger Monson’s President’s Day will take place at Exeter on Thursday 7^th May. Match fixtures will be published in due course.

Results

Vets (65 and over)