Bob Beeson reports … It was yet another glorious day as we made our way to Crane Valley in Dorset, close to the Hampshire border. We were greeted by a Dorset side buoyant after its recent back-to-back victories in the 6 Counties Competition. The home team was so confident that the word thrashing could be heard before the match started and it looked as if that prediction might come true after early reverses. I am afraid Jeff & I did not help the Devon cause with some indifferent golf leading to a loss, although I will return to that result later. Our second pair achieved a well-earned half before we lost the third game. It all looked … [Read more...]

Bob Beeson reports ... A slightly dull and misty day greeted us at Whitchurch for this match against the South Wales Coast captains - the first not to be staged at St Pierre. Slowly as the sun broke through, it revealed a very green parkland course which proved to be in excellent condition. Battle commenced after a light lunch and along with Malcolm, I enjoyed a very interesting match against Captain Richard and Whitchurch rep David. We emerged winners and this pattern followed in next three matches. Just as we smelled a victory away from home, we were brought down to earth by the home team winning the next four matches. An honourable … [Read more...]

Bob Beeson reports ... A warm welcome from Sidmouth’s President Colin and Captain Paul Lewis greeted the team on another glorious day at this beautiful golf course. After a short delay to accommodate a shortfall of buggies, the 14 man Warwickshire team met up with their Devon opposition over lunch and a friendly 4 ball of Devon captains completed the field. I was accompanied by Paul and as customary, we took on Captain Ron & Ravi in what proved to be a very interesting match on this somewhat unique course. I can’t remember how many times the shot was greeted by “Good shot!” followed  by “My God, what did that hit?” and then “I … [Read more...]

Bob Beeson reports… The tour started with an early departure for most of the team (4 had travelled the day before) as we wended our way to Leominster Golf Club. We were greeted by Captain Bob and Colin, his match organiser for this 2-day competition, and after a light lunch, we proceeded to the first tee. The Captain of Leominister, Jason Stokes , after introducing himself individually to the whole team, then partnered Captain Bob to a convincing win over myself and Val. Luckily, we did not set the trend and Devon finished the day 5-3 up. This was quite an achievement as many matches had the advantage of home player knowledge but as Colin … [Read more...]

Bob Beeson reports I was driven to Woodbury Park by our Fixtures Secretary which was most welcome. As is becoming customary, I forgot certain items - this time my phone with cards & cash along with my specs !! Once again, the Fixtures Secretary came to the rescue with some cash but I soon found out when going to pay for the buggy and purchase drinks that cash was no longer king and payment by card was the only way.  Much to my relief, I was introduced to this year's Woodbury Park captain and my playing partner, Karl Halford, who kindly volunteered the use of his discount card along with the facility to use his card for … [Read more...]

Bob Beeson reports… Well, eventually 16 (nearly) able-bodied Devon Captains made their way to overnight accommodation at the Premier Inn Chichester before moving onto Lewes for our first match of the 2025 season against Sussex Captains. After a team briefing, a glass of liquid libation was taken with the compliments of John Smith, one of the walking wounded who could not make the tour, and we were joined by another late replacement, Neil Sear, midway through our meal. I had been told that Lewes was situated on a hill but nothing prepared us for entrance to the course. After the sat nav told us to do a U-turn, we only just managed to … [Read more...]

Jeff Laing writes ... With only 3 matches to go before my captain's day, having collected my passenger, we took the relatively short journey to our next away venue at Weston-super-Mare GC to be welcomed by our hosts, Somerset Captains. As always familiar faces, together with some very welcome new players in our hosts' team, soon got together for our lunch of sandwiches and chips.  Following lunch play got under way, once we had absorbed the views of what must be one of the flattest courses in the UK. As predicted by the home captain, the greens were of good pace and with the MacKenzie greens offering acceleration with a downhill putt, a … [Read more...]

Our friends from Gloucestershire had played a match against Cornwall Captains at Trethorne GC the previous day and had had a reasonably short journey to Honiton GC. On arrival, we were all concerned that the weather was against us as we were surrounded by hill mist and a bit of drizzle. The mood soon changed with the sun making its appearance and the arrival of a plentiful chips and sandwiches prior to play, with the odd glass of refreshment. The day, although warm and sunny, proved a little challenging with fast running fairways and greens with hidden breaks. As always, the Honiton staff were welcoming and helpful and excellent hosts for … [Read more...]