The annual match versus the Stewards of our golf clubs the Golf Club Managers Association, also known to us as South West Secretaries, was unfortunately unbalanced once again. Our opponents were two players short so, the heroes of the day, Cliff Harris and Dave Wonnacott travelled all the way from Libbaton GC to play against one another, Thank you gentlemen, a noble effort by you both, Cliff, playing for DGCs returned a win for ourselves whilst Dave represented GCMA. Although less than ideal they chose a course in splendid condition, quite windy but with sunshine setting the balance. Peter Alliss once famously described Thurlestone as "The … [Read more...]

We welcomed our friends from Warwickshire unfortunately a man down, one of their team was hospitalised a couple of days prior to the match at Churston. Despite efforts by both counties no replacement could be found. Welcomed by Churston Captain Derek Smith, who joined DGCs on the day, some friendships from our previous matches, renewed, not least John Loynton who has filled virtually every office for Warwickshire Captains overtime. John had journeyed down for the day to provide a late replacement and the next day was off to Lords, a real trouper! Unfortunately, to enable a less demanding round trip, Warwickshire had organised their first … [Read more...]

Day two and the venue Mile End GC, literally 3 minutes from our accommodation and 2 minutes from Oswestry GC, no Sat Nave required. As indicated another day, pairings adjusted to allow for those requiring buggies, and an air of application to improve on the previous day's performance. The course was completely different from Oswestry, fairly level walking but greens once again in splendid fettle. Our hosts had very thoughtfully arranged an earlier than usual tee time 11am, thus enabling for most of the Devon team a good time in daylight for the long journey home. The course was indeed much flatter and water present on several holes, some … [Read more...]

Our biennial visit to our friends in Shropshire commences with a long drive for most of the Devon team consequently, many if not all of our players journey gracefully up the day before allowing an agreeable time for breakfast and a relatively short drive to the venue. A number of our players often drop into the marvellous Gloucester Services for refreshment and a comfort break. Arriving at Maes-y Clawwd Premier Inn our team mates, in some cases, were already ensuring the local ales were fit for consumption. With our gathered 14 players, Jeff Steward had to withdraw at the last moment with a health issue and Glenn Page driving up the next … [Read more...]

This additional fixture to our season was for the best reason, Bigbury Golf Club's Centenary celebratory week. The week included a Pro-Am the previous day whereupon the course record was created by Jamie Clare, Long Sutton GC, with an excellent 8 under par. Consequently the home Captain, Dave Graddon, warned of tricky pin positions but the course was in 'mint' condition. So, with a mixture of Past Captains and Seniors' Captains, completing the Bigbury team, friendly battle commenced on a warm sunny day. The course was indeed in good condition and not uncommonly hard and fast running fairways, for those who chose to use them! The greens were … [Read more...]

Our friends from Oxford had the previous day played a match against Dorset Captains and had a fairly lengthy journey to Dainton Park. They were pleased to arrive and enjoy the plentiful chips and sandwiches prior to play, with the odd glass of refreshment. The day although warm and sunny was quite windy making the fast running fairways either flattering or testing, dependent on wind direction. As always the Dainton staff were welcoming and helpful as usual, excellent hosts for ourselves and our visitors. Teams announced and Oxford's victory the previous day egging on our opponents but laying down the gauntlet for Devon play commenced on … [Read more...]

Roger Corkhill - Phil Webb - Peter Robbins - Malcolm Hughes … [Read more...]

The long journey East to Sussex and adjacent to Eastbourne was in itself a tour de force in itself, a hard slog for the drivers with no fast flowing motorways for most of the journey. Even for the fleet footed President a five hour trek from Churston ! However once arrived, for our two night stay, at the Polegate Premier Inn the usual banter, ale and wine tasting soon put the journey far behind our intrepid team of adventurers. With a few newer tourers in our midst and very welcome they are, Bill Hammett, Dave Smith, Rick Clark & Malcolm Hughes to name but a few. After a typical Premier Inn meal, very reasonable and good quality, a … [Read more...]

Jeff Laing - Stuart Darke - Brian Waggett - Phil Webb The season begins at Ilfracombe Golf Club, the home club for Phil Webb, and the now traditional Captain versus Vice-Captain. Driving to Ilfracombe there were several squally and nasty showers, not the forecast that I saw. Arriving at the club and rain abated there were already several players ready to start this keenly fought 'in house competition'. A strong wind greeted us with a rather chilly edge to it, this however did not dissuade a few trusty warriors wearing shorts, despite the ominous sea fret which also deprived us all the terrific views which are a comfort when ones golf is … [Read more...]