The season rolls onward and, after the scenic coastal views from Ilfracombe GC, behold Staddon Heights GC perched aloft Plymouth Sound and Drake Island. The panoramic views from most fairways are impressive and interesting with an active marine interest for much of the time spent gazing from the golf course. The urban sprawl of Plymouth city does nothing to detract from the fascination of activity within the Sound, including a rarity these days with a Royal Navy frigate returning home, from a much reduced fleet nowadays.
Our neighbours from Cornwall always bring with them a competitive but enjoyable ‘edge’, present in most sports between the two counties. And so it was with most matches keenly contested and narrow margins on yet another very warm day but with a welcome soft breeze. The course, usually presented in good condition, was green and lush with some punishing rough but very playable, some greens were still showing signs of seeding but in very good order and putted well. Unusually Cornwall could not fulfill their full team and Captain Graham graciously provided two ‘home’ players toward their complement, Bill Hammett past Captain at Yelverton GC and James Davis from Staddon, Bill at least was born in Cornwall so couldn’t lose, in theory!
The back six holes provide the main physical challenge on the course, thankfully for those of us needing buggies the club now have a small number available, phew! With some steep slopes and the breeze freshening the ball requires good and accurate placement from the tee. On the dog-leg 16th I momentarily attempted to provide assistance for Cornwall by way of an ‘air shot’ providing humorous distraction for my partner Mike Badcock and opponents Ray and Dickie . Once again the clubhouse, providing welcome refuge from sun and adversity, was a very welcome sight with shade and liquid refreshment taken in generous quantity. A very good three course meal, appreciated by all diners, was followed by approving words from both Captains for the welcome and use of the golf course by members and staff generally. As is our custom a cheque, for £100, was donated to the club’s Junior section by Graham Heaman. This was followed by the very welcome return of the Shield to Devon Captains, as pictured. Next stop Stover GC. to receive Wiltshire Captains’
Malcolm Jordain
