The teams ready for the off, 125 years on!
To celebrate their 125th foundation Ilfracombe challenged Devon Captains to a match to mark their anniversary. Leaving South Devon at 9am in sunshine and virtually no wind a fine day’s golf was on the cards, arriving at the Northern out posts mist and drizzle was looking quite ominous. Ilfracombe boasts “See the sea from every tee” was today in question, later in the day the mizzle cleared and all was revealed, marvellous.
The golf club is typical of the warm, homely and welcoming reception in the area, not a large club but thoroughly well organised, supported and thriving, according to the Marketing Officer Phil Webb. Our welcome throughout the day proved the point precisely from the clubhouse, Pro Shop and presentation of the golf course. The greens not yet up to speed but consistent. There is no doubt about it, Ilfracombe is unique and quirky, you will not find another quite like it, I can guess it’s Marmite for many people. Our hosts struggled to field 16 Past Captains so the vice Captain willingly made up the number, well done and thank you.
The weather improved late on but we had not seen Ilfracombe at it’s best, later this year we play South West Secretaries again at Ilfracombe so better luck then Bob. This match was our new Captain’s first match so it was a nice rehearsal before commencing the match season at Downes Crediton, Vice Captain Ben Lynch already experiencing the problems with fielding a full complement. All matches were played in the traditional good spirit however, local knowledge proved too much to overcome and DGCs went quietly, thereby allowing our hosts the due celebrations in their celebratory year. We certainly wish all their members an enjoyable year and good luck in the future.
Malcolm Jordain
TEAM & RESULTS SHEET Ilfracombe 125
