NEIL HAYMAN-IAN ALLISON-RAY SHAW-BOB WEBBER
Looking out of the bedroom window at 7.30 am the match versus Oxford Captains seemed doubtful. Thick mist shrouded the hills with steady rain falling. Arriving at Churston the outlook was not much improved and those players fearing a soaking were busy checking their phones for weather updates. Optimistic, as often golfers are, lunch was served and with teams announced and sitting in their fours, it was my pleasure to welcome all players to Churston. The majority of Oxford players had not played the course before and I had to explain that Churston and other local clubs had suffered an outbreak of Fusarium on the greens. This meant our greenstaff had treated the greens and were allowing the disease to grow out, consequently the putting surface was a little slower than usual at this time of year.
Slowly but surely, thank goodness, the weather improved and the thinning clouds allowed some sunshine to break through allowing our visitors to appreciate the views of Torbay and beyond. The course was generally approved by the Oxford Captains and with their previous day’s practice at Lyme Regis GC versus Dorset, they were up for a competitive game of golf, and so it was to be. Oxford played very well and although most matches were close their putting won the day. Only Tony Edge and Adam Nicol providing the tenacious qualities to provide Devon with their only win, well played boys!
With some of the visitors returning to Oxford after dinner speeches were complimentary and brief, Bob Webber presented a cheque for £100 for the Churston Junior section from Devon Captains which I’m sure will be put to good use. So to next year and the return match at Wychwood Golf Club and hopefully retribution! Next week off to the Shropshire Tour visiting Patshull and Bridgnorth Golf Clubs, bon voyage.
Malcolm Jordain
TEAM & RESULTS SHEET OXFORD 2017
