Max Pipe – Brian Rice – Chris Spearing – Tim Nunneley
Driving to Honiton Golf Club we experienced several squally showers, threatening but also very welcome for greenstaff desperate for growth particularly fairways for many courses. Selfishly this was all the rain we received until after most, if not all, had finished playing.
There is always a warm welcome from Honiton and today was no different, President of the club Max Pipe willingly standing in for the Captain, away currently on his brother’s ‘stag do’. Max informed us that the course, some 800 feet above sea level, was generally in good condition, later confirmed by Chris the Oxfordshire Captain. As always friendship and acquaintance renewed fuelled by an excellent snack lunch.
Honiton, as many know, not the longest course but tricky and veer from the fairway at your peril. The visitors all enjoyed their visit and would welcome a return fixture in future time. This was confirmed by a very complimentary message from Chris Spearing this morning, well received and much appreciated. It was also a pleasure to have Roy Smith with us for lunch, virtually completely recovered from his ‘acrobatic’ experience at Exeter on President’s day. Roy took up position behind the seventh green to watch a few matches come through, probably witnessing the horrors of some unskilled labour.
The 11th tee provides an Oasis for refreshments with drinks, and on this occasion delicious Carrot Cake or Lemon Drizzle provided by the wives of Max Pipe and Ron Graham. By way of voluntary donations £70 was raised for the Captain’s charity FORCE. Enthused and energised by these gracious ladies players rose to the challenge ahead to press home advantage or fight anew to recover ground.
After some closely fought matches all were ready to enjoy a hearty meal, unusually but enjoyably three courses to delight with Gammon, fried egg, chips and plentiful vegetables the main. The visitors Captain Chris did mention that he had given Max a new name Bubba, possibly relating to Max’s ‘controlled fade’? Brian added a very appropriate toast after the meal, everyone stood and toasted the heroic men and women commemorated today by the 75th D Day ceremonies, how can we ever forget? So to summary speeches by both Captain’s and Brian presenting a cheque to the club in favour of the club’s Junior Section. Visibly relieved after his first match drubbing, Brian announced a narrow victory in favour of Devon, yet another good day!
Malcolm Jordain
