So we arrived at Phil Webb’s finale, swan song for his final match as Captain, Somerset Captains’ our opponents and Torquay GC the venue, Phil’s Captains Day just a week away. The previous day had been one of the hottest this year and today more of the same was forecast. The reality was that a sea fret hung over the course for most of the afternoon thereby a slightly cooler day but very still, for most of the round. The reduced visibility unfortunately prevented the excellent views off course from being witnessed. We welcomed Phil Bragg, the regnant Torquay Captain,as our guest he forecast that the course was in excellent condition and the greens were fast and true, he was not exaggerating !
By request I asked to be paired with Vice-Captain Jeff, we sensibly shared a buggy, which proved to be most enjoyable particularly enabling me to watch our team off the first. It also afforded the opportunity to play against an old adversary, from Long Sutton GC, Rob Ford, a stalwart of Somerset Captains. Both teams have yellow shirts as team colours so it was difficult to be sure that, in other games, which team was doing well. Eventually it was determined most results were emphatic with the main comment some players found the pace in the greens difficult to cope with, added to the fact that many of the greens have some slopes which needed a light touch.
The relatively new holes at Torquay, enforced I believe, are substantially different to those whom they replaced, particularly the old 8th & 9th and most dramatically the old 18th. The upside of this is however is with the land becoming available some excellent practice facilities short game, putting and a covered driving range,. A very tasty dinner ensued with speeches affording thanks to all concerned and the Trophy wrested back from Somerset. The final event of the year, Captain’s Day at Ilfracombe next week will turn the page on what has been a difficult time on occasions, both Phil and Jeff have given great service, enthusiasm and patience, thank you both.
Malcolm Jordain
