Alan Beach – Matt Richardson – Joe Morgan – Graham Heaman
Our annual match, much anticipated by those of us ready to welcome valued friends and familiar faces from the splendid St Pierre, also an international fixture! Ilfracombe GC the venue as always affording a warm and generous welcome to all, led by affable Dean Richardson and his excellent in-house staff. Dean, resident steward, bar and catering franchise holder, has given impeccable service and quality catering of high standard for fifteen years. Witnessed by way of Phil Webb, a regular supporter of DGCs and Ilfracombe Gc, who confirms the marvellous support Dean receives from members, excellent!
Not unusually our visitors, from the club house, were impressed by the quite stunning views across to Lundy and beyond, because of the heat haze at sea not quite in view, our guests homeland ! An often quoted comment is, “from every tee a view of the sea”, only matched by Thurlestone GC in Devon I believe. The course, in fine condition, is a challenge in several categories. Direction of shot from the tee, local knowledge a great benefit, physicality, several uphill holes and distraction, wonderful postcard views everywhere. To overcome the physical challenge the club now has a fleet of buggies, very welcome, local knowledge overcome by previous visits or play with a member.
Personally a great pleasure to welcome Eric Brown, John Jones, George Young and of course for a number of years the “face” of St. Pierre, the inimitable Arnie Pigeon, some of these chaps having overcome some serious health issues, a great bunch to include some of the newer “boyo’s”. Also the case in our own team to see Rob Pearce, Stuart Darke, Brian Steer and Cliff Harris relatively new members becoming good supporters! Some good golf ensued with here and there some “special shots” Lew Easter holing out his fourth shot, from 97 yards, for a four on the par five eighth. The course, perhaps not to everyone’s liking is however quite unique, quirky and challenging maybe but not in any way sterile or formulated as are many modern courses from the received templates.
Returning to the “foothills” our visitors were ready and eager to quench thirsts and seek the cooling shade of the clubhouse. To finish, Dean’s excellent carvery and a choice of desserts, recorded by both Captain’s declaring how much they had enjoyed the welcome from the golf club and its “interesting” course. We very much look forward to next year’s visit to the Principality and renewing acquaintance old and new.
Malcolm Jordain
