David Ruffett – Tony Rooke – Neil Patch – Bob Webber
The return to the Warren GC as a venue to welcome our visitors from Wiltshire was of interest to them because, as mentioned in his welcoming address to all, Tony Rooke described the course as the only “Links” course in the South of the County. Tony, immediate Past Captain, conveyed the Captain’s apologies for not playing because something called “Work” was his problem on the day. Tony also informed all that flood defensive work was in operation affecting the 6th & 7th holes with one temporary tee and green. Predictably four reserves were gratefully included, also some infrequent match players were included on the day Glenn Page a first timer, John Hirst and David Cardy to name but a few, hopefully this trend will continue.
The club managed, in the modern idiom, by Head Professional Duncan Arnold is celebrating its 125th Anniversary and celebratory events are under way. Many of the visitors had never played the course and were most impressed after their matches and were keen to compliment the Club for the course and excellent views, particularly the Exe estuary. On the day it was unusual not to see a few “Twitchers” around the course, birdlife possibly intimidated by the “Jurassic Park” appearance of a number of JCBs at work near the seventh tee. Webber’s weather continues to be most agreeable, a perfect day for golf with ominous black clouds mostly skirting the venue. The course in good condition generally, the greens not quite so rapid as expected but very true and subtle.
Bob and partner Tony, suitably hospitable, came second in their match however the next four matches all went to home teams. Devon, poised to reverse the drubbing we received last year at |South Wilts GC proved, at the Warren, not to count ones Curlew’s until they are hatched! The Wilts tail wagged strongly and all came through to produce a halved match. The caterer produced an excellent three course meal and produced a perfect finale to an excellent day’s golf. Speeches included Bob presenting a cheque to Tony from Devon Captains for the burgeoning Junior Section at the club, gratefully received. Next week the “Old enemy” at Elfordleigh and on the agenda a reversal of last years result at Launceston GC.
Malcolm Jordain
Devon v Wiltshire Team & Result Sheet
