Bob Beeson reports…
Well, eventually 16 (nearly) able-bodied Devon Captains made their way to overnight accommodation at the Premier Inn Chichester before moving onto Lewes for our first match of the 2025 season against Sussex Captains.
After a team briefing, a glass of liquid libation was taken with the compliments of John Smith, one of the walking wounded who could not make the tour, and we were joined by another late replacement, Neil Sear, midway through our meal.
I had been told that Lewes was situated on a hill but nothing prepared us for entrance to the course. After the sat nav told us to do a U-turn, we only just managed to spot the single lane track leading to the clubhouse. After taking on oxygen, we arrived and met up with our opponents.
The captain of Lewes greeted us and apologised for the condition of the course which, like many, had suffered due to the weather over the last month. We went into battle with my customary topped drive off the first in a rather cold breeze and the course certainly lived up to its hilly reputation. The result was a 4-4 draw with one match finishing the 17th with a hole in one from Peter Brookshaw to close the game – congratulations Peter!
A fine meal followed and wine was taken with the Sussex team and Captain Richard wished us a safe journey home and we had the opportunity to test brakes as we navigated back down the entrance track!!
The next day we were off to Petersfield to play Hampshire & IoW Captains. We arrived in sunshine with the temperature up to a balmy 16 degrees and were greeted by a splendidly presented course. Hampshire Captain Idris welcomed us and then passed over to the Petersfield Captain Iain to explain a few local rules and then after lunch, we were off.
Surprise, surprise, I did not top my tee shot this time but did mange to lose the ball with my second!! The sun was shining and this seemed to spur on the Devon team to a resounding 7½ to ½ victory. The course was in excellent condition, even after the recent weather, and the Devon boys certainly appreciated it.
A fine carvery was served and after Captain Idris passed on his thanks to all at Petersfield and bid us a safe journey home, I gleefully announced the result.
It was an enjoyable tour to start the year with a good mix of players – rather like the mighty Invincibles, we are unbeaten in 2025.
