Somerset Golf Captains were hosted by the South West Golf Club Managers Association at Sherborne Golf Club for the annual match between the two. A breezy day with a few showers was a welcome relief from the strong winds and rain of the previous few days.
Sherborne was originally a nine-hole course dating back to 1894. James Braid was commissioned to design a revived course with 18 holes in 1936 and the result is largely still there for everyone to see and enjoy. Although a couple of the early holes have been changed, the rest of the course is very much as Braid laid it out and enjoys spectacular views, especially from the 12th tee in front of the Clubhouse.
Despite a few hiccoughs in the lead up to the match, two teams of five pairs headed out to do battle for the Trophy which is played for every year. The course was in great condition, as usual, with slick greens and lush fairways.
Captain David Bate and partner Nick Bye from Bath Golf Club were out first against Mike Wake and Colin Thomas. Despite their best efforts, they never got to grips with the military precision of their opponents and it soon became clear that it would all be about the winning margin rather than who would win! The teams shook hands on the 13th with Mike and Colin running out winners by 6&5.
Secretary Clive Stilwell and Geoff Rooke were out second against Dave Weston and John Mills. Geoff was off to a flyer with some excellent pars getting under the skin of their opponents and Somerset were two up early on. Dave and John then dovetailed very well and by the halfway point had squared the match. It was a ding-dong affair for a while with both teams making some long putts but Dave and John opened up a dormy lead of two holes by the 16th. A birdie at 17 for Clive was enough to take the match down the 18th, but Dave holed from off the green to secure a half on the hole and a 1up win for GCMA.
Matt Lazenby and SGC web master Ian Gover were out third against Julian Reynolds and Ray Griffith. The SGC pair made five birdies in ten holes and surged ahead due to some some excellent chipping and putting. The lead was maintained until the 15th when the match ended with SGC winning by 5&3. Matt and Ian finished with an impressive better-ball score between them and their GCMA opponents had no answer.
Derek Hanson and Steve Butterfield played against Jim Cunning and Bob Williams in a closely fought fourth match which would eventually prove to be decisive. It was mainly down to putting that Derek and Steve were unable to hold their opponents and GCMA ran out winners on the 17th by 2&1.
The last group pitted past SGC Secretary and Match Manager John Beer and Treasurer Paul Chesney against Karen Rix and Ian Griffiths. Paul got SGC off to a flying start with two birdies and although Karen’s putting enabled GCMA to reduce the deficit, the former Taunton Vale Captains extended their lead with another birdie from Paul and good use of a shot by John which put them 4up. Paul and Ian traded birdies at 13 and 14 and then a par at the 15th was enough to close out the match for SGC by 5&3. Karen described the game as a birdie fest afterwards!
So the match ended 3-2 in SWGCMA’s favour and David presented the Trophy to Mike who was delighted with his team’s performance. Sherborne’s usual hospitality was much appreciated by all of the players, including an excellent meal and friendly service from the team in the Clubhouse. Everyone agreed that it had been a privilege to play the course in tip top condition.
So another narrow loss for Somerset Golf Captains in a season which has had so many tight finishes to the fixtures. Next up – a home match against 4 Counties winners Dorset at Taunton and Pickeridge on the 3rd of August. Good luck to David Bate and his team!
