Somerset Golf Captains arrived at Droitwich Golf Club seeking their second win of the season having narrowly lost in their previous outing. The windy yet humid conditions were a challenge with the patchy rain being more of an irritant than a spoiler. Droitwich Golf Club’s location next to Chateau Impney, a present to his French wife from the Club’s first Chairman, John Corbett, provided a wonderful backdrop for another close fought match for SGC.
Almost as impressive as the Chateau was the red brick clubhouse, built as a private residence in 1830. The current course dates back to the early 1920s, being designed by James Braid, responsible for many great courses such as Carnoustie and Ganton. Previously, the Club had played on a nine-hole course since 1897.
Captain David Bate and partner, SGC Fixture Secretary Rob Fear, led the way against Worcestershire Captain Marty Wilde and Droitwich Captain Scott Shuck. The home team helped to steer Somerset around the course but despite this, Somerset were never up in what was a close game. Having fought back from 3 down to be level on the last, Scott’s birdie was the decisive blow and David and Rob lost, 2 down.
George Davis and Ian Gover were second out, taking on Ian Rowe and Richard Mason, and despite going 1 down early on, they rallied to level the match by the halfway stage. The excellent golf continued on the back 9 as Worcester began to pull away – only for another Somerset surge to level the game after 16. A long putt was holed by the home team on the 17th earning them a half – a fitting end to a very enjoyable match.
Steve Butterfield paired up with Captain-Elect Mike Rossiter in Match 3 against Peter Brannon and Peter Cooper. An early lead was established by the home pair, but the Somerset pair slowly narrowed the gap – no doubt helped by Mike’s now (in)famous banter! Steve stole victory for Somerset by winning the last two holes reporting that “The Pro” had cocked them up anyway, and a win by 1 hole was the final result and marked our first win of the day.
Match 4 pitted Mike Usher-Clarke and Paul Burns for Somerset against Chris Hobbs and John James. Apparently, if Heineken did 4 balls this would qualify! The company and golf were both excellent and the match was played in great spirit. Despite the worst possible start for Somerset – 2 down after 2 – they managed a revival and ran out winners on the 16th with a 4&2 margin. So, 2½ – 1½ to the visitors at the halfway stage of the fixture.
Rob Hirons and Rob Ford faced Rob Millward and Steve Collins in Match 5 in what must have been the most confusing match of the season so far as only Steve knew when he was being spoken to! The home pair were excellent company at all times, and the match proved enjoyable and entertaining throughout. Rob H is convinced that Rob F is 20% stronger for carrying him for most of the round but despite his efforts, Somerset narrowly lost by 1 hole.
In Match 6 Chris, Hyldon and Geoff Rooke took on John Whitehead and Roy Sims in what was a slow-burning game. Neither team took the initiative until the back nine when Somerset pulled two holes clear after 11. Despite Worcester’s good golf, Geoff and Chris held them at bay and hands were shaken on the 15th green with an impressive 3 & 2 win for Somerset. Perhaps that second win of the season for Somerset might be getting closer – Matches 7 and 8 were bound to prove decisive.
Phil Barrett and Scott McKechnie faced Alex Bishop and Derek Tranter in Match 7 but got off to a dreadful start, losing the first four holes. Phil chipped in twice to steady the ship, but that early setback was to prove decisive as the home pair closed out the game on the 16th, winning 3&2. The Somerset pair thoroughly enjoyed the course and the company, and the result left the overall match in the balance.
SGC President Roy Parmiter and John Chillington were matched up against Keith Wilkinson and Kevin Hartland in what was now going to be the decider with the scores level at 3½ – 3½. They had a great game of golf which ebbed and flowed, and Roy and John enjoyed both the company and the golf course. The Worcester pair were holding on despite some good golf from the Somerset pair, but Roy and John moved ahead on the back nine and John delivered the coup de grace to finish off the match which Somerset won 3&2.
Captain David Bate thanked the host Club and our friends in Worcestershire for a fabulous day and great hospitality at such a lovely Club and course. The trophy was duly presented to David, and it returned down the M5 for another year. Well done to Somerset!
