Thurlestone Golf Club

‘It’s not fair,’ I hear some distinguished, getting-on-a-bit members declare, writes Lincoln Shaw. ‘Why don’t the juniors stick to their own ­competitions instead of mopping up most of the prizes in the “open to all ages” contests you’d expect more experienced players to win?’

Unfair or not, it’s happening. Take the men’s midweek stableford, which might, in retrospect, be rechristened ‘The Boys’ Bonanza’. Seven ­juniors had the temerity to play in it and in division one they scooped the first three places. Ethan Bellamy (handicap 13) was top of the list with 41 points after a thrilling battle with junior captain George Holland, who now plays off six. He had the same 41-points total but was demoted to runner-up on countback. Third place was claimed by young George Messias with 39 points. All three earned a handicap reduction of one stroke.

In division two the winner was another junior, Alfie Messias (27) with 44 points, and as well as the top prize he earned himself a swift handicap reduction to 24. The runner-up was Tony Gledhill (23), also with 44 points. Not surprisingly on such a low-scoring day, there were 14 twos.

No holes-in-one in that contest, but the ­previous day saw one in the ladies’ medal, with the Duchess and Junior Cups at stake.

The breeze was easterly and not the usual southwesterly, which may be why two ‘away’ members will be taking silverware to far-flung parts of the UK. The division two winner, who also claimed the Junior Cup, was Sheila Fairley (26) of Liphook Golf Club, who saw her tee shot on the 13th plop straight into the hole, winning her £22. Her net 66 no doubt drew attention from handicap adjusters back home. Last year Sheila lost out in this same competition on countback, but this time she left nothing to chance, winning by 10 shots. The runner-up in that division was lady captain Yvonne Pike (24) with net 76, on countback from Liz Coates (24). Zoe Lepere was also celebrating after scoring a two on the sixth.

Winner of the Duchess Cup in division one was Mary Rawsthorn (15) of Wilmslow Golf Club with net 69, then runner-up Gill Hicks (13) with net 72 followed by Jan Brooking’s (17) net 73. So plenty of smiles from all and sundry at the end of the day.

On Friday the Devon Golf Association ladies held the quarter-finals of the President’s Teams at Thurlestone in testing conditions, including strong winds. Okehampton won their match and are through to play Saunton in the semi-finals. Staddon Heights play Holsworthy in the other semi-final at Royal North Devon on September 5.

It was a close contest in the final of the Royal Marine Cup, with Janet Richardson and Peter Hartley winning on the 18th against Keith and Denise Crawford.

Phew, these results are coming in thick and fast, including the Prowse Salver Medal won by Daniel Cunningham (18), net 69, well ahead of Charlie Witter (17), net 74, and Adam Walker (9), net 76. Then there is the six-hole ‘shoot-out’ men’s and juniors’ event won by Sebastian Dimitroff (22), with 15 points, one more than Bruneo Dimitroff (28) and Oliver Griffiths (26). A new competition to creat a bit of fun, I am told. Isobel Barron (36) topped the ladies’ list with 15 points, just one more than Yvonne Pike – now that’s a more ­familiar name.

All sorts of complicated competitions go on at this relaxed time of year, including the ‘Quaich’, which combines golf and tennis, junior and adult, in an all-day event that attracted 10 pairs. The nine-hole greensome in the morning produced top scores of 22 points, with the game’s score from the afternoon tennis added to the total score.

This all went down to the last few games, I am told, with the leader board fluctuating in a very tight finish. The winners were Adam and Ollie Walker with 37 points, followed by Martin and Joe Beck with 36 and James and Charlie Witter on 34 points.

Finally, and not for the first time, we end on a sad note. Neville Whitley, the club professional at Thurlestone for many years, has died. A very ­courteous man whom I remember with affection, because he helped me sort out my swing at a time when I was playing good golf. But also a man who ran into troubled times towards the end of his stay at Thurlestone. His funeral service will be at 11am on Friday, September 2, at Dodbrooke Church, Kingsbridge. Goodbye Neville and God bless.