OVER 80 people took part in Jim Stewart’s Captain’s Day at Thurlestone Golf Club.
It was always going to be a challenge to get everyone off according to some sort of schedule but everyone was on time and dressed in their best red and white St George's gear.
The first hole played as a testing 256-yard par three and for a modest donation to the captain’s joint charity (Devon Air Ambulance Trust), the professionals could take the shot for you.
Pro James Knight started the first shift of the day at 8.17 and by then, first player of the day Stewart Barnes had put his drive to within 15 feet.
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James continued striking his trusty 2-iron and handed over to Steve White after 10 groups had passed through the first.
Steve Pike, Colin George and David Eva were amongst those to turn down this offer and fire close to the pin.
Tracy Loveys took on the last pro shift and thanks must go out to the trio for their efforts on the opener.
A halfway house of beers, wine, pigs in blankets, sausage rolls and pizzas made and served by Liz Stewart with help from vice-captain Steve Gallagher and the ever-helpful Joan Booth, ensured everyone was well fed and watered as they proceeded around the course.
The day finished with the very first person out winning overall, Stewart’s 40 points taking the spoils ahead of David Eva, David Kendall, Martin Oakes-Monger, Stuart Reed and Gary King, all on 39.
Other prize winners included: best senior- Mike Yeoman, best past-captain- Harry Cattell, best junior- William Hoskin, various nearest the pin winners, nearest the line- Gary King and nearest the Pimms- Garth Gregory.
It was a Captain’s Day for Jim and everyone else to remember.
Elsewhere, there was a short trip down the road for opponents and local rivals Bigbury in a sixth league game of the season. Thurlestone prevailed in four of the five pairings, and they now look forward to the return fixture on Sunday 28.
The ladies' competition on Wednesday was a Stableford playing for the Vets trophy and the Venerable Vets trophy. The winner of the Vets trophy was Julia Dorey (16) with 41 points and in second place was Sue Ansley (20) with 39 points. The winner of the Venerable Vets trophy was Liz Sharman (17) with 37 points, ahead of Tricia Swindell (17) on countback.
Thurlestone Presidents’ Team played their final division match against Dartmouth at home on Friday July 12. Winning was essential to give the hosts a chance of qualifying for the quarter-finals and so a 5.5-1.5 victory, when giving as many as eight shots, was a brilliant showing. Now they await the result between Staddon and Churston with bated breath and fingers crossed.