SAM Snead's opening shot of this year's Masters tournament on the new Augusta course clattered into a line of spectators. On Saturday, Tavistock Golf Club's 93-year-old president — four years older than the American veteran — made sure he did not make the same mistake and drove straight and true when he fired off the first shot officially to open the new course.
Albert Rowse, club president for 29 years, who plays off a handicap of 24, was paired with Tavistock's professional Dominic Rehaag. They scored 37 points in the four-ball better-ball stableford competition.
Three new holes have been created — the fifth, ninth and tenth — in a change that got rid of the dangerous 14th hole which ran parallel to the road. The course, sporting new tee markers and flags, was in immaculate condition thanks to the hard work of the greens staff.
Results of the opening day: Men's winners: J Ruth and M Beveridge 42 points (on the back 9), runners-up J Hill and D Spray, 42.
Ladies winners J Kendall and S Coles 35, runners-up G Westhead and W Hanwell 34.
Mixed winners: S Gilder and K Gawman 41, runners-up G Gawman and N Gawman 40.
Nearest the pin: men's H Gynne (4th green); ladies' equal M Allen and B Ruth (6th green).
Longest drive: men's S Gilder (16th), ladies N Gawman (15th).
Eleven pairs scores 2s. Results of the ladies' April medal: Div 1 V Coe nett 65; div 2 G Greening nett 70.
l Picture: Tavistock Golf Club president Albert Rowse with club captain Brian Williams, golf professional Dominic Rehaag and chairman of Green and Handicap Peter Masoli.