THERE were 138 players who took to the course for the Captains’ Drive-In at Tavistock Golf Club. 

Elected at the recent annual meetings the new captains and vice captains teed off in warm sunshine.  Scoring was high and close but first was Andy Rich and John McGahey with 44 points, second Glyn Cunnick and Mike Wakely 43pts on countback from Alan Doidge and Michael King. In fourth place with 42pts were Barry Milligan and Viv Wilton.

The new captains — Nigel Doidge and Marion Stenhouse — pipped their vice Captains Rob Staniland and Janet Kiiely by one point with their score of 38 pts.

The weather was not so good for the Artisans Cup played in conjunction with the Mercedes Qualifier.  Dan Harris won the day with 36 pts on count back from Alan Greening and Rob Lovell. 

Dan now goes forward to the regional final of the Mercedes competition which is being held at Tavistock.

In the Ladies Ping four ball better ball qualifier Peggy Burge and Jenny Kay scored an excellent 44 pts.  Second with 41 pts Sue Eastwood and Helen Phipps, third Fran Horton and Marian Stenhouse with 40 pts.  The top scores in the country go forward to play in the final.

Cold, wet and windy weather forced players off the course in the men veteran v lady vets Thewlis Trophy match — the captains agreed on a ’honourable half’!

The juniors started their league season well with a 3-2 win over a strong Thurleston team. Junior coach Marc Ninnis said: ‘The team played well and it was a great debut for young Samuel Lawrence who, together with Luis Inacio, scored the winning half.’   

The lady vets played their first trophy competition of the season — the Eileen Able ’two clubs and putter’ played over 14 holes.   The winner with 24pts was Sarah Hanson, runner up was veterans’ captain Anne Dawson with 22 pts.