by Alan Quick

THE Senior Section at Downes Crediton Golf Club is a thriving and active one.

It comprises those aged 60 plus years and this group of golfers make up more than 40 per cent of the club membership.

Seniors’ day at Downes Crediton is Monday, when competitions are played, with the first tee reserved from around 8am up until 12 noon, depending on the number of entries.

Medal competitions take place from April to October.

On those Mondays when there is no specific competition scheduled, an individual roll-up qualifying stableford takes place.

Seniors may, of course, enter all other club competitions, should they wish to do so.

In regard to the club, a Seniors team plays friendly matches, both home and away, against some 15 other clubs.

Everyone is eligible to play in the team.

In addition to excellent golf, the senior section has a splendid social side.

There is a roll-up every Wednesday and Friday, which is organised within the group and starts at around 9.30am.

The seniors enjoy almost unrestricted access to the course for their roll-ups on these two days but clearly give way to society bookings or golfers paying green fees.

A pre-season dinner is included in the calendar to welcome in both the new golfing year and also new members, with a more formal dinner at the end of the season when competition prizes are presented.

The formal end of season dinner and presentation of prizes took place recently.

Seniors captain, Andrew Chandler, presented the awards and congratulated all the medal and trophy winners.

He also paid tribute to the green staff for producing perfect conditions for play throughout the year.

Alan Draper was Golfer of the Year and Richard Tomkins was runner-up.

Ken Mar Salver winner was Ed Copp and Ken Mar Tankard winner, Tom Pettifer.

Chris Horgan Trophy – Colin Wheatcroft; John Baird Trophy – Quin Payne-Cook; Wednesday Wizards – David Jordan; Gerry Mannell Trophy – Alan Draper; Colin Smith Trophy – Paul Willcocks; Niblick – Jim Kensole; Jack Painting Memorial – Eric Parkes; Albert Midsummer Cup – Steve Lay.

Alan Ruddock Trophy – Stan Gibson; Don McRea Trophy – Peter Bryan; Captain’s Cup – Ed Copp; Phil Ollis Trophy – Martin Rutley; Mike Dunk Trophy – Bob Rippon; Grandad’s Trophy – Colin Parr.

David Moss Vase – Richard Wilson; Mick Thomson Trophy – John Cann; Hip Hooray – Joe Hull, Electic – Mike Hammond.

Pentathlon – Left, Right and Centre (Frank Sanders, John Cann and Rick Eidam); runners-up – The Parkes Department (David Lee, Eric Parkes and Paul Willcocks).

Seniors Open – Rob Dobson and Graham Pateman; Singles Knockout – Alan Draper; Singles Plate Knockout – Alan Matthews; Pairs Knockout – Dave Taylor and Graham Cox.

Medal winners Division One – David Jordan, Graham Pateman, Jim Downing (2), Alan Draper and Alan Willey. Medal winners cup Division One – Alan Draper.

Medal winners Division Two – Brian Johnston, Peter Johnson, Ron Berry, Tom Pettifer, John Warren and Joe Hull. Medal Winners cup Division Two – Peter Johnson.

Devonians v The Rest – running score winners – Devonians; Lin Ashman Trophy – Seniors v The Ladies – winners – Seniors.