THERE have been many Societies and groups visiting Downes Golf Club this season, and it is always a real pleasure to welcome them to our course.

A number of these groups have held Charity days, and have combined raising money and supporting very deserving causes through the game of golf.

We have reported on several of these events, and this week we feature another of these very worthwhile charity days.

The Exeter University Mens Cricket Club (EUMCC) held their charity day at Downes last week and we share the account of the day that was sent to the club following the event.

“The University of Exeter Men’s Cricket Club held its annual Golf Day at Downes Crediton Golf Club last Tuesday.

“The event combined light-hearted competition with a meaningful message, as participants came together to raise awareness and funds for the Movember Foundation, a charity dedicated to raising awareness and funds for men's health, specifically prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention.

“Players set off in classic rainy November conditions, but the weather did little to dampen spirits. Although the quality of golf varied from polished swings to more experimental efforts, enthusiasm remained high throughout.

“The competition featured a number of challenges. The 7th hole left-hand bunker became ‘the charity bunker’, any player whose ball landed in the sand was encouraged to make an honesty-based donation to the Movember Foundation. The bunker proved more popular than many hoped!

“There were two on-course competitions. Nearest the Pin, won by Max D’Arcangeli Ryan, who landed within two foot of the hole. The Longest Drive competition, won by Jack Parry with a remarkable 324-yard drive. Both Max and Jack received gifts from Red Bull who partnered our event.

“Laughter peaked at the ‘Childs’ clubs’ holes, where players were required to use junior-sized clubs on the 5th and 15th holes. Despite the challenges, scoring remained competitive, and the winners, Alex Stonor and Dom Hall, finished one over par with a net score of 13 under, both receiving a gift from Prime Time Beers, who donated a crate of lager.

“Behind the fun lay a vital cause. Movember supports research and initiatives addressing prostate cancer, testicular cancer and men’s mental health, issues that heavily impact young men.

“As a club we continue to support this important charity, having raised £7,417 so far.

“Previous fundraising events this month have included club members running 84 km over 24 hours, hosting a Padel Day and Pub Quiz. Upcoming events include our Movember ‘Beer Mile’, Five-A-Side Football Tournament and club members completing 1,440 laps of a cricket pitch, running 60 km in 24 hours.”

Very well done EUMCC, in spite of difficult conditions you certainly made the most of your day. We look forward to seeing you again next year.

Due to the very changeable weather conditions the course can be fairly challenging at this time of year.

The wet ground means it is difficult to maintain the fairways to the usual high standard, and the autumn leaves certainly provide an additional hazard. But the competitions and social golf continue as always.

And after a moist, or possibly chilly round of golf, there’s always the 19th hole to welcome the weary player. Perfect!