UNSURPRISINGLY it is not unusual for the weather to be one of the topics of conversation at any golf club.

Downes Crediton is no exception, it is a part of the daily exchange of conversations on any round of golf.

This last week has been no exception. It will come as no surprise to know that the exceptional weather, brought on by the heatwave, has been one of the two main topics of conversation for members.

The other being the imminent roadworks, but we won’t go there just now!

The intense heat has required more action from our ground staff.

A carefully organised schedule of watering the all important areas, the greens and tees has been carried out throughout the week, and these have been well irrigated and have maintained their excellent condition.

The ability to do this so effectively is another demonstration of the planning and management of the course as it has developed over the last 50 years.

The remarkable thing is that the water being spread on the 3rd green, for example, is from a borehole that is very nearly a mile away!

Each tee and green has a similar capability. The engineering, the laying of pipes and electrical controls is really quite remarkable.

As we play our daily golf through the year we rarely think of the essential infrastructure beneath our feet, but what a vital difference it makes in these conditions.

Well equipped with suncream and plenty of water, our members have played throughout the week.

All the usual competitions took place, with occasional adjustments to suit the conditions.

The Captains Centenary Stableford on Saturday had almost 90 entrants. The winners were Tommy Carter 40 points, Kirk Atherton in second with 41 points, and Lynn Parry third also with 41 points.