THE sunny weather has been the main subject of conversation on the golf course recently, which has enabled golf from early morning until sunset.

Although a little windy sometimes, conversation has also been about the condition of the golf course and the fact that it is looking fantastic.

The presentation of the course is down to hard work by the greenkeepers.

There were a couple of days when the rain was so intense that some of the fairways were flooded, but the planning and the work continued.

There has been a newly refurbished irrigation system and new drainage on the 11th and 13th greens.

Improvements to a number of the tees and the installation of an area for growing turf also took place.

Many thanks to Nick West, Director of Greens, and to Ken Bones and his team of Guy Hoskins, Rob Tancock and Shaun Stapleton. Well done to you all. We look forward to The Greenkeepers Revenge later this year!

The seniors weekly competition on Monday, April 20 was a Stapleford and they were over 60 taking apart. The winner was Tommy Gibbs with 40 points, followed by Gerry Hodder and Nigel Ashplant with 39 points each.

On Tuesday, April 21, it was the turn of the ladies, which was one by Diane Botterill with 35 points. The midweek Stapleford was won by Mark Elliot, and in the Thursday evening Stableford, a nine hole competition, the winner was Simon Coupe with 22 points. The Saturday competition on April 25 was the April medal and Cody medal, again with a large field of almost 100 players. Richard Langham 66 led the field, with a better back nine from Jason Hayman.

On Sunday, April 26 Downes hosted a Devon wide Junior Open competition, with entrants from many Clubs across the county. More information on this soon.

Mike Palmer