WITH the season now in full swing at Downes Crediton Golf Club there has been a total of eight competitions and matches this past week, plus a busy week of friendly casual golf.

In particular on the two exceptionally warm days, the course looked a picture. The bright blue skies, the trees in blossom, and the almost emerald colour of the fairways and greens, really put the members and our guests in the mood for the game.

Golf courses can look very impressive as they come out of the winter season. One of the most notable of these featured on our television screens during the last week.

This was of course Augusta in Florida, the venue for The Masters, the first Major of the year.

It seems almost every blade of grass is manicured to perfection, and Amen Corner with all its colourful shrubs is quite a sight.

But back at Downes, we have our own Amen Corner. Three holes that all offer a different challenge.

The 12th hole, with its straight drive through an avenue of tall trees to a glorious view of the Raddon Hills, followed by the approach to a challenging green sat on top of a mound.

Then comes the 13th, a picturesque par 3 defended by a pond close to the green. This is followed by 550 yards of beautiful Devon views, a lengthy par 5.

These three holes are a joy to play, especially when your game is going well! And that’s just a part of our splendid course.

On Saturday, April 11, the Rosemary Parker Trophy had over 100 entrants. The winner was Arthur Moughton with 40 points.

Simon Grills, Jamie McGuigan and Tracy Chandler all came in with 39 points, a number of other scores were in the high 30’s. The course must be getting easier to play.

Mike Palmer