AS we come to the end of the third heatwave in the last eight weeks, it has been good to see some much needed rain falling on the course, though probably not as much as the ground staff would like.

At the time of writing this report, it looks as if there will be cooler temperatures and showers over the coming days, bringing at least a small smile to the ground staff at Downes. The fairways will benefit from the modest amount of rain that has fallen.

However, when it comes to the 18 precious greens on the course, the vagaries of the weather cannot be relied on. A much more scientific and carefully planned regime of watering is needed to keep these all important areas the best condition possible in these arid conditions.

Driving large machinery around the course cutting the fairways and maintaining the rough, the ground staff are very noticeable as they go about their work.

However, in recent weeks, golfers will have noticed one or two members of the ground staff, or their very helpful and skilful volunteers, paying attention to areas just off the green.

A vital part of the golf course, indeed any golf course, is its watering system. Closer inspection of work going on at the side of the greens reveals a complicated series pipes and electrics, normally buried beneath the ground.

The staff are busy maintaining these important areas to ensure the quality of the greens, and doesn’t it show!

The irrigation system is fed by a vast network of buried pipes and hidden under the fairways and all linking to the all important borehole that supplies water to the course. Keeping this system in good working order is so important, but often goes unnoticed. We are indeed grateful to the staff and their helpers for their expertise.

The DCGC ladies completed their Devon Ladies’ League Golf Division A fixtures with an emphatic 5-1 win against Bigbury on Monday, July 14.

It was a really friendly match and a great meal afterwards. The Bigbury team enjoyed playing the course and, as a result a number have committed to play the Ladies Open on Tuesday, August 26.

The latest round of the South Devon Seniors League took place on Thursday, July 17. It was a windy, but thankfully dry day and Downes Crediton hosted Bovey Castle, East Devon, Thurlestone and Tiverton golf clubs playing in this league.

This is a 15-team league, divided into three pools of five clubs each, the highest scoring team overall going forward to the end of season final.

The winners were Bovey Castle by just a single point, with Tiverton in second place and Downes Crediton finishing a close third on the day.

Whilst remaining at the foot of the league, it does mean they can climb as high as third overall if they have a good result in the last leg of the season at Bovey Castle in September.

Once again the club received many compliments about the course and catering.

The midweek Stableford was won by Gerry Hodder with 39 points and the Thursday nine-hole Stableford was won by Adrian Squires with 23 points.

On Saturday, July 19 the Hazeldon Trophy and July Medal was won by Alan Drysdale with an outstanding round of 55 and a change of handicap!

Mike Palmer