ON a beautiful sunny day, Saturday, January 28, with the course in superb condition, more than 100 Downes members turned out to play in the Captain’s Drive In competition and welcome the incoming 2017 Captains and to say “thank you” to the outgoing 2016 Captain’s.

The golf was a four-player team two scores to count stableford and winning with a tremendous 19 under par 91 points were the quartet of Mike Napper, Graham Weeks, Paul Gidley and Dave MacPherson.

Just one point behind, scoring an impressive 18 under par to finish second, were Pete Blinkhorn, Rob Hazeldine, Jim Dunlop and Andy Rogers with Pete Russell, Rob Dobson, Ray Kelly and Martin Howe third, posting 87 points.

The leading mixed team saw incoming and outgoing lady Captain’s Shirley Stunell and Liz Mapson partner Sue Barr and Downes Professional Devon Greenslade to victory with a score of 85 points.

After the competition, outgoing Captain’s David Taylor, Liz Mapson, Andrew Chandler and Liam Staite took part in the “Putt Out”, whilst incoming Club Captain, Alex Williams, Lady Captain Shirley Stunell, Seniors Captain, Bill Dick and Junior Captain Ashley Ford took part in the Captain’s Drive In from the first tee.

All hit impressive shots although Junior Captain, Ashley’s, tee shot did scatter the onlooking crowd!

After all the formalities and before heading into the clubhouse for the Captain’s dinner last year’s Captain, David Taylor, handed a cheque for £4,600 to The Devon Freewheelers, the 2016 Club Charity.

On a cold breezy day, Thursday, January 26, Downes ladies played an individual stableford that saw Marina Caston take top spot scoring a fine 34 points.

Di Botterill posted 32 points to take second place with the ever-consistent Liz Mapson finishing third on 30 points.

Barry Austin