Following the postponement of the May meeting it felt good to be back to GSGB business with over 70 members in attendance at Yelverton and St Mellion last week. It was certainly good to catch up with friends again after losing all but one of our events from the 2020 itinerary. With good reasons to travel again quite a few members took the opportunity to extend their stay with the aim of visiting some of the local attractions in Devon and Cornwall.

This was the GSGB’s first ever visit to Yelverton, a picturesque moorland course near Tavistock where sheep and Dartmoor ponies roam the course at will. Unfortunately the weather wasn’t kind with rain falling for much of the day blocking most views of the surrounding scenery. I’m sure the society will return to moorland Yelverton one day as it really is a joy to play.

Much to the relief of everyone the sun greeted us on the second morning allowing us to appreciate the picturesque nature of the wonderful Nicklaus course at St Mellion which was in excellent condition. This is a stunning golf course that is both challenging and undulating with no shortage of water to avoid.

Dining was not to be the usual GSGB experience with restrictions on how many could dine at any one time but the food was most enjoyable nonetheless. Hopefully all restrictions will be lifted before our visit to Carden Park in July.

The men’s Scratch event was once again thrown wide open with many of our low handicappers being unavailable. New member David James, playing with a handicap index of 5, came through to win despite a two shot reduction given to all playing their home course, in this case Yelverton. This was David’s first event with the society and I’m sure that we will see him in the winner’s circle in future years.

Alison Evans from Chelmsford put two solid rounds together to comfortably win the Ladies Scratch event for the first time playing off an index of 10.8.

The handicap aggregate prizes were won by Robert Hill from Bath with 59 points (after countback) from Ian Edwards, Barrie Luscombe and Terry Jones. The Ladies handicap aggregate was won by Christine Hinchcliffe from Sand Moor with 60 points.

A full list of all prize winners can be seen below.

Our next event is the AGM meeting at Carden Park on July 21st-22nd.

Brian