The story Great Torrington's great golfing achievement

The dust has now settled at Great Torrington Golf Club, who are basking in the glory of winning the prestigious Emerton Court Trophy, the flagship event of the Devon Men Veteran Golfers Association.

The DMVGA told the story of a magnificent win: “After the deluge of rainfall the preceding day, the Emerton-Court Final took place at Churston Golf Club in windy but bright sunshine.

“In the early stages Exeter appeared to have a slight advantage, but golf being golf, at the conclusion of the final match the score stood at 2.5 - 2.5.

Game 1. Roger Worthington/Dave Adams (EXE) Halved against Paul Wheeler/Paul Adams. (GTO).
Game 2. Bob Gillespie/Keith Baxter (GTO) bt Darren Thorpe/John Fairman (EXE).
Game 3. John Mcllveen/Paul Waite (EXE) evened the score beating John Smith/Colin Garrett.
Game 4. Peter Sturman/Tony Gooch (GTO) bt Alan Cleave/Mike Comber (EXE) Advantage Grt Torrington!
Game 5. Barrington Rogers/Ray Charleson (EXE) bt Billy Campbell/Merv Baker (GTO) to tie the match.

“For the first time in many years the match went to an exciting ‘sudden death’ play-off between the Number 1 pairings on the 1st Tee. Dramatically, it went down to the putting, Great Torrington winning 3 shots to 4.

“After the post-match meal, DMVGA Captain, David Bromage, expressed gratitude to Churston GC for hosting the event especially the greenkeepers and latterly the catering staff for their attentiveness.

“He continued by stating it was the 47th EC final, which had commenced in 1976 and in that time there had been 17 different winners (now 18). He congratulated the respective EC Captains – John Fairman of Exeter and Phil Harper of Great Torrington, and their team members, for providing such an excellent competitive match played in a true sporting manner.

“Turning to the DMVGA Committee he thanked Secretary Malcolm Tester for organising the arrangements for the Final and the preceding rounds, and thanks to the Competition Organiser Tim Douglas-Riley for his efforts throughout the year. Finally, he asked the associations President, Bob Small, to make the presentation of the trophies.”