FOR the first time since 2013 Tavistock Golf Club was crowned Palairet Champions for 2018. They made the finals day at East Devon Golf Club together with Fingle Glen, Wrangaton and Downes Crediton – four strong and well matched teams. 

In the first semi-final against Fingle Glen, Alan Gawman and Dave Turnbull went to the 19th to win the first point for Tavistock.  This was followed by Rob Jarman and Jack Philpotts with a 2-1 win to gain a second point,  Graham Ruth and Dan Harris halved their match, Kenny Mackenzie and Nick Mier won 4-3, John Behennah and Mark Cottingham won 6-4 thus resulting in a semi final win of 4.5 to 0.5 and setting up an afternoon clash with Downes Crediton who overcame Wrangaton 3-2.

The scene was set for a fantastic final between Tavistock and Downes Crediton.  Spectators were certainly not disappointed for the standard of play was a credit to the golfers and their clubs - and it was a real joy to watch. 

In game three the team of Graham Ruth and Dan Harris claimed the first point for Tavistock with a 5-4 win.  In the top game Downs Crediton evened up the score with a one up win. In the second game neither team could break the deadlock as it went down to the 19th but the Tavistock pair, Kenny Mackenzie and Nick Mier, picked up a second point which left Tavistock only needing a point from either of the two games still on the course, one of which was now going down to the 20th and the other game all square playing the 17th.  Knowing they could seal the victory for Tavistock, Jack Philpotts and Rob Jarmon made a solid par on the 20th much to the elation and delight of the rest of the team and the Tavistock supporters.  

The victory for the Tavistock Golf Club men came only a week after the club’s ladies celebrated winning the prestigious Western Morning News Rose Bowl - another top county prize.

The Tavistock ladies held their popular Delaney Texas Scramble with 35 teams taking part. The winners with a 62.6 score were Perranporth’s team of Debbie Douglas, Vicky Lee Comyn and Sarah Shobrook.  Perranporth also took second place with Sue Carveth, Vera Eade and Jane Wragg scoring 65.4. Tavistock’s Maggie Hillman, Dawn Phillott and Hilary took third place with 65.6.  In fourth place were Tavistock/Staddon  Jenny Kay, June Kendall and Liz Collier with 66.  

In the men’s veterans Chris Morley Trophy Dave Burge, Tony Cooper, Shawn Kiely and Max Clarke took the honours with 90pts.