Cornwall Men’s Team commenced their quest for Channel League honours at Launceston Golf Club where they entertained local rivals Devon. 18 months between matches is a very long time and changes to the team were inevitable due to several players having changes in their personal circumstances. A good combination of youth and experience were on show and ready for the challenge.

Debutants included Adam Bridgewater (Launceston) and Mark Grootz (Trevose) Worthy of note is that all the players’ handicaps are +2 or better!

The weather was glorious and Launceston had prepared their course superbly.  (Many thanks to Launceston club members for allowing the Duchy to stage the match at their course on a Sunday, very much appreciated) It truly felt like summer had at last arrived.

The morning foursomes did not go well for Cornwall. Too many tee shots failed to find the fairway and with Launceston having very large and substantial trees awaiting an errant tee shot, Devon took command. There was however one bright light at pairing number 5. The ever reliable pair of Josh Greenaway (St Enodoc) and Richard Jasper (Launceston) provided 2 exquisite birdies on 17 and 18 to win their match 2 up.

Lunchtime : Cornwall 1 - 4 Devon

The afternoon singles gave Captain Phillips a chance to see his players play their own ball. Rob MacGregor (Tehidy Park) played some immaculate golf being several under par when he despatched Devon number 1 Craig Passmore 6/5. Bridgewater was involved in a tight struggle as was Matt Richards (West Cornwall)…things were looking a bit better. Cornwall had no option but to be aggressive on the course as the morning deficit was going to take a lot of catching up. As the afternoon progressed it was clear to the supporters and officials watching that Devon were just holing more putts than Cornwall.

Cornwall looked good at the front and the tail gunners seemed in control of their matches but Cornwall were struggling in the middle of the team. The players were very honest in their own assessment stating that they had made mistakes with club selection and not putted well. As we all know this can easily happen no matter how hard you prepare.

There were singles wins for MacGregor, Richards, Jared Mortimore (Truro) and special mention to Cornwall stalwart Greenaway (St Enodoc GC) who won both his matches - an excellent performance. Joe Reynard (Trevose) just missed a chance to win his match on the 18th, his game ending up all square.

Result Cornwall 5.5 - 9.5 Devon

Full Details

Cornwall travel to Somerset this Friday 4th June for the South West Counties Golf Association Championships being held at the magnificent Burnham and Berrow Golf Club. Good luck lads! For further details of this use the link below

SWCGA

[Report by County Captain Charlie Phillips]