The Picture Match

The first leg of the Picture Match was played at East Devon last Sunday, writes Paul Willoughby.

This is an annual fixture against Sidmouth Golf Club dating back to 1932 and the trophy is The Picture – a cartoon drawn by a Sidmouth golfer who sadly, for Sidmouth, had to recall that the first ever match was won by East Devon!

The Picture presently remains in pride of place in the East Devon clubhouse.

The match is played off scratch and both teams produced their best players.

Two members of the usual East Devon team were away on county commitments and the remaining handicaps ranged from 2.9 to 14.

As always, Sidmouth brought a very strong team led by Michael Knight whilst East Devon was captained by Bob Horton.

On a calm sunny East Devon day the home side took a slim lead in the morning foursome’s of four-and-a-half to three-and-a-half.

The afternoon singles were nip and tuck with an outstanding performance by 17 year old Lewis White who shot an almost flawless round to win his match.

Other notable wins were from new members Frazer Hassel and Mark Heywood.

The oldest member of either side and master of the short game, Alan Dewhurst, had a resounding 5 and 4 win to help East Devon to a nine-and-a-half to six-and-a-half afternoon session.

The return leg of The Picture Match will take place at Sidmouth in September with East Devon taking a 14-10 lead into that match.