Team Brown: 2014 winners at 9th Alumni Golf Day

Former winners Alex Lawton, Mike and Paul Atkinson together with golf-scholar Stuart Patrick were runners up, with newcomers Alec Skelton, Paul Ruston and David Thorne and the University's Head of Supporter Engagement Dave Watson one point further back in third place.

This year’s conditions proved more difficult than last year’s inaugural event at St Georges Hill; the colourful and seemingly more extensive heather presenting a greater challenge.

Last year’s winning team of Brian Stopp, Martin Wright, Chris Innes-Hopkins and Keith Mullins, hoping to repeat back-to-back victories cited the tougher conditions as their challenge faltered.

Additionally, Brian and Keith, both members of The Wisley Golf Club (below), may have suffered some reaction to their kind hosting of Exeter golf scholars and coach Steve Buzza (far right, below) in a practice match the previous day.

A tough position on the 199-yard 14th saw relatively few players threaten the pin in the open nearest- the- pin competition, won by big-hitting Jonathan Godfrey.

As in 2013 the 173-yard 8th hole featured in the Cutting Edge draw, in memory of Alumni Golf Day joint founder Chris Edge. Doug Fenwick was this year’s winner among the 11 players whose tee shot found the well-guarded green (from 53 taking part).

As players returned together for their lunch at the imposing club house they could look back on a wonderful course bathed in sunshine and reflect on a memorable golfing experience.

An achievement of the golf day over many years has been the generous help provided by alumni in support of golf scholarships in helping Exeter become the leading UK golf university (No.1 in 2012/13). The generosity of alumni continued in this year’s auction and Cutting Edge raffle raising some £6-7,000. Our thanks to all who donated prizes, and to the Alumni Office team – Angela Evans, Simon Tyson and Dave Watson - who helped make the day such a success.

Our thanks also go to St Georges Hill for their help in staging such a memorable day, and to Rod Alexander particularly for enabling the event to be staged at the club.

Rod’s support of the golf day over the years has been exceptional – in negotiating the various deals at courses we have played and in providing many sought-after auction prizes. His skill as an auctioneer in ‘extracting’ further bids from attendees has helped to swell the funds raised, all done in the best of humour. He has also skilfully managed the Alumni Golf Team to success against the University Golf Club in regaining the Northcote Trophy in 2014. The past two years have seen Maggie, Rod’s wife, provide valuable administrative assistance. We are very grateful for the support Rod and Maggie have given to the Alumni Golf events.

It is always reassuring and inspiring to receive very positive feedback – a couple of comments from attendees that reflect the spirit of the 2014 event:

“Thanks and well done to you all for the hard work you obviously put in to making Friday such a success - this event gets better and better. Look forward to playing next year.”

“Please can I say a massive thank you for your efforts both in the lead up and then on the day at St Georges Hill. I had a most enjoyable day and will be doing my upmost to be involved and get others involved in future events. Thank you again and all the best for the future.”

The date of next year’s meeting is under review and may move to July rather than August. We will let you know in the coming month.

The next date for diaries is Wednesday October 22nd at Denham Golf Club – The EUAGS Annual Invitation Day. Cost is £75, A separate note will be sent out.