St. Enodoc Golf Club - Old Boys Rule !

Colin Earle (l) Seniors Captain with David Balmford

On this day, Friday 13th September, the Solheim Cup began with a lot of media attention, but at St Enodoc, on the Holywell Course, a notable match of far greater significance was quietly taking place. The Seniors had accepted the challenge to take on the Super Seniors (Over 75 years young) in match play.

The weather was fine, and the course was in excellent condition. The first tee was consumed with agitated discussion about the handicapping. This resulted in some bemused smiles from the Seniors.

There are those who believe that golf has remarkable health-giving properties and these gentlemen seem to be proof of this assertion. I am reminded of Bob Dylan’s song –

"Forever young

May your hands always be busy

May your feet always be swift

May you have a strong foundation

When the winds of changes shift

May your heart always be joyful

May your song always be sung

And may you stay

Forever young

Forever young

Forever young

May you stay

Forever young"

Needless to say, experience and familiarity with the Holywell contours was comfortably victorious: 5 to 1. The Seniors managing just 2 halves. Ian Hall, aged 89, regularly goes to keep fit at the Point, lifting weights and doing squats, scores a net eagle on the 8th hole and a net birdie on the 16th .

Colin Earle, the Senior Captain, complained about having to look at the wooden spoon all last year, but David Balmford seemed to be delighted in representing him with this “trophy”. The match was played in excellent good humour and both teams enjoyed drinks and sandwiches afterwards