Chiefs help launch new golf course

The 'Twenty Sixteen' Golf Course at Exeter Golf and Country Club was officially opened on Monday 18th July with an afternoon of golf, fizz and Devon cream teas.

Chairman, Will Gannon addressed the 200 golf members and guests, thanking those who had helped ensure the golf course redesign was a success.

Will explained that after years of uncertainty created by the planning issues surrounding Persimmon's neighbouring house development, the final completion of the course and grand opening marked certain success for the future of the club. During the year of Exeter Golf and Country Club's 121st anniversary, the start of a new era with the 'Twenty Sixteen' Golf Course is particularly poignant.

David Fitzgerald of the BBC attended as compere, with three of the Exeter Chiefs christening the course to demonstrate the strong partnership between them and Exeter Golf and Country Club as two of the most significant establishments in the city. Chief's players Henry Slade, Luke Cowan-Dickie and Thomas Waldrom represented the Exeter Chiefs in a nearest the pin competition against Ben Martin, Golf Manager, John Parr, Golf Course Manager and Darren Thorpe, Chairman of the Greens.

The Chiefs, with team manager, Tony Walker were on hand after the opening ceremony for photos with the guests, many of whom are passionate rugby fans.

Will Gannon, Chairman said, “The Official Launch of the new golf course celebrates both the history and the future of Exeter Golf and Country Club. With 121 years as a golf club behind us and many thousands of members through our doors, 2016 is a time of great excitement as we progress into the next stage of our story. The club now offers so much more than just golf, with newly refurbished tennis courts, some of the region’s best squash courts, a well-equipped gym and fitness studio, and indoor and outdoor heated pools. We welcome 5,000 members from across the city and region and will continue to develop our facilities and venue into the future.”

The Official Launch marked the start of a week of celebrations including golf competitions involving hundreds of golfers from across the county, a talk by Invictus Games champion and ex Royal Marine Paul Vice, Night Golf with a barbecue, casino and live music, the Rio Summer Ball and an Open Day.