Sidmouth former club captain Faulkener fires hole-in-one at Saunton Sands

Neil Faulkener - Fred the Bread to his friends - and club captain at Sidmouth Golf Club in 2008 distinguished himself at a recent event for ‘Past Captains’ held at Saunton Sands golf club in North Devon, writes George Carr.

Playing the West Course along with 143 of his peers (does this amount to a gross collection of past captains?) Faulkener holed out in one on the par-three-eighteenth, a distance of 197 yards.

His well struck driver/three-wood (versions differ), which he insists he set up to draw, though, some witnesses have referred to a strong cross wind, rolled unerringly between greenside bunkers to rattle the pin before dropping.

There is a tradition in many golf clubs that such an achievement obliges the golfer in question to buy a round of drinks in the club bar; but Neil was excused this by general consent given the numbers involved, though, it is rumoured, that a number of Sidmouth past captains present protested vehemently at this act of kindness. Nevertheless, a day to remember for Neil; well played indeed.

And speaking of days to remember, Thursday April 4, will certainly be one. From 1.30pm through until 4pm parents are invited to bring their offspring - age-range from five-years-of-age to 18 - to an entirely free ‘taster’ afternoon of golf at Sidmouth Golf Club.

With PGA head professional Ben Thorn in attendance there a chance for youngsters to practise putting and chipping; other golfing activities with spot prizes and refreshments at a briefing in our welcoming club-house - come and meet us - you will be amazed.