Fixture: Folke Golf Club vs. Vivary Golf Club
Venue: Folke Golf Club (Away)
Final Score: Folke 6 – 18 Vivary (2–4 in Match Points)
Report Contributed By: Gary Bishop
Vivary’s 3 Counties League squad kicked off their season in spectacular fashion, securing a historic 18–6 (4–2) away victory against last year’s league runners-up, Folke Golf Club. Statistically one of the toughest road trips on the calendar, Vivary had never previously tasted victory on Folke’s turf.
Despite an early setback and a few lessons in course etiquette along the way, the team delivered a clinical performance to break the venue hoodoo and pocket maximum points.
The Match Breakdown
- Match 1: Adam Reed & Mark Hewitson (Lost 2&1)The opening pair found themselves locked in a deliberate, slow-paced encounter that tested the patience of the entire field. Reed and Hewitson fought from behind, spending most of the afternoon trailing by a single hole. Despite a resilient effort, they were unable to restore parity, ultimately falling 2&1 on the penultimate green.
- Match 2: Dan Jackson & Gary Bishop (Won 2&1)Looking to rewrite their poor personal records at Folke, Jackson and Bishop bounced back from an early 1-down deficit to turn the match around, heading into the back nine 1 up. They never looked back from there. After capitalising on a defensive slip by the hosts on the 16th to go Dormy 2, Jackson sealed the match in style on the next, smashing a massive drive to the edge of the par-4 green to secure a vital 2&1 win.
- Match 3: Michael Wilson & Robbie Miller (Won 7&6)In the most dominant display of the afternoon, Wilson and Miller absolutely dismantled Folke’s previously unbeaten star pairing. While the comprehensive 7&6 scoreline was a masterclass in match play, the duo provided some post-match clubhouse talking points regarding league etiquette, serving as a slight learning curve on grouping distances and tee-box decorum!
- Match 4: Dan Barnes & Jim Kenworthy (Won 1 up)This match provided the ultimate drama of the day. After a highly unconventional start from Barnes—who found a localized water hazard twice right off the opening tee—the pair dug deep to take the match to the 18th all square. With the pressure resting squarely on Kenworthy’s shoulders, “Big Jim” showed ice-cold composure, lagging a clutch 25-foot putt to secure a rock-solid two-putt par, winning the match 1 up and sending the traveling support into raptures.
- Match 5 [Trophy Match]: Brian Thomas & Dave Andrews (Won 4&3)Playing in the designated Trophy Match for additional league points, Thomas and Andrews were completely ruthless. They burst out of the blocks to establish a commanding 4-up lead through just five holes. From there, they suffocated the match, frustrating their opponents to cruise to a comfortable 4&3 victory before heading to the 18th green to watch the final groups finish.
- Match 6: Bob Stout & Duncan Stout (Lost 3&1)The father-and-son duo rounded out the order in a tight, closely contested battle. Trading blows with the hosts all afternoon, the match remained up for grabs deep into the back nine before the Folke pair used their course knowledge to edge away, closing it out 3&1.
The Verdict
An 18–6 victory away at a venue where the club has traditionally struggled is a phenomenal statement of intent to start the 3 Counties season. The performance demonstrated both individual grit and incredible team depth.
The historic win was naturally celebrated in style on the journey back to Taunton, with the squad stopping off for a well-deserved celebratory pint at the Kings Arms in Montacute to toast an unforgettable opening weekend.
Up the Vivary!