The Captain’s Drive In is traditionally the day the members officially meet their new club captain, writes Andy Wagner.

There is always a pre drive-in game to encourage as many members as possible to contribute to the ‘family atmosphere’ that is Honiton Golf Club.

However, the week before the event the course had looked more akin to accommodating water skiing rather than golf!

Incoming captain Ron Graham began to lay on contingency plans to cover the disappointment but incredibly, the course was deemed playable and to top that (thanks to Ron) the day was miraculously bathed in sunshine!

The clubhouse was packed with well wishers as Ron revealed the centre piece of his day.

To underline his chosen Charity for the year, The Devon Air Ambulance (a life saving charitable service that the club has had reason to use more than one occasion), Ron had organised to arrive in full Scottish regalia by helicopter! The more ladish amongst the spectators made reference to kilts and choppers, but we had to admit his arrival was impressive and his stature almost regal in its splendour. After helping the ‘past captain’ Dave Morgan putt out of office he took his stance on the 18th tee. After a mere ‘sighter’ he belted his drive straight and true up the fairway and across the forest of charity markers to finally come to rest nearest to Penny Blackburn’s peg.

Fancy receiving a bottle of whisky as a prize from one who knows!

The mornings game had become secondary to the theatre that Ron had provided, but for the record the 4BBB prize winners were; 1, Ed Reece, Richard Reece, Dave Carnell and Jeff Peace with 87pts, 2, (after countback), Tim Avery, Terry Dimond, Paul Coates and Paul Dimond (all past captains) with 86pts; 3, Andy Ford, Steve Kay, James Drew and Mark Gillard. So after a week of weather misery came a joyous, uplifting day of pure delight.

Later in the day Ron Graham invited past presidents, past club captains, lady captain and members who had worked for the club in various capacities during the year to join him for dinner at the Monkton Court Hotel.

Vice captain Stewart Slater did an excellent resume on the past history of our new captain which is for them to know and us to find out.

Captain Ron then replied thanking those present and said he was looking forward to his year in office. Welcome club captain 2014 Ron Graham.