THE Warren Crocus has been a fixture at The Warren Golf Club since 1979 when two beautiful salvers, donated by the Devon County Ladies’ Golf Association (now DevonGolf), were presented in memory of Sheelah Creasy.

Sadly, the Bronze Salver was among the trophies stolen in the series of thefts across the South West in 2024, but the competition continues to flourish and there were plenty of smiles and some seriously good scoring this time around.

The Warren Crocus has evolved over the years. Originally, clubs held qualifying competitions in silver and bronze divisions, with the winners going on to compete for the Silver and Bronze Salvers in a medal format.

These days, clubs can either run a qualifying competition or nominate a pairing to take part in the Greensomes Stableford.

Churston’s Bev Turton and Jacquie Wills (PH 17) were the stars of the Silver Division, racking up an impressive 41 points to take the top prize.

Home advantage almost paid off for The Warren’s Susan Broderick and Barbara Savill (PH 19) who finished just two points behind on 39 for second place on countback, with Bovey Tracey’s Maggie Thomson and Sarah Watson (PH 15) who were third. Stover’s Angie Hickey and Tina Bell (PH 18) completed the silver prizes with a very respectable 38 points.

And there was plenty of excitement on the par 3s with four pairs recording twos: Lizzie Bowman & Emma Sine (Tiverton), Sue Ansley & Elizabeth Sharman (Thurlestone), Warren’s own Barbara Savill & Susan Broderick and Janet Cousins & Julie Anne Vincent (Dartmouth).

Meanwhile, the Bronze Division was every bit as competitive, with some excellent scoring at the top.

Dainton Park’s Flo Fouret and Vicky Mayling (PH 23) led the way with a superb 41 points to claim first place.

Tiverton’s Julie Hasell and Marian Stevens (PH 25) were hot on their heels with 40 points, taking second on countback with Marilyn Lucas and Katie Panton (PH 30). Staddon Heights’ Karen Dawe and Mary Kilcullen (PH 26) took the final prize with 39 points. There were also twos for Dainton Park’s Flo Fouret & Vicky Mayling and Downes Crediton’s Diane Botterill & June Mitchell.

As ever, The Warren pulled out all the stops. The hospitality was first class and huge thanks go to lady captains Thea Durbin and Eve Andrews for rallying their members into action as ball spotters – an invaluable service when every point matters.

They also made sure everyone had a parking space, which on a busy competition day is no small achievement.

A great day, great scoring and, most importantly, plenty of good golfing company.