Exeter Golf and Country Club https://exetergcc.co.uk Fri, 02 Oct 2026 09:42:18 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://exetergcc.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/elementor/thumbs/egcc-icon-pfxh8zhc8qo7csdg26gyg3lk2i5qv71wv4ydmi1kd8.png Exeter Golf and Country Club https://exetergcc.co.uk 32 32 Walk for Wellbeing for Hospitality Action https://exetergcc.co.uk/news/walk-for-wellbeing-for-hospitality-action/ Thu, 01 Oct 2026 14:12:45 +0000 https://exetergcc.co.uk/?p=44077 Read more]]>

Exeter Golf and Country Club takes on Devon’s first Walk for Wellbeing

On Sunday 18 October, ten members of the Exeter Golf and Country Club team will swap the gym floor, Members Bar and office for 15km of open Dartmoor as they take part in Hospitality Action’s Walk for Wellbeing.

If you would like to donate to their fundraising, any amount would be greatly appreciated, via the link below.

SPONSOR TEAM EXETERGCC

 

Starting at Bovey Castle and finishing at Ilsington Country House Hotel and Spa, the team will cross Dartmoor’s open moorland alongside hospitality professionals from across Devon, coming together to raise awareness and vital funds for the people who work in the industry.

For Exeter Golf and Country Club, the walk is about more than putting in the miles. It is a chance to support a cause that sits close to the heart of the hospitality industry – and to step away from the day-to-day for a few hours with colleagues.

Why Walk for Wellbeing matters

Hospitality is built around people. It is an industry that asks a lot of those people, often in fast-paced, demanding environments where long hours, financial pressures and the need to look after everyone else can make it difficult to look after yourself.

That is where Hospitality Action comes in.

The charity provides practical, financial and emotional support to hospitality people and their families when they need it most. Its Walk for Wellbeing initiative was created in 2020 as a way of bringing the industry together at a difficult time. Six years later, it has grown into a nationwide movement.

In 2025, more than 1,400 people from across the hospitality industry took part, raising £170,000 for Hospitality Action’s wellbeing and support services. Since its launch, Walk for Wellbeing has raised more than £500,000.

This year’s campaign is the biggest yet, with hosted walks taking place across 15 locations around the UK, alongside the option for hospitality teams and individuals to take part in their own way between 10 and 25 October.

Devon joins the movement

This year marks the first ever Devon Walk for Wellbeing, bringing hospitality professionals from across the county together for a 15km route through Dartmoor.

The walk has been organised by Dean Gunston, General Manager at Bovey Castle, and Richard Hassell, owner of Ilsington Country House Hotel and Spa, with the Devon hospitality community getting behind the event. More than 50 people are expected to take part in the Devon walk, representing hospitality businesses and organisations from across the county.

The route itself provides a fitting backdrop. Beginning at Bovey Castle, the walk heads across Dartmoor before finishing at Ilsington Country House Hotel and Spa.

It is 15km of open moorland, big skies and – depending on the Dartmoor weather – potentially a little mud along the way.

Participants will start the day at Bovey Castle before making their way across the moor, with breakfast bites at the start and a cream tea waiting at Ilsington at the finish.

Team EGCC

Representing Exeter Golf and Country Club will be a team of ten, bringing together colleagues from across the club — from fitness and food and beverage to membership, events, finance and front of house.

Chris Jones, General Manager
Jenni Ashford, Marketing Manager
Elaine Lerwill, Sales and Events Manager
Sam Bennett, Front of House Manager
Georgie Quartermaine, Membership Assistant
James Arnold, Food and Beverage Manager
Lum Berisha, Personal Trainer
Nick Rose, Fitness Manager
Macey Pittman, Sales and Events Assistant
Will Roose, Financial Controller

Walk for Wellbeing is about creating space to connect with colleagues, with people across the wider hospitality community and, perhaps, with yourself. Hospitality Action describes the event as an opportunity to strengthen team bonds, boost morale, get people moving and start conversations around physical and mental wellbeing.

For a team whose working days are usually spent looking after members and guests, this time the focus is on looking after each other.

Walking for the people behind hospitality

Hospitality Action’s latest research continues to highlight the pressures facing the industry. Its 2026 Taking the Temperature survey found that 65% of hospitality managers who have experienced a mental health issue in adult life said it was triggered by work, while 40% of hospitality professionals had been asked to support a colleague experiencing a mental health challenge in the past year.

That makes initiatives such as Walk for Wellbeing more than a day out of the workplace.

They create an opportunity to talk, to reconnect and to recognise the people behind the businesses, hotels, restaurants, clubs and venues that make hospitality what it is.

On 18 October, Team EGCC will be doing exactly that – one step at a time, across 15km of Dartmoor.

And hopefully arriving at Ilsington with enough energy left for that cream tea.

Follow their journey on Sunday 18 October and support Team EGCC’s fundraising for Hospitality Action.

SPONSOR TEAM EXETERGCC
]]> Squash Stars https://exetergcc.co.uk/news/squash-stars-2/ Wed, 30 Sep 2026 12:02:24 +0000 https://exetergcc.co.uk/?p=38918 Read more]]>

Beginners Squash Stars for Children with England Squash
New course starts in

Squash Stars for children aged 5-9 starts on Sunday 4th October at Exeter Golf and Country Club.

This six-week junior squash programme builds fundamental skills and confidence, encouraging kids to reach for the stars on and off court.

For just £35, your child will get six sessions and a Squash Stars t-shirt. All equipment will be provided by the club.

Sunday from 9.30am-10.15am

DATES: 4th Oct, 11th Oct, 18th Oct, 8th Nov, 15th Nov and 22nd Nov
Coach: Luke Van Zijl

What is Squash Stars?

Aimed at 5-9 year olds, Squash Stars is the new junior programme created by England Squash that builds fundamental skills and confidence, encouraging kids to reach for the stars on and off court. This six-week junior beginner’s programme focuses on guiding children to collect stardust in skills such as hand-eye coordination, racket work, movement, balance and match play. The more stardust they have, the brighter they’ll shine! Each Squash Stars session is led by our trained leader, Luke Van Zijl and will give your child the chance to explore, play, and make friends in a fun and safe setting. We want to help them soar in every aspect of their life and that starts with a positive experience with sport.

What does your Squash Star get?
For just £30, your child will get six sessions and a Squash Stars t-shirt. All equipment will be provided by the club.

Why should my child try Squash Stars?
Squash will leave your child beaming from ear to ear. As it’s suitable for kids of all backgrounds, shapes, and sizes, squash provides an inclusive space where they can truly belong. It’s also an indoor sport, so they can avoid the unpredictable British weather and stay warm on our courts! By taking part in Squash Stars, your child will benefit in many ways:

They’ll have tonnes of fun whilst being active and learning something new.
It’s an opportunity to make friends outside of school.
They can put their new skills into practice and head to the court as a family, giving you an opportunity for extra quality time together.
The sessions boost confidence and encourages them to reach for the stars.

book your space
]]> Hybrid Training for Hyrox and more https://exetergcc.co.uk/news/hybrid-training-for-hyrox/ Fri, 18 Sep 2026 11:21:06 +0000 https://exetergcc.co.uk/?p=43789 Read more]]>

Why Hybrid Training Is the Perfect Preparation for Your Next Challenge

Training for HYROX, a half marathon, a ski trip or your next endurance challenge? Hybrid training could be the missing piece in your training plan.

There’s a reason hybrid training is having a moment.

More people are moving away from training for just one thing and towards being fit for whatever they want to do next. That might mean running a half marathon, taking on HYROX, heading off on a ski holiday, completing a challenge event or simply wanting to feel stronger and fitter in everyday life.

And while each of those goals is different, they have something in common: you need more than one type of fitness.

So, what exactly is hybrid training?

Hybrid training combines different types of exercise — typically strength, cardiovascular fitness, conditioning and functional movement — rather than focusing exclusively on one.

It might mean running twice a week alongside strength sessions. It could be combining Functional Fitness with gym-based strength work. Or it might mean building endurance while also developing the leg strength, core stability and power needed for skiing.

The idea is simple: don’t just train for one outcome. Build a body that is strong, fit and capable across a range of activities.

Why does hybrid training work so well for endurance challenges?

Take HYROX. You need cardiovascular endurance to run 8km, but you also need strength and conditioning for exercises including sled pushes, sled pulls, farmers carries, lunges and wall balls.

For running, strength training can support the muscles and connective tissues involved in running, while improving your ability to maintain good form as fatigue sets in.

And for skiing, cardiovascular fitness matters — but so do lower-body strength, balance, core stability and the ability to repeatedly produce power.

Different challenges require different combinations of fitness. Hybrid training gives you all of them.

HYROX: strength meets endurance

HYROX is probably one of the clearest examples of why hybrid training works.

The race combines running with functional workout stations, meaning you need to be able to switch between cardiovascular effort and strength-based movements repeatedly.

Your training might therefore include:

Running for aerobic fitness and endurance

Squats, lunges and deadlifts for lower-body strength

Carries for grip and full-body strength

SkiErg and rowing for cardiovascular conditioning

Functional circuits to build work capacity

Sled-style pushing and pulling

Core work and mobility

The important part is that you don’t have to turn every workout into a HYROX simulation. Building a strong foundation across different types of training can make you better prepared for the demands of the event.

Endurance running: it’s not just about running

If you’re training for a 10K, half marathon or longer-distance event, running obviously needs to be at the heart of your programme.

But strength training has an important role too.

Adding regular strength work can help you develop stronger legs and hips, improve your ability to produce force and build resilience alongside your running.

A hybrid week might include a mixture of easy running, longer runs, faster sessions and two strength sessions — rather than simply adding more and more mileage.

The goal isn’t necessarily to run more. It’s to become a stronger runner.

Skiing: build strength before you hit the slopes

Skiing is another great example of where hybrid training makes sense.

A day on the slopes can involve hours of repeated squats, turns, changes of direction and controlled movements — often at altitude and over several consecutive days.

Building strength and conditioning before your trip can help prepare your legs and cardiovascular system for that workload.

Useful areas to work on include:

Squat and lunge strength

Single-leg stability

Glutes and hamstrings

Core strength

Cardiovascular fitness

Balance and coordination

Lower-body endurance

So rather than starting your ski preparation a few weeks before you travel, you can build these qualities into your training throughout the year.

How to do hybrid training at Exeter Golf and Country Club

The good news is that you don’t need a completely separate programme for every goal.

At Exeter Golf and Country Club, you can combine the gym, Functional Fitness classes, running and Personal Training to create a training week that works around what you’re preparing for.

Use the gym to build strength

The gym gives you the opportunity to work on the strength that underpins almost every endurance activity.

Build your legs with squats, lunges and deadlift variations. Work on your upper body with pushing and pulling exercises. Add core work, loaded carries and single-leg exercises to build strength that transfers into sport and everyday movement.

The gym also includes cardio and functional equipment such as Concept2 rowers and SkiErgs, giving you plenty of options for conditioning alongside your strength work.

Add Functional Fitness for conditioning

Functional Fitness is a natural fit for hybrid training.

Classes combine movements and conditioning rather than isolating one muscle group, helping you develop strength, cardiovascular fitness, coordination and the ability to keep moving when you’re working hard.

For someone training for HYROX, running or skiing, this can complement more specific training by developing your general work capacity and functional strength.

Use Personal Training to bring it together

This is where Personal Training can be particularly useful.

Rather than simply adding more workouts to your week, a PT can help you work out what you actually need.

Training for a HYROX? Your programme can combine strength, running and conditioning.

Training for a half marathon? Your PT can complement your running with strength work designed around your training load.

Going skiing? Your programme can focus on lower-body strength, stability, conditioning and power.

The aim is to make all the elements work together — rather than competing for recovery.

Hybrid training doesn’t have to mean training harder

Perhaps the biggest misconception about hybrid training is that it means doing everything.

It doesn’t.

It’s about training smarter and balancing different types of fitness.

You don’t need to run five times a week, lift heavy every day and attend every Functional Fitness class.

You need a combination that makes sense for your goal, your current fitness and the time you have available.

That’s what makes hybrid training so versatile. Your goal can change, while the foundation stays the same.

Train for what you want to do next

Whether you’re chasing a HYROX finish, training for your first half marathon, preparing for a ski trip or simply want to become stronger and fitter, hybrid training gives you a way to prepare for more than one type of challenge.

Build strength. Build endurance. Build fitness that transfers.

At Exeter Golf and Country Club, combine gym training, Functional Fitness and Personal Training to create a programme around whatever you’re working towards next.

Your next challenge doesn’t have to define how you train. It can simply give your training a purpose.

Build Muscle and Strength After Menopause

For years, women have been told that menopause and ageing make it much harder to build muscle and strength. New 2026 research challenges that idea.
Read the blog post
]]> September Golf News https://exetergcc.co.uk/news/september-golf-news/ Tue, 15 Sep 2026 11:58:24 +0000 https://exetergcc.co.uk/?p=43844 Read more]]>

Captain’s Away Weekend – The Belfry 2026

Report by Justin Powlesland: What a weekend!
Forty of us made the trip to The Belfry for this year’s Captain’s Away Weekend, and I genuinely couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to spend it with.
There was some great golf, plenty of laughs, lots of questionable golf, even more questionable excuses and, most importantly, brilliant company throughout the weekend.
 
The weekend is all about the Ryder Cup rivalry, with Neil Whittaker captaining Team USA and me taking charge of Team Europe.
 
Day One saw us take on the PGA National Course, and after 10 closely fought matches, Team USA took a narrow lead into the clubhouse, 5½–4½.
However, despite the overall score, I did at least have some personal bragging rights over Neil!
Myself and Darren Everett had the honour of leading Team Europe out in the opening match against USA captain Neil and Dave Cockayne. There had been plenty of banter beforehand, so I’m delighted to report that Darren and I let our golf do the talking and came away with a 3&2 victory.
Europe may have been behind after Day One, but as far as the captains were concerned, it was Europe 1 – USA 0. And I’m sure Neil won’t mind me mentioning that whenever possible for the foreseeable future! 
 
That left everything to play for on Sunday as we headed onto the famous Brabazon Course.
Team Europe needed a comeback and, as captain, I was quietly confident that the boys would rise to the occasion…
They didn’t. 😂
Despite a valiant European effort, Team USA once again won the day 5½–4½, giving them an overall 11–9 victory and the honour of becoming our Captain’s Ryder Cup champions.
Congratulations to Neil and Team USA – a thoroughly deserved victory. Although obviously I’ll be reviewing the team selection process, handicaps, course conditions and several other potential excuses before officially accepting the result!
 
Thankfully, the weather mainly stayed dry for us, and playing two fantastic courses at The Belfry made the weekend even more special.
But as always with these trips, the golf is only part of it.
 
The banter, laughs and company over the whole weekend were absolutely brilliant, and I’d like to say a huge thank you to every single one of the 40 people who came along. Trips like this are only as good as the people on them, and you all helped make it a weekend that I’ll remember for a very long time.
 
It has been a privilege to be Captain this year, and weekends like this are a big part of what makes the role so enjoyable.
Thank you all. 
 
And finally… congratulations again to Team USA – Captain’s Ryder Cup Champions 2026.
 
Enjoy it, Whitts. You might have won the Ryder Cup, but 3&2 is 3&2. 😂

Exeter Secure Impressive Victory Over Sidmouth

Exeter Golf & Country Club played their penultimate league match of the season against Sidmouth at Crediton Downes Golf Club on Sunday 13th September — and came away with an impressive 4–1 victory.

The result puts Exeter in a strong position heading into the final round, with the team now sitting at the top of the league.

Captain Broom commented after the match:

“Today it was vital for us to get a good result, and it now puts us in a great position going into the final round as league leaders. Thanks to all the boys who played today and the whole squad for their support. This has been a great season for us so far — we’re definitely not counting any chickens yet though!”

With just one league match remaining, Exeter will be hoping to finish the season strongly and secure a well-deserved league title.

Team :

Back row left to right : Jamie Mullins, Jeff Densham, George Burningham, Jamie Broom (C), Bobby Wickes, Paul Anthony Clark.

Front Row Left to Right : Matt Arnold, Dave Roddick, Neil Whittaker (VC), Badder Afaresi

Hole in One

Congratulations to Andy Bassett for his Hole In One on the 10th!

Hole in One

Congratulations to Nick Staddon for his Hole In One on the 10th on Saturday! 

]]> Get Into Racketball https://exetergcc.co.uk/news/get-into-racketball/ Tue, 15 Sep 2026 11:34:51 +0000 https://exetergcc.co.uk/?p=39905 Read more]]>

Why You Should Learn to Play Racketball this Autumn

NEW GET INTO RACKETBALL COURSE STARTS IN OCTOBER

Whether you’re a complete beginner to racket sports, a tennis player looking for a wet-weather alternative, or someone who’s tried padel and wants to try something new, racketball is an exciting, fast-paced, and highly rewarding sport. It combines fitness, strategy, and social interaction in a way few sports can match.

One of Devon’s top Racketball Coaches, Steve Mooney, is starting a four week Get Into Racketball course in October for anyone looking to try a new rackets sport – scroll down for details!

NON MEMBERS WELCOME FOR AN INITIAL COURSE.

–

NEW DATES

Time: 6.30pm-7.30pm

Cost: £60 (members) or £90 (non-members)

6th October, 13th October, 3rd November, 17th November, 24th November, 1st December

Reasons to try Racketball

1. A Full-Body Workout in a Short Time

Racketball is a high-intensity, nonstop game that burns calories quickly. In just 30–45 minutes, you’ll engage your legs, core, and upper body, making it a full-body workout that rivals many gym sessions. The constant movement, quick sprints, and directional changes make it a cardiovascular powerhouse while also building muscular endurance and strength.

2. Easy to Learn, Hard to Master

The basics of racketball are simple enough for anyone to pick up within a single session. Yet, the sport offers endless opportunities for growth and skill development. As you progress, learning to control angles, place shots, and develop strategies keeps the game interesting for years. With guidance from an experienced coach like Steve Mooney, a Level Three Racketball Coach, players can accelerate their development and fine-tune their technique, no matter their starting point.

3. Super Fun Stress Relief

Few things are as satisfying as hitting a ball hard against a wall. The combination of speed, impact, and intensity makes racketball a great outlet for stress. Whether you’re finishing a long workday or just need to release energy, the sport’s fast pace and adrenaline-fueled rallies provide a mental reset and a mood boost.

4. Great Indoor Option

Unlike tennis or padel, racketball is played entirely indoors, making it a year-round sport. Rain, snow, or sweltering heat won’t stop you from playing. This makes it an ideal option for tennis players who want to stay in shape during poor weather conditions or for anyone seeking a consistent training environment.

5. Builds Agility & Reaction Time

The speed of the ball and its unpredictable rebounds demand quick footwork, sharp reflexes, and rapid decision-making. Over time, racketball players see significant improvements in agility, reaction time, coordination, and overall athleticism, skills that transfer well to other sports and daily activities.

 

 

Get Into Racketball Course

Steve Mooney is one of the top Racketball coaches in Devon and is England Squash Level 3, coaching players from complete beginners to the county’s elite.

Get Into Racketball is aimed at getting beginners on-court to learn the basic skills and techniques you need to get started playing socially at the club.

steve mooney squash and racketball coach exeter golf and country club

Exclusive Membership Offers

Post-Course Membership Offer
All participants can benefit from exclusive membership offers after the six week course to help get you up and running within the Squash and Racketball community.

squash membership exeter golf and country club

Sign Up Now

Get Into Racketball has limited availability to ensure all participants get generous coaching time to get them started. 

Early registration is recommended. Payment required to confirm your booking please. 

Get started

Explore Rackets Memberships at Exeter Golf and Country Club

Find out more about Rackets Membership on and off the tennis, squash and racketball courts at Devon's premier Rackets Club.
Find out more
]]> 2026 Research Shows Women Can Build Muscle and Strength After Menopause https://exetergcc.co.uk/blog/women-build-muscle-strength-after-menopause/ Wed, 26 Aug 2026 11:00:36 +0000 https://exetergcc.co.uk/?p=43658 Read more]]>

Build Muscle and Strength After Menopause - at any age

For years, women have been told that menopause and ageing make it much harder to build muscle and strength. New 2026 research challenges that idea.

A systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport analysed 126 intervention studies involving 4,019 healthy women, with an average age of 50.9 years. Around 66% were postmenopausal.

The findings are clear: resistance training significantly improved strength and body composition in women across the lifespan, with menopausal status making no significant difference to the results.

Women can get stronger after menopause

The strength improvements were remarkably similar:

Premenopausal women: SMD 1.50

Postmenopausal women: SMD 1.46

The difference between the groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.520).

Resistance training also produced significant improvements in functional muscle mass and reductions in fat mass, again with no significant difference between pre- and postmenopausal women.

The researchers also found no significant relationship between the results and age, training frequency, training duration or total number of sessions.

What does this mean?

Menopause doesn’t mean you stop responding to strength training.

Whether you’re 30, 50, 70 or beyond, resistance training can help you build strength, maintain functional muscle and improve body composition.

The key is training consistently, using good technique and progressively increasing the challenge.

Why professional guidance can help

If you’re new to resistance training, getting started can feel daunting. A Personal Trainer can help you learn correct technique, choose appropriate weights, train safely and progressively increase the load as your strength improves.

At Exeter Golf and Country Club, Personal Training is tailored to individual goals, whether you’re looking to build strength, improve fitness, change body composition or simply feel more confident in the gym.

Don’t assume your strongest years are behind you.

The research suggests they might not be.

 

PERSONAL TRAINING

Explore strength training with expert, bespoke PT whatever your stage of life.
Click Here

Research Summary: Strength Training for Menopausal Women

126 studies | 4,019 women | 50.9 average age | 66.2% postmenopausal

Strength: 1.50 premenopause vs 1.46 postmenopause
Functional mass: significant improvement
Fat mass: significant reduction
Menopausal status: no significant effect on training adaptations

Source: Isenmann E et al. “It’s never too late: The impact of resistance training on strength and body composition in females across the lifespan – A systematic review and meta-analysis.” Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 2026.

]]> Exeter Junior Pro Am https://exetergcc.co.uk/news/exeter-junior-pro-am/ Tue, 25 Aug 2026 15:54:37 +0000 https://exetergcc.co.uk/?p=43649 Read more]]>

Junior Pro-Am

A fantastic 21 teams from across the county took part in this year’s Junior Pro-Am, giving young golfers the opportunity to experience competitive golf alongside a professional.

With each team made up of three junior golfers and one professional, there was plenty of talent on show throughout the event, with junior handicaps ranging as low as +1. Both the boys and girls demonstrated some impressive skills, making for a highly competitive and enjoyable day.

In the team event, Stover Golf Club claimed the top two positions, finishing with 89 and 87 points respectively. In third place was Lewis Beer and his team of Exeter GCC juniors.

The professional individual competition was won by home professional Ryan Pope, who finished three under par with an excellent 67. He narrowly edged out fellow Exeter professionals Jack Jeffery and David Cockayne, who finished alongside Harry Mayers from Churston.

The feedback from players, parents and junior organisers was hugely positive, with the event proving to be a great experience for everyone involved.

With the success of this year’s event, the aim for next year is to welcome 30 teams and make the Junior Pro-Am even bigger.

]]> August Golf News https://exetergcc.co.uk/news/august-golf-news/ Tue, 11 Aug 2026 09:02:15 +0000 https://exetergcc.co.uk/?p=43326 Read more]]>

August Golf News

East Devon Golf League – Exeter vs Axe Cliff

Exeter continued their strong run in the East Devon Golf League with an impressive 4–1 victory over Axe Cliff at Bovey Tracey Golf Centre, on Sunday 9th August.

With temperatures soaring and the course dry, dusty and offering little respite from the heat, it was always going to be a demanding afternoon for both teams. However, Exeter produced a determined performance to come away with a convincing victory and, importantly, keep their league position firmly on track.

Skipper Jamie Broom was delighted with the result and praised his team for delivering when it mattered. “It was a slog out there today in very hot, dry conditions,” said Broom. “We needed a big win to keep our league position favourable and the boys didn’t let me down. I’m very pleased with our position going into our next round.”

The 4–1 scoreline represents an excellent day’s work for Exeter, who showed both resilience and composure in challenging conditions. With the league campaign reaching an important stage, the victory could prove valuable as they look to maintain their position and push towards the business end of the season.

Attention now turns to Exeter’s next league fixture, with confidence high following another important team performance.

Dartmoor League – Exeter vs Dartmouth

On another very sunny day, Exeter Golf and Country Club hosted top of the table Dartmouth Golf Club, resulting in a 3-2 win.
 
The travelling team arrived at Exeter in good form after winning their last two fixtures. With Exeter also unbeaten in the last three fixtures this was set up to be an interesting match given the form of both sides.
 
In fact this would turn out to be a harder match than everyone had predicted. However, Exeter had enough fire power to emerge from the fixture with another win to record an unbeaten run of four matches.
 
The pairings and scores were:
Mark Champion and Ben Reynolds 4-3 win 
Steve Sheldon and Bobby Wickes lost 3-1
Simon Courtney and Paul Fielder 7-6 win 
John Bamford and Max Collins lost 2-1
Finally, a great win in the last game for James Kane and Luke Hinds secured a 3-2 Exeter home win.
 
]]> Restoring the Wear Park Portico https://exetergcc.co.uk/news/restoring-the-wear-park-portico/ Wed, 05 Aug 2026 09:34:42 +0000 https://exetergcc.co.uk/?p=43226

Restoring the Wear Park Portico as a Grade II* listed building in Exeter

Most members walk beneath the grand entrance of Wear House without giving it a second thought. Yet above their heads sits one of the most fascinating – and unexpected – pieces of engineering in Devon.

Following extensive investigations by conservation architects Corbel and structural engineers Pinder Structural Consulting, Exeter Golf and Country Club is embarking on an important historical preservation project restoring the Wear Park portico of their Grade II* listed building for generations to come.

An unexpected Brunel discovery

The restoration began after sections of decorative stucco fell from the Porte Cochere (the covered entrance)  – the Portico – earlier this year. Temporary supports were installed while specialists investigated the cause.

What they discovered surprised even experienced conservation engineers.

Rather than being supported by traditional iron beams, the entrance was constructed using an extremely rare form of reinforced brickwork.

Embedded within the brickwork were layers of “hoop iron” – thin wrought iron straps laid between brick courses. At the time, this represented cutting-edge engineering and is believed to date from around 1837-1840, making it one of the earliest known examples of reinforced masonry construction.

The system predates modern reinforced concrete and was pioneered during experiments by Sir Marc Isambard Brunel, father of Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Remarkably, the structural engineer leading the investigation described Wear House as the first example of this type of construction they had encountered in their career.

More than 220 years of history

Wear House was built in 1804 for Admiral Sir John Duckworth and sits within grounds whose history stretches back to the reign of Henry III. Since 1929 it has been the home of Exeter Golf and Country Club, welcoming generations of members through its impressive Georgian entrance. During the Second World War, it was also temporarily occupied by the US Navy in preparation for D-Day.

As one of only a small percentage of listed buildings awarded Grade II* status, Wear House is recognised as being of “more than special interest”, meaning every repair must carefully balance structural safety with the preservation of historic fabric.

Grade II* – refers to particularly important buildings of more than special interest, making up about 5.8% of all listed buildings.

Why does it need repairing?

Although revolutionary when it was built, time has caught up with the original engineering.

Over nearly two centuries the embedded iron has gradually corroded. As rust expands, it forces apart the surrounding brickwork, weakening the structure and causing the decorative stucco to crack and separate.

Investigations found that much of the original reinforcement has severely deteriorated, leaving parts of the entrance structurally compromised. Engineers concluded that long-term repairs are now essential to preserve the building safely.

Restoring rather than replacing

One of the biggest challenges has been finding a repair solution that protects the building without unnecessarily removing historic material.

Several options were considered, including rebuilding the structure exactly as it was originally constructed.

However, after careful assessment, conservation specialists concluded that the best long-term approach is to discreetly install reinforced concrete beams hidden within the existing structure. This allows the majority of the original brickwork, decorative mouldings and Georgian appearance to remain intact while removing the corroded iron that is causing the damage. Original bricks will be reused wherever possible and traditional lime mortars and stucco carefully matched to the historic finishes.

Looking after the future

Historic buildings require continual care, and this project represents another chapter in Wear House’s remarkable story.

From its origins as a Georgian country house, through wartime service, to nearly a century as the home of Exeter Golf and Country Club, Wear House has evolved while retaining its character.

This restoration ensures members and visitors will continue to enjoy one of Exeter’s finest historic buildings—while preserving a remarkable piece of engineering history hidden just above the entrance.

Sometimes the most fascinating discoveries are the ones that have been quietly supporting us all along.
]]> Why golf is the perfect sport for active women https://exetergcc.co.uk/blog/why-golf-is-the-perfect-sport-for-active-women/ Mon, 13 Jul 2026 13:03:49 +0000 https://exetergcc.co.uk/?p=42759

The Benefits of Golf for Active Women: Strength, Mobility & Wellbeing

If you’re someone who enjoys keeping fit, trying new challenges, and looking after your wellbeing, golf could be the perfect addition to your active lifestyle.

While many people still think of golf as a leisurely pastime, it’s actually a sport that offers a unique combination of physical activity, mental focus, and social connection. From improving mobility and flexibility to building functional strength and supporting long-term health, golf is a rewarding way to stay active at every stage of life.

A Low-Impact Way to Stay Active

One of golf’s biggest advantages is that it keeps you moving without placing excessive stress on your joints.

Walking an 18-hole course can add thousands of steps to your day, improving cardiovascular fitness and endurance while allowing you to enjoy fresh air and nature. Unlike repetitive forms of exercise, every hole presents a different challenge, keeping both your body and mind engaged.

For women balancing work, family, and fitness, golf offers hours of enjoyable movement that doesn’t feel like exercise.

Building Strength, Mobility and Flexibility

Golf is a full-body activity that develops the kind of strength that benefits everyday life.

Every swing activates your core, legs, glutes, shoulders and back, helping to improve muscle tone, posture and balance. These movements build functional strength that supports everything from lifting shopping bags to enjoying other sports and exercise.

The golf swing also encourages rotation through the hips, spine and shoulders, helping to maintain mobility and flexibility—qualities that become increasingly important as we age. Better mobility not only improves your golf game but also makes everyday movements feel easier and more comfortable.

Supporting Women’s Health at Every Stage

Golf is a sport that grows with you.

Whether you’re in your twenties looking for a new challenge, navigating the changes of midlife, or wanting to stay active in later years, golf provides a sustainable way to keep moving.

Walking the course is a weight-bearing activity that supports bone health, while maintaining muscle strength, balance and coordination can become increasingly valuable during and after menopause. Because golf is low impact, it’s a sport many women enjoy for decades, making it an investment in long-term health and wellbeing.

Good for Your Mind as Well as Your Body

Being active isn’t just about physical fitness—it’s also about looking after your mental wellbeing.

Golf encourages you to slow down, spend time outdoors and focus on one shot at a time. Many women find it provides the perfect escape from busy schedules, helping to reduce stress while improving concentration and confidence.

Just as importantly, golf is incredibly social. Whether you’re joining a beginner group, playing with friends or meeting new people through your local club, it’s a fantastic way to build friendships while staying active.

Start Your Golf Journey with Confidence

If you’ve been thinking about giving golf a try, there’s no better way to start than with our Get Into Golf programme.

Designed specifically for beginners, these fun and welcoming sessions teach all the essential fundamentals, including grip, posture, putting, chipping, pitching and the full swing. Led by experienced PGA Professionals, you’ll also learn the basic rules and etiquette of the game, helping you feel confident when you step onto the golf course.

For those who want to progress further, one-to-one coaching at the Exeter Golf Academy Driving Range provides personalised instruction tailored to your goals.

Our PGA Professionals use the latest Toptracer Range technology, giving you instant feedback on every shot, including ball speed, carry distance, launch angle and shot shape. Seeing your progress in real time makes practice more engaging and helps you build confidence faster, while interactive games and virtual courses make learning enjoyable for golfers of all abilities.

Whether you’re picking up a club for the first time or looking to develop your skills, you’ll be supported every step of the way in a friendly and encouraging environment.

More Than Just a Sport

Golf is about far more than lowering your handicap. It’s about investing in your health, confidence and wellbeing.

For active women, it offers a unique combination of movement, strength, flexibility, mobility, fresh air, mental focus and social connection that few other sports can match.

If you’re looking for an activity that complements your fitness routine and can be enjoyed for years to come, golf could be one of the best decisions you make. And with our Get Into Golf programme and expert coaching at Exeter Golf Academy, there’s never been a better time to take that first swing.

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From Elite Sport to Golf

As a Strength & Conditioning Coach for Exeter Chiefs Women and private clients, Nina Forte has always lived an active lifestyle, with a background in Olympic weightlifting and surfing. After an injury encouraged her to try something new, she discovered golf. Now learning with one of our PGA Professionals at Exeter Golf Academy Driving Range using Toptracer Range technology, Nina has found golf to be the perfect way to stay active while improving her mobility, coordination, strength and overall fitness in a completely different way.

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