Introducing the 2026/7 Golf Captains at Exeter Golf and Country Club and their Charity of the Year
Claire Baillie and Justin Powlesland take on the roles of Ladies’ Golf Captain and Men’s Golf Captain for the 2026/27 season.
Both captains say they are honoured to represent the club and are determined to build a year defined by strong participation, camaraderie and a shared commitment to raising funds for their charity of the year, Balloons.
Balloons is a small, local charity offering a range of support to children and young people aged 5 – 25 when someone significant in their life dies or is about to die.
Claire explains,“I am very much looking forward to my captain’s year and I will do my very best to uphold the role of captain; a role that carries significant prestige and responsibility,” she said.
“As captain, I hope to lead a year that brings out the very best in our club — in how we play, how we support one another, and how we represent our community.”
Working alongside Men’s Captain Justin Powlesland, Claire says one of the key aims for the year ahead is to encourage greater participation across the club’s competitions and events, while maintaining a welcoming and supportive environment for all members.
“Both Justin and I are hoping to achieve greater participation across our section events, to promote a positive and supportive atmosphere, and to ensure that both social and competitive golf are played in the right spirit,” she said.
Claire also plans to focus on strengthening the camaraderie that already exists within the club, particularly during team matches.
“Working with my team captains, we will look to continue the sense of camaraderie within the club, particularly during matches, where teamwork and respect are just as important as performance,” she added. “My focus will be on fairness, encouragement, and creating opportunities for members to feel engaged and valued.”
A central part of the year will be fundraising for Balloons, which supports bereaved children and young people across Devon.
“My goal is for our fundraising to be both meaningful and memorable — a chance for us to come together, show generosity, and make a real difference beyond the boundaries of the course,” Claire said. “Through well-planned events and collective effort, I believe we can achieve something we can all be proud of.”
Men’s Captain Justin Powlesland echoed that sense of excitement as he prepares to take on the role.
“As I look ahead to my year as Captain at Exeter Golf & Country Club, I feel incredibly proud and genuinely excited,” he said. “This club has given me friendships, memories and more competitive banter than is probably healthy, and it’s now my privilege to give something back.”
Justin says enjoyment and inclusivity will be central themes of his captaincy.
“My focus for the year is simple: enjoyment, inclusivity and momentum. We are fortunate to have a fantastic course, a strong committee and a membership full of character.”
He added that the social side of golf is just as important as the competition.
“One of my favourite times of the week is a Saturday afternoon when we’ve been out and played in a competition and then are sitting in the bar telling stories of how we could or should have shot a better score.”
Looking ahead, Justin hopes to build on the club’s momentum and ensure the calendar is packed with events members want to be part of.
“My aim is to encourage strong participation in club competitions, support our teams, and make sure we create a calendar full of events people genuinely look forward to,” he said. “If we can combine good golf, good humour and a few memorable socials along the way, I’ll consider that a successful year.”
Like Claire, he believes the club’s support for Balloons will be a defining feature of the year.
“The work they do supporting bereaved children and young people across Devon is both inspiring and deeply important,” he said. “If, through our golf and fundraising events, we can make even a small difference to families going through incredibly difficult times, that would be something truly meaningful.”
With a shared focus on community, participation and charity, the club’s new captains are hoping to make the coming year both memorable and impactful.
As Claire summed up: “If we finish the year with a stronger community, memorable experiences, and a successful contribution to our charity, I will consider it a year well led.”
