Yelverton Golf Club

The Pounders - A Brief Introduction

Pounders grew from humble beginnings in the 1980’s when a small group of friends who were all members of Yelverton Golf Club met regularly on Tuesday mornings for a social but competitive round of golf. At the end of each round £1 would be collected which would fund prizes for a Christmas Competition with a prize giving dinner and celebration afterwards. It was in those early days that Dick Tobin, the incumbent steward, described them as the “pound-a-week-men” which instantly became “Pounders”. The principles remain the same today and despite inflation it still costs just £1 a week to be a member.

Pounders enjoy playing a competitive round of golf in a friendly environment with emphasis on enjoying themselves. Of the fifty active playing members from within Yelverton Golf Club many turn up regularly to take part in one of the varied competitions that are held every Tuesday or Thursday morning. Those taking part are expected to be ready to play at 07:45 hrs when balls are drawn for teams to be played in that mornings competition. Non members are warmly welcomed and are encouraged to take part and enjoy the hospitality afforded to them. Applications to join Pounders are discussed at the AGM each year.

There are few rules but those taking part are expected to respect and adhere to them accordingly.

1. Turn up regularly
2. Be at the first tee by 07:45 but no later than 08:00
3. Remain in the clubhouse until after the presentation of the days prizes
4. Attend the AGM
5. Respect the decisions of the officials at all Pounders events
6. Respect fellow Pounders and members, officials and staff of Yelverton Golf Club

Exception to rules 1 to 4 (inclusive) are permitted but as an exception. There are no exceptions to rules 5 and 6.

Each year Pounders appoints a Captain, Vice Captain and a Treasurer at it’s AGM. Between them they organise and run all Pounders activities on both the social and playing side. They may recruit volunteer helpers to assist with some of the bigger events.

On the playing side we have an internal system of handicap reductions based on financial winnings. For guests and those who cannot play regularly a handicap reduction based on a simple formula will be applied by Pounders officials.

Various competitions are staged on Tuesday and Thursday mornings throughout the year. The format of the competition is generally a Stableford 3BBB team event with two out of three to score playing off 3/4’s Pounders handicap. The competition on a Thursday is often similar but various fun competitions are introduced at the Captains discretion throughout the year. Individual competitions are played on a Tuesday every month either a Medal, Bogey or Stableford format which may also be Qualifiers for Club Handicapping purposes. The entry fee for each competition is £1.20 - £1 towards the day’s prize fund whilst the 20p is divided equally between those scoring a 2 on the day.

A number of other special annual prizes are also awarded at the Christmas Celebration. (Qualifying scores for these competitions are taken for all matches played up to the last Tuesday/Thursday before 1st November each year) These are:

An Eclectic Competition

The Most Unfortunate Pounder

The Unluckiest Pounder

The Most Successful Pounder

Pounder of the Year

Non Pounder of the Year

Pounders are very proud of the support they afford Yelverton Golf Club. Frequently seen clearing the course of debris and broken tees, particularly before major competitions, they have never turned down a request for help or support from the Club administration. During the past few years Pounders have conducted many fund raising events.

If you enjoy playing golf and want to play on a regular basis in a friendly but competitive environment, enjoy the banter associated with playing with like minded friendly people then Pounders is for you. All you need do be on the first tee at 07:45 hrs on a Tuesday or Thursday morning and let yourself be known to any of those there.

Past Captains