The 23rd Open Week at Tenby Golf Club turned out to be a resounding success, despite the disappointing unseasonal weather. Over 200 golfers travelled from all parts of the UK and from abroad to play in the 12 different competitions. Not only did regular visitors from Holland return to Tenby to compete, but two golfers from the USA holidaying in Wales played in Monday's tournaments. The weather, disappointing throughout the week, caused the first day's play to be abandoned when the course became unplayable in driving rain and gale force winds.

In a packed clubhouse, Open Week formally began with the captain's reception for the competitors on Saturday evening. Club captain Alan Morton, accompanied by Clr. Leslie Raymond, chair of Pembrokeshire County Council, and Tenby Mayor, Clr. Mrs. Christine Brown, welcomed the visitors to Tenby Golf Club and hoped everyone would have an enjoyable week.

The captain continued by mentioning that the course was in excellent condition, but was very challenging and a fitting venue for the Welsh team championships to be held later this year. He also stressed how important Open Week was, not only to Tenby Golf Club, but to the local economy by encouraging visitors to the area.

This was a theme continued by Clr. Raymond who suggested competitors should take the opportunity to visit other parts of the Pembrokeshire countryside during their stay.

Mayor, Clr. Mrs. Christine Brown, recognising familiar faces from previous years, added that the hospitality of members of Tenby Golf Club would ensure the event was a success.

SUNDAY

Mixed foursomes

As in the past, the first day's competition was a mixed foursomes stableford, sponsored by Lydstep Beach Holidays. Unfortunately, the weather played its part in the day's events. In driving rain and gale force winds, the competition had to be abandoned mid-morning when the course became unplayable. However, no sooner had the difficult decision been taken to call a halt to play for the day, when the rain stopped and the sun appeared.

Seeing the sun was encouragement enough for many of the visitors to take the opportunity to renew their acquaintance with links golf in friendly games. Despite a blustery wind, most of the guests enjoyed their experience, perhaps none more so than Marlborough golfer Neil Flynn, who achieved a hole-in-one on the ninth hole.

Despite the disappointing start to the week, there still were many smiling faces in the clubhouse to witness Sunday evening's entertainment. The Rev. Caradoc Evans, known locally as 'Evans Above', lectured his captive flock on the vices of modern living. This was followed by the comedy double act of Arnold and Willy.

MONDAY

Ladies Singles Medal and Gents Singles Stableford

The sun shone on Monday to greet the 180 golfers anxious to play competitive golf after the previous day's disappointment. However, the strong blustery wind, which remained all day, provided a taste of links golf at its most difficult.

Two visitors from the USA, Rick and Val Cottle from Cottenwood, Utah, had arrived at the clubhouse the previous evening and managed to gain late entry to the competitions. They must have found Tenby in the wind, a far cry from the manicured American courses.

Some 36 ladies competed in the Ladies Singles Medal sponsored by Frank B. Mason Holidays, and despite the difficult conditions, respectable scores were recorded.

The Ladies Medal winner was Mrs. E. Park (Camberley Heath), with a nett 80, winning on a count back from Mrs. B. Morfin (Gainsborough). In third place was Mrs. G. Berryman (Woodspring) with a nett 82.

Mrs. Deborah Rossiter, of Frank B. Mason Holidays, presented the ladies with their prizes.

The winner of the Gentlemen's Singles Stableford competition was Mr. E. Martin (Lincoln) with a very creditable 33 points. Second place was decided by a count back, with Mr. I. Lunn (Barton on Sea) scoring 32 and just beating Mr. N. Flynn (Marlborough), with a stronger back nine.

The gentlemen's prizes were presented by club captain Alan Morton on behalf of sponsors Rigby Taylor Ltd.

The winner, Mr. Martin, is a regular visitor to Open Week, having participated in 12 previous events.

The evening's entertainment was provided by local entertainer and vocalist, Robby Gould.

TUESDAY

Ladies

and Gents Fourball Better Ball Medal

Tuesday saw a further improvement in the weather, with the wind easing considerably and the sun shining for most of the day. Some 196 golfers participated in the Ladies and Gentlemen's Fourball Betterball Medal competitions, sponsored by Coors Brewery. Each was keenly contested, with both the ladies' and gentlemen's competitions being decided on a count back.

The ladies competition was won by Mrs. G. Berryman (Woodspring) and Mrs. M. Lloyd (Aberdare) with a nett score of 70, just beating Mrs. L. Evans (Tenby) and partner Mrs. D. Turner (Sunningdale) on their back nine performance. In third place were Mrs. P. Tighe and Mrs. E. Park (Camberley Heath) with a nett 72.

Trophies were presented by Mrs. Beryl Oliver, ladies captain of Tenby Golf Club.

Winners of the gentlemen's competition was the father and son pairing of Mr. A. Richardson and Mr. T. Richardson (Sherwood Forest) with a score of 64. In second place, also with a nett 64, playing off a combined handicap of two, were Mr. M. Serpell and Mr. P. Davidson (Radyr). Taking third place were Mr. R. Chambers and Mr. R. Cattermore (Leominster) with a nett 66.

Prizes were presented by Mr. Phil Williams, accounts manager of sponsors Coors Brewery.

After the formalities were over, a packed clubhouse was entertained by local country and western singer, D. C. Rees.

The festivities continued well into the small hours and concluded with a visitor, in true holiday spirits, hoisting the flag of St. George on top of the club flagpole.

WEDNESDAY

Gentlemen's Singles Medal

Even as England were about to kick-off in their crucial match against Nigeria in Japan, the first duty of club manager, Mr. Basil Warren, early on Wednesday morning, was regrettably to remove the offending ensign from the club flagpole.

The day was generally overcast with a fresh south-westerly wind. The white tees were taken back to their maximum length, making the course even more challenging in the wind. Some 120 golfers competed for the best nett and gross scores in the Gentlemen's Singles Medal tournament.

This year, the management of Tenby Golf Club had introduced a new ruling which prohibited Tenby's golfers from winning the main prizes. They would instead be offered golf vouchers to the equivalent value. With two of Tenby's golfers featuring in the day's events, this ruling had to be implemented.

Winner of the Gentlemen's Singles Medal with a nett score of 65 was Mr. D. Sigsworth (Manchester). In second place, decided by count back, was Mr. B. Kelly (Sandmartins), from Mr. W. Doig (Uttoxeter), both with a nett score of 69.

Tenby golfer, Mr. Mike Anthony scored a nett 66 and received a voucher equivalent to second place.

The best gross score of 74 was achieved by Mr. B. Turner (Sunningdale Artisans), who also won the same competition last year.

A hole-in-one on the 17th green helped Mr. M. Shepherd (Radyr) to a gross score of 76 and second place on count back. Fellow Radyr golfer, Mr. M. Serpell, secured third place also with a gross 76.

Tenby club captain, Mr. Alan Morton, received a golf voucher to the equivalent of first place, for equalling the winning score of 74.

After the prizes were presented by Mrs. Mary Rowell, ladies president and vice-captain of Tenby Golf Club, the audience were entertained by the humour of comedian Bob Webb.

THURSDAY

Ladies and Gents Singles Stableford, Lady and Gents Veterans Stableford

There was much to play for on Thursday, with four separate competitions running in tandem. The weather once again was not at its best; damp low cloud and drizzle prevented the sun from appearing. But with little wind and the gentlemen playing off the yellow tees, high scores were expected. This was reflected by the relatively high number of 2s scored on the course, with 36 golfers sharing the daily sweep.

Winner of the Ladies Singles Stableford was Mrs. G. Berryman (Woodsprings) with 36 points, from Mrs. A. Crawley (Fulford Heath) with 33 points.

The Lady Veterans Stableford competition as won by Mrs. D. Turner (Sunningdale Ladies) with 36 points. Mrs. J. Vettori (Orsett) won second place with 35 points on count back from Mrs. B. Young (Hill Valley).

Mrs. Mary Rowell, vice-captain, and Mrs. Beryl Oliver, lady captain of Tenby Golf Club, presented the prizes to the winners on behalf of sponsors Tenby Travel.

The outright winner of the Gentlemen's Stableford competition was Mr. R. Pegg (Cottesmore) with 39 points. With five golfers scoring 38 points, Mr. B. Turner (Sunningdale Artisans) took second place on a count back of the last six holes. Third place went to Mr. A. Williams, of Mapledurham, on his final nine-hole score.

Another last nine count back decided the winner of the Gentlemen's Veterans competition. Mr. J. M. Porter (The Kendleshire) with 35 points took pole position from Mr. J. Morfin (Gainsborough), while 33 points secured third place for Mr. A. Soar (East Dorset).

Tenby veteran, Mr. T. Brant scored 38 points and won a golf voucher to the equivalent value of the winner's prize.

The ceremonies were concluded with the presentation of the Wally Rees Memorial Trophies, awarded to the lady and gentleman with the best combined scores in Monday's and Thursday's competitions.

The ladies' winner was Mrs. G. Berryman (Woodsprings), while the gentlemen's winner was Mr. D. Collins (Orsett).

Mrs. Ria Phillips, stewardess of Tenby Golf Club, and Mr. B. Henshaw each won a full set of Adams golf clubs in the club's prize draw.

The evening continued with dancing to Pembrokeshire's top vocal duet, The Woodentops.