The 24th Open Week at Tenby Golf Club was once again a resounding success. Over 150 golfers travelled from all parts of the UK and abroad to play in the 12 different competitions taking place through the week. Most of the events were fully subscribed, with the first tee booked from early morning to late afternoon each day. As well as many newcomers, regular visitors returned to Tenby, some from as far afield as Holland, to renew old acquaintances both on and off the course.

During the week, the mixed bag of weather included days of wall-to-wall sunshine and days of rain, showers and drizzle. The wind strengths varied from light sea airs to strong, almost gale force gusts and tested every golfer's ability to play in all manner of circumstances.

The competitions, generally, were keenly contested, with some excellent scores recorded, sometimes in very tricky golfing conditions.

In a packed clubhouse, Open Week formally began with the club captain's reception for the visiting golfers on Saturday evening. Tenby Golf Club captain Mrs. Mary Rowell, accompanied by Clr. Mickey Folland, chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council and Mayor of Tenby, Clr. Mrs. Caroline Thomas, welcomed the visitors to Tenby Golf Club.

Mrs. Rowell wished the visitors an enjoyable and fun-filled week and the very best of luck in the competitions. The captain continued by mentioning that the course was very challenging, in tip-top condition, with the greens being particularly fast. Mrs. Rowell added that the club was proud to have recently been voted 76th in the top 100 golf courses in the UK.

Clr. Mickey Folland thanked Tenby Golf Club for the kind invitation to attend the reception which he considered a great honour. He congratulated Mrs. Rowell on her appointment as the first lady captain of Tenby Golf Club in its long history.

Clr. Folland continued by suggesting that the warm friendly atmosphere prevalent in the clubhouse, would ensure that the visitors would have fond memories of the week, and be encouraged to return for Open Week 2004.

Clr. Folland concluded by thanking the club steward for preparing an excellent buffet.

SUNDAY, JUNE 1

Mixed Foursomes

The first event is traditionally a popular Mixed Foursomes competition and this year was no exception with over 200 golfers entering. On a cool Sunday morning, the first golf ball to be struck in Open Week 2003 was hit by Mrs. Elaine Leggett, of Littlelakes Golf Club, Worcestershire. Partnered by Doug Humphries, also of Littlelakes, the pair teed off at 7.54 am and were accompanied by two Tenby regulars, Mrs. Anita Davies and Tenby Golf Club treasurer, Mr. Ken Gouldsbrough.

Although a little rain fell late afternoon, most players completed their rounds without having to don waterproof clothing.

Mid morning produced the best conditions of the day for golf, with plenty of warm sunshine accompanied by a light sea breeze.

Mr. and Mrs. Cornish, of Llanishen and Pontyclun, teeing off at 9.22 am, took full advantage of these conditions to score a blistering 48 stableford points and win the competition outright. Mr. and Mrs. A. Neil, of Bloxwich, were runners-up with 44 points, while in third place, also benefiting from an early start, were Mr. L. Carnation, of Newbury and Crookham, partnered by Mrs. S. Kinch, of Sandmartins, scoring 37 points.

A similar score of 37 points earned Mr. and Mrs. Bob Storey a prize voucher for the best performance of a Tenby team in the Mixed Foursomes event.

In a separate Stableford competition for 'unattached' gentlemen, Mr. R. Hattersley, of Woolstanton, claimed the victor's spoils with 35 points.

The day's prizes were presented to the winners in the evening by Tenby Golf Club captain, Mrs. Mary Rowell.

Local entertainers 'Three's Company', singing songs from West End Shows, provided popular entertainment for the visitors and club members in the evening. The 'Three's Company' cast of Ian Clarke, Valerie Evans and Sharon Lusher donated their performance fee to the Cancer Research charity.

MONDAY, JUNE 2

Ladies Singles Stableford

Gents Singles Stableford

In a reversal of fortunes, it was the early starters who suffered the worst of the weather on Monday. By 11 am, however, the cloud cover and showers had disappeared, leaving the rest of the day fine and bright with light winds.

Some 45 ladies competed in the Ladies Singles Stableford competition, sponsored by Frank B. Mason Holidays. The competition was closely contested, with the winning lady, Mrs. P. Tighe, of Camberley, winning on a countback of the last nine holes from Ms. L. Payne, of Cradoc GC. Both ladies scored a very creditable 35 points. Third place went to Ms. C. Lewis from the Isle of Wedmore, with 34 points, just one point behind the leaders.

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

Over 140 gentlemen competed in the Singles Stableford competition sponsored by Oakwood Leisure. Mr. C. Wood, of Woolstanton, produced the best performance of the day with a very impressive score of 42 points. Runner-up was Mr. P. Richardson, of Ruddington, with 35 points, while Mr. K. Quinn, of Sandmartins, claimed third place with 34 points.

The gentleman's prizes were presented by Tenby Golf Club vice-president, Mr. Bob Lusher, on behalf of sponsors Oakwood Leisure.

The prize for the best performance of the day from a Tenby golfer went to Mrs. Anita Davies. Winning by just one point from the nearest gentleman, Anita was the only local lady golfer to compete!

After the prize-giving ceremony, the evening's entertainment continued with vocalist 'Sherri' performing popular hits.

TUESDAY, JUNE 3

Ladies and Gents Fourball Better Ball Medal

Thankfully, the promised rain forecast by the Met Office did not materialise. However, a strong blustery wind off the sea remained all day, and provided a taste of links golf at its most difficult. Despite the conditions, excellent scores were recorded in both the Ladies and Gentlemen's Fourball Better Ball medal, sponsored by Coors Brewery Ltd.

The ladies' competition was won by Mrs. L. Buttery, of Sherwood Forest, partnered by local golfer Mrs. E. Storey, of Tenby, with a nett score of 65. Nearest rivals and runners-up were Mrs. A. Squire and Mrs. J. Soar, of East Dorset GC, with a nett 72, just beating Val Williams, of Mapperly, and partner Anita Davies, of Tenby, into third place, by one stroke.

The gentlemen's competition as won outright by Mr. K. Quinn and Mr. B. Kelly, of Sandmartins, with an excellent nett score of 64. Second place was keenly contested, with four pairs recording the same nett 67. After a series of countbacks going to the last three holes, the runners-up prize was eventually awarded to Mr. G. Powell and Mr. B. Thomas, of Caerphilly. Mr. R. Stephenson, of Mapperly, and Mr. J. Allen, of Newark, were placed third.

Later that evening, prizes were presented by Mr. Phil Williams, accounts manager of sponsors Coors Brewery Ltd.

After the formalities were over, local guitar vocalists, the Bowen Brothers, entertained the audience.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4

Gentlemen's Singles Medal

Arguably the most challenging and prestigious event of the week is the Gents Singles medal competition, sponsored by Kiln Park Holiday Centre. Playing off the white tees taken back to their maximum length, the 102 competitors competing for the best nett and gross scores found the conditions very difficult in the rain and fresh winds, which continued for the best part of the day.

Despite these conditions, one golfer still managed to beat the course par by two shots. Mr. P. White, of Newport GC, playing off 10, scored a very impressive nett 67 to win the medal. A countback decided the runners-up prize, which was awarded to Mr. J. Whitcutt, of Burnham and Berrow, with a nett 70. Playing off a handicap of one, Mr. Whitcutt's 71 also earned him the prize for the best gross score of the day. Third place, also with a nett 70, was Mr. K. Kersley, of Caversham Heath, playing off a handicap of six.

The prize for the best performance from a Tenby player went to seasoned campaigner, Mr. M. Tucker, playing off a handicap of five. Mervyn scored a nett 76.

Each day the competitors are invited to enter a twos competition, with anyone achieving a two on any hole winning a prize. Whatever the conditions, there are always many players who claim a prize, too many normally to be listed in these pages. However, one remarkable feat deserves to be mentioned. Mr. P. Richardson, of Ruddington, scored his two on the 414 yard par four, seventh hole. After a long drive into the wind his second shot was sent straight into the cup from well over 150 yards.

In the evening, prize-winners were presented with their trophies by Tenby Golf Club vice-captain, Mr. Bob Lusher, on behalf of Kiln Park Holiday Centre.

Despite the day's rain, there were many smiling faces in the clubhouse as stand-up comic Mr. Colin Price entertained the members and guests with his humour for well over an hour.

THURSDAY, JUNE 5

Ladies and Gents Singles Stableford

Ladies and Gents Veterans Stableford

Wally Rees

Memorial Trophies

There was much to play for on Thursday, with four separate events sponsored by Tenby Travel, running in tandem with the second leg of the competition for the Wally Rees Memorial Trophies.

The weather played its part in making this an excellent day for golf. Bright sunshine accompanied by a fresh breeze provided classic conditions for playing links golf.

The course, bathed in sunshine, looked in peak condition after the recent sun and rain - a fitting tribute to the hard work carried out by Tenby's greenkeeping staff in preparation for Open Week. Although the gents played off the shortened yellow tees, scoring proved to be quite difficult in the fresh breeze.

Winner of the Ladies Singles Stableford was Mrs. C. Larn, of Orsett, with 33 points. Mrs. D. Banbury, of Aspect Park, claimed the runners-up prize with 32 points, just one point ahead of Mrs. S. Kinch, of Sandmartins.

The Lady Veterans Stableford competition was very closely contested, with three ladies each scoring 32 points. After a countback, Mrs. A. Hobbs, of Hayling, was declared the winner, Mrs. B. Kirkby, of Droitwich, the runner-up, while Mapperly golfer Mrs. D. Stevenson was placed third.

Only two points separated all three winners of the Gentlemen's Stableford competition. The outright winner was Mr. K. Kersley, of Caversham Heath, with 36 points, one point ahead of runner-up Mr. N. Palk, of Mapledurham. Third place went to Mr. C. Barnaby, of Pontnewydd, with 34 points.

Winner of the Gentlemen's Veterans competition was Mr. C. Greenwood, of Mendip Springs, with an excellent score of 38 points. Runner-up, Orsett veteran Mr. B. Triston, scored 37 points with Mr. C. Barry, of Romford, claiming the third prize with 34 points.

A point worth noting, both winner and runner-up of the veterans competition outscored all the young guns, including the winners, in the gents general competition!

Prizes for the best performance of the day from a Tenby lady and gentleman went to Holly Watkins with 34 points and Bob Parsons with 35 points.

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 the Monday and Thursday competitions.

The ladies winner was Mrs. J. Carey, of Bloxwich, scoring 69 points, while the gentleman's winner was Mr. P. Richardson, of Ruddington, with 63 points.

Two visiting golfers, Mr. H. Williams from Mapperly and Mr. Harries from Oswestry, were the two lucky winners of the traditional prize draw run by Tenby Golf Club's professional, Mark Hawkey. Each visitor won a full set of clubs and a carrying bag.

All the competition prizes and trophies were presented to the winners by Tenby Golf Club captain, Mrs. Mary Rowell, on behalf of sponsors Tenby Travel.

Once the formalities were over, the powerful voices of the Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir echoed around the clubhouse and provided fitting entertainment to an appreciative audience.

FRIDAY, JUNE 5

Ladies and

Gents Greensome Stableford

Once again, the weather was a significant factor in the final day of competitions of Open Week 2003. The morning starters arrived at the course to be greeted by a heavy sea mist accompanied by a persistent drizzle. Those fortunate enough to have chosen to start their rounds after lunch watched the mist burn away to be replaced by bright sunshine and light winds.

Both of the day's events, the Ladies and Gentlemen's Greensomes Stableford competitions, were sponsored by local company S. C. Welch and Sons, roofing contractors.

The winners of the Ladies Greensome competition, with a score of 40 points, were Mrs. S. Kinch and Mrs. A. Cranston, of Sandmartins. Runners-up, just one point behind, were Mrs. D. Stephenson, of Mapperly, with Mrs. D. Allen, of Newark. Third place was claimed by Ms. L. Buttery, of Sherwood Forest, partnered by Tenby regular Mrs. A. Morris with 38 points.

The Gentlemen's Greensome competition was won by Mr. G. Barnaby, of Pontnewydd, and Mr. N. Davies, of Newport, with a score of 40 points. Mr. P. Evans and Mr. A. Williams, of Tylney Park, took second place with 39 points and Mr. C. Lewis and Mr. I. Cooper, of Fulford Heath, were third, a further point behind.

Mrs. Ann Blackmore and Mrs. Ros Williams with 34 points won a prize voucher for the best performance of a Tenby pairing.

The final day's winners were presented with their prizes by Tenby Golf Club captain, Mrs. Mary Rowell, on behalf of S. C. Welch and Sons.

After the presentations were completed, Mrs. Rowell thanked the Open Week committee, the greens staff, the professional's staff, the catering and bar staff and the small army of members who work behind the scenes, for their contribution in ensuring Open Week runs smoothly.

The captain added that it had been a personal honour to host this year's event. She thanked the visiting golfers for their continuing support, hoping many would return for Open Week 2004, which would take place between June 6 and 11, and wished everyone a safe journey home.

Before taking her chair, Mrs. Rowell made a special presentation to visiting Sheffield golfer, Mr. Joe Clegg. Mr. Clegg has been a regular at Open Week, this year being the 21st visit to Tenby links.

Open Week entertainments organiser, Mr. Malcolm Arlott, was master of ceremonies each night. As well as arranging the different acts, his efficient and jovial nature ensured everything ran smoothly every evening. His final duty was to introduce local vocalist, Mr. Robby Gould, who entertained the visitors and members with a selection of popular music sung in his own inimitable style.