Last Friday, baked in sunshine, the 18th annual Neil Rees Memorial Golf Competition took place over the testing links of Tenby Golf Club. Not only was the weather glorious once again, but the event for those who were representing Tenby United RFC, remarkably produced its 18th different winner. This year, the consistent Steve Amos claimed a long overdue and very deserved victory. In fact he annihilated the field, winning by a clear five shots. Steve has had more top five finishes than any other golfer since the tournament was inaugurated in 1988 following Neil's tragic death during the previous autumn. However, 2005 is Steve's year. With his recently acquired new driver (his sixth this year), he managed to avoid the horrendous rough which put pay to many other rounds. He amassed a fabulous total of 40 points by virtue of a magnificent gross 70. Steve's round contained four birdies, including back-to-back twos on the eighth and ninth holes. Last year's champion, John Broomhead, looked like he was going to be the first to retain the prestigious crown after collecting 12 points in the first four holes. Unfortunately, he could not keep up this hot pace, but he finished with a very creditable 35 points for second place. Scratch golfer Paul Haley was pleased with his 34 points (also a gross 70) which won him third place due to having a better back nine than up-and- coming Nicky Thomas who was awarded the Best Single Figure Handicap prize. Gavin Scotcher, Anthony Griffiths, Nicky Allen and Steve Hartland, who plays just once a year and requires fuel before taking part, all had 33 points - an excellent score on the day. The Novices' Section was an extremely close affair. The winner was the multi-talented Delwyn Brace with 21 points. His round included a two on the 12th hole. Delwyn pipped Dylan Lawrence and Jimmy Davies, by just a single point. This year's Best Endeavour award went to Justin Richards. Making his debut in the event, Justin stood on the 18th tee having scored no points at all. In fact, he had apparently only used his putter twice. However, he ruined a 'perfect' round by scoring seven net five on the last hole for his only point of the day! Justin vowed to return next year and double his score. The Seniors' Section, played off the yellow boxes, was also keenly contested. Last year's winner, John Rees, was victorious again with 36 points to beat his namesake and the host, Pat Rees, by one. Dr. Huw Roberts, coincidently one of Pat and Mary Rees' employers, won this year's Guests' Section. He was awarded a new trophy, kindly presented by DJs Steve Briers and Robert Mayhew, who provide the evening entertainment. The longest drive was claimed by Paul Haley who drove 312-yards on the 10th hole, and his excellent tee shot to within two-feet of the hole at the eighth, earned Jonathan Webb, the nearest the pin prize. Although the numbers were fewer than in recent years, all those present in the evening enjoyed the excellent curry and goulash prepared by Lynne Jenkins and the music put on by DJ Rob. Thanks to go all those who generously presented raffle prizes, including the meal for two at the Pam Pam Restaurant, which was won by Harry Bolton. Last year's champion John Broomhead, a plumber by trade, was able to repair the fine Neil Rees Cup which allowed Steve Amos to fill it and offer all those present a very pleasant drink to toast his victory. The leading scores this year were as follows: Neil Rees Cup - Steve Amos - 40 pts, John Broomhead - 35 pts; Paul Haley and Mikey Thomas - 34 pts, Gavin Scotcher, Anthony Griffiths, Nicky Allen and Steve Hartland - 33 pts, Mike Wainwright - 29 pts, Rob Brown - 28 pts, Simon Rossiter, Richard Rossiter and Pat Currie - 27 pts, Richard Ormond and Simon Rowell - 26 pts, Jonathan Webb and Tim Rowe - 25 pts, Ian Thomas 21 pts. Novices' Section: Delwyn Brace - 21 pts, Dylan Lawrence and Jimmy Davies - 20 pts, David Meyrick - 17 pts, Will Crockford - 13 pts, Harry Bolton - 10 pts. Seniors' Section: John Rees - 36 pts, Pat Rees - 38 pts, Paul Bradley - 28 pts, Mike Evans - 25 pts, Alan Thomas - 21 pts. FOOTNOTE: As indicated previously, the field in this year's competition was smaller than usual. In fact, no less than 11 previous winners were missing. No doubt all the absentees had genuine reasons for their unavailability. However, all those who qualify to enter are urged to take part next year. In 2007, the 20th year of the Neil Rees Memorial, will be 'celebrated' with an outing for both golfers and their partners, similar to the one in 1997. However, in order to be part of this trip, competitors should enter both the 2006 and 2007 Neil Rees events.