Three birdies, including two 2s - one chipped in from some 20 feet - enabled Barry 'Chippy' Wood to win the 'Blue Riband' at Carmarthen Golf Club on Wednesday, September 14.

Yes, it's me, I'm back while the 'Scribe' has taken a well-earned sabbatical with his family. Let's hope he's having a good time! I'm pretty sure he would have rather been here today (only joking)!

Once again the weather gods smiled on the KGS golfers, as the day dawned with clear blue skies, little if any wind and typical September sunshine, which was a huge surprise considering the weather experienced on the two preceding days.

Between 9 and 9.30 am cars began to roll into the club's car park ready for a 10 am start. Nineteen players (less than expected due to holidasy etc.) turned out at this superb course with immaculately manicured fairways and greens that left one speechless by their magnifience.

Five teams (4x4 and 1x3), after bacon rolls and coffee, took their places at the first tee, eagerly awaiting the starter's klaxon, which duly sounded on the stroke of 10 am, and so play began, with each golfer hoping to lift the coveted bottle of the 'golden nectar' at the 19th after a well-earned meal.

First group to tee-off were Kelvin 'Horatio' Boughey, Steve 'Eleanor' Rigby and Peter 'Big Bird' Hughes. Although, try as they may, none of them played to their true potential.

Second team to go were Simon 'Lippy' Wood (making a rare appearance), Paul 'Good Value' Marsden, Dennis 'Groaner' Holloway and John 'Good Odds' Williams. A reasonable round which must have given them hope for the future.

Third team to face the daunting first fairway consisted of Windsor 'HRH' Royall, Wayne 'Screw' Connett, Mark 'Woody' Wood and new member Anthony 'Wise Guy' Ryan (welcome to the society). A humorously played round which earned them the silver medal spot.

Hot on their heels were the gold medal team of Trevor 'Santa' Lewis, Steve 'Dentures' Allen, Barry 'Chippy' Wood and another new member Sean 'Chatterbox' Taylor (just like father-in-law, welcome to the society). This team had all the good breaks to win most of the prizes. Well done chaps!

Last, but not least, to take to the course were Adrian 'Paramedic' Allman, Simon 'The Swan' Davies, Keith 'The Undertaker' Levington and Wyn 'Bowls' Richards. They seemed quite happy with their game, which earned them tied third with team number two.

Once we'd all come in, showered and changed our 'plus-fours' for something more presentable, we sat down to a fantastic meal prepared by chef Paul and served by his very capable staff.

Back in the bar, 'Woody' began the official proceedings by thanking Carmarthen Golf Club for hosting the day and for making us feel very welcome. He then thanked the chef and staff, before thanking all the players for their continued support and hoped it would long continue. He also welcomed two new members, Anthony Ryan and Sean Taylor (father and son-in-law) to the society and hoped to have their support whenever possible in the future.

Then came the prize presentations. Winner on the day was Barry 'Chippy' Wood, who only just pipped Steve 'Dentures' Allen. In third place was Dennis 'Groaner' Holloway.

The longest drive was won by Adrian 'Paramedic' Allman, while John 'Good Odds' Williams was nearest the pin.

The Wooden Spoon went once again to Kelvin 'Horatio' Boughey - just back from sailing the seas around Europe and still without his land legs! (Kel your suggestion will be discussed and acted upon).

The best over 20 handicapper was Simon 'Lippy' Wood. The old codgers winner was Windsor 'HRH' Royall.

There were three 2s on the day, by HRH and Chippy x2. The victorious team was 'Santa' 'Chatterbox,' 'Dentures' and 'Chippy.' The yellow ball winning team was 'Paramedic,' 'The Swan,' 'The Undertaker' and 'Bowls.'

After the presentations, Mark announced that next month's day will be at Trefloyne Golf Club on Wednesday, October 5 (a week earlier than usual), and we look forward to seeing you there.

CHIP