A week last Friday saw the start of the junior golf season, with a family fun evening being held at the clubhouse.
This gave both junior golfers and their parents a chance to meet the people concerned with organising the junior activities and to find out about the forthcoming fixtures.
The evening also gave everyone the chance to meet David Ayers, the junior captain for 2003, who took over from Niclas Thomas, who led the juniors by fine example last year.
The theme of the evening was a bingo night, and judging by the tension waiting for the last number, everyone enjoyed it. A superb buffet was provided by the stewards, so good that people were still talking about it the next day!
A milestone was also reached when Julia Sweet, who has been involved with the juniors for many years, decided to stand down due to the pressure of work and time. Julia kept the junior section going when things weren't quite so rosy, and everybody appreciates the efforts and hard work that has been put in by her, and will be sorely missed. Thanks Julia for all your support and all that you have done!
Last Saturday saw the start of the junior practice sessions, with a healthy 30 young golfers keen to get back in the swing. It was nice to see that the majority of the parents had prepared the youngsters for the weather, as although it was sunny, it was also very cold.
The session was designed to get the youngsters' swings going after the long lay-off and some of them played as if they hadn't been away!
Elliot Scotcher, David Webb, Greg Palin, Sam Turton and Jack Hawkey were striking the ball superbly, and will shortly be considered for joining the second group!
It was nice to see Mary, Gillian and Gavin lending their invaluable support to the season - without their help things wouldn't run as well as they do!
In the second group, another 12 golfers turned out to get their swings going, although some of them have been on the winter training programme with Mark Hawkey. After a good practice session, the heat was turned up with a serious target practice session, and after some pleading, Ian relented and allowed a competition to take place. These youngsters just love that competitive edge!
Two balls each to the target flag some 95 to 100 yards away - no pressure there then! To see the juniors attack the flag was a pleasure, and after giving their best shot, the winner was Georgia Thomas - much to her dad's embarrassment, who is now asking her for tips!
Tomorrow (Saturday) sees practice at 9 am and 10 am as usual - wrap-up warm in case the weather is cold.
Sunday sees the March medal being played - please note that juniors time this Sunday will be from 11.38 to 12 noon due to Dyfed Golf Union matches.