This month the merry men of KGS travelled to the north of the county, to the pictureque Newport links course. Normally, we expect the wind to be a howling gale and the temperature near to freezing. What a surprise, beautiful warm sunshine, a gentle breeze and the course in excellent condition. There were a few adjustments to be made, one player forgot and was still in bed at 10 am, but did make the last group off. However, two others were held up so long by a traffic accident near Oakwood that they decided to return home! First on the tee were Rick 'Megane' Lewis, Glyn 'Shots' Jones and Mark 'Angel' Wood. They were followed by Lenny 'Long-shot' Lewis, Arwyn 'Mushy' Thomas and Wyn 'Gasoline' Hopkins. Next to tee-off were Gareth 'Goa' Phillips, Steve 'Templeton' Price and John 'Scribe' James. Fourth off were Terry 'Snowy' Harvey, Barry 'Chippy' Wood and Steve 'Stetson' Oulsman, closely followed by Phil 'Sheepskin' Rugg and Neil Mighty Mouse' Evans - their third was still on the road! Sixth out were the foursome, Frank 'Anon' Simmonds, Alan 'B&B' Haggerty, Gary 'Windows' Du Toit and Adrian 'Lightning' Allman. Last to go were Gary 'Harpic' Hopkins, Rob 'Willy' Wilcox, John 'Homer' Perrott and Alan 'Pipe' Chapman. Driving off the first tee is a bit of a hazard, with lots of gorse bushes waiting for sliced drives; a few players were seen to play provisional balls. The rest of the course is more forgiving. At one stage, the first fairway looked like a family day out. Being half-term and lovely weather, half of Newport seemed to be out swinging a golf club! We managed to thread our way through the throng, although the latter teams were quite a while behind the rest. Most members had a very enjoyable day, although one or two didn't quite play to their handicap, hoping for more shots next time! After a few thirst-quenchers at the 19th, the majority of us returned to the Angel once again. A delicious plateful of bangers and mash with onion gravy, followed by apple pie and custard, prepared us for the presentations, conducted this time by Rick. Outright winner with a score of 40 points was Lenny 'Longshot' Lewis. We keep cutting his handicap, but he keeps winning - well done. In second place was Mark 'Woody' Wood with 37 points, enough to also take the 20-plus prize - well played Mark. Also on 37 points was Gary 'Harpic' Hopkins, losing out on countback on the last six holes - good one Gary. His disappointment was short-lived, as he walked off with the OAP prize - not long since he qualified for this. Team prize, helped by Lenny's 40 points, went to him, Wyn and Arwyn - nice to see some new names on the prize sheet. Longest drive was won by Adrian 'Lightning' Allman - not for the first time; we must ban his driver! Nearest the pin, at 94 inches, was John 'Scribe' James. This month, prizes were given for 2s, with five being recorded by Wyn, Rick (2), Phil and Mark. Finally, the wooden spoon, someone has to be last, with 20 points, 'Windows' Du Toit - better luck next time Gary. Thanks to everyone for a very pleasant day's golf, to Wendy and staff for the lovely meal and to Rick for organising the outing. Next month's day out is at South Pembs on March 14. J.R.J.
