The last time Steve 'Araf' Jones played at Tawe Vale, only some few weeks ago, he, with the help of Wyn '2 Thumbs' Hopkins, scooped first prize in their Seniors Open. This time, without any help from his friends (I say 'friends' very loosely!) he once again took the gold medal. Well played Steve.

Rumour has it that your transfer to this club will be happily financed by your current playing mates! That old saying 'Slow and steady wins' is true after all! What do you say 'Araf'?

We had a great day. Another wonderful turnout, with three new members - welcome to the society - which included one Jack 'Junior' Tabb, our youngest ever member at the tender age of 14 years.

The course as usual was in immaculate condition. The weather certainly favoured good golf. Warm, sunny and a light breeze which kept the players cool. The reception we received on arrival was superb, only to be topped by the fantastic meal that followed our golf.

We teed off at 11.30 am and the leading team consisted of Kelvin 'Dai' Boughley, Wyn '2 Thumbs' Hopkins and Paul 'Herons Brook' High. They did their best, but returned to the clubhouse looking crestfallen. Hot on their heels were Steve 'Araf' Jones, Mark 'Skids' Brindley and Bert 'Cranes' Tabb. This trio played great golf and picked up a few trophies.

Third threeball out were the much-fancied team of Roger 'Commentary' Handcock, Bobby 'Casanova' King and Mark 'The Angel' Wood. After a blistering start they quickly fell away and returned very dejected.

The next team out consisted of Buggy Boys John 'Homer' Perrott and Richard 'Nelson' Davies, with Wayne 'Warder' Connett gallantly trudging behind, but unable to keep up. A round they would want to forget.

John 'Spindles' Hargraves, John 'Bookie' Williams and Barry 'Chippy' Wood were next to grace the fairways. Some good holes, some bad holes, with 'Spindles' being unsure which parts of the course he was supposed to be on on the back nine. However, second in the team event, not bad.

Next off were Trevor 'Santa' Lewis, Martin 'Snozz' Davies and Jack 'Junior' Tabb. A very satisfying round, with the young 'un bagging a two on the 16th, a superb feat for one so young on his debut appearance. 'Santa' and 'Snozz' were delighted for him.

Final trio to tee-off consisted of John 'Sniffer' James, Mick 'Spoonie' Hamilton and new member Chris 'The Fox' Hunt. Not a good day for these three - even 'Sniffer' failed to produce the goods. Only just beaten by the first team out.

As I have already said, we were given a fantastic meal, after which Mark thanked Tawe Vale (Inco) for hosting the day and the chef and his staff for the way they looked after us. He then thanked all the players and welcomed the new guys, stressing that we need all the support we can get. He then conducted the prize-giving.

1. Steve James 38 pts; 2. Barry Wood 35; 3. Mark Brindley 34 (better back nine from Martin Davies);

Nearest pin - Barry Wood; longest drive - John Perrott; twos - Jack Tabb and Barry Wood; over 20 handicap - Martin Davies; OAP - Trevor Lewis; wooden spoon - Chris Hunt; team - Bert Tabb, Steve Jones and Mark Brindley; YB team - Roger Handcock, Bobby King and Mark Wood.

Our next golf day will be on Wednesday, October 13, and will probably be at Garnant Park, which lies at the foot of the Brecon Beacons - very beautiful, immaculate and quite a challenging course. Hope you can make it and I'll see you there. Please get in touch with Mark at The Angel (01834 860579) for more details. The venue will be confirmed nearer the day.

Enjoy your golf wherever you play. Take care.

CHIPPY