What a splendid gathering. Twenty three of Pembrokeshire's finest, playing good golf and some not so good, at the Trefloyne golf course.

Started some 10 years ago, by Jim Phillips, the then secretary of the Pembrokeshire seniors, this competition has become a must in the calendar, and is held at a different club each year. This year it befell the Trefloyne GC to host.

A magnificent setting for golf, Trefloyne is a test of the skills of golfers of all manner, and last Tuesday was no exception. Amid the tree-lined rolling fairways, with sunshine and a soft breeze, and looking just about at its best, those 'twenty something' golfers were vying to capture that elusive prize, the 'Pembrokeshire Seniors Past Captains Trophy'. 'Twenty somethings'? More like 65+ somethings!

Back in 1993, Jim Phillips and several of the Pembrokeshire seniors' captains and secretaries got together and donated to the cause. The result was a trophy that is a superb product of the art of trophy making, and almost makes the Ryder Cup look mundane. But it looks pretty good nevertheless, and should be a must in any clubs trophy cabinet.

But let's go back to Trefloyne. Owners F. H. Gilman and Co. constructed the course in 1991/2, and officially opened it in 1996. It has matured into a real tester. The Past Captains were given permission to play the course, and the gesture was much appreciated. A day that will stay with us, for a long time.

Trefloyne secretary Graham Wharton (pictured above) had spent time making sure that everybody was catered for, and had organised the day and after-match meal at the Crown Inn, Penally. This was a total success, and as a temporary clubhouse it is without parallel, and thanks for a splendid repast offered by Sharon, the landlady, and her excellent staff, including, Tracy, Emma, Taylor and Nikita.

We could have been some of our number short at the Crown, due to George James, of Milford Haven, running up and down the village looking for The Royal Inn! But of course it is George! Hope that plug means a free pint Sharon?

Incumbent seniors captains are allowed to play in the event, but cannot win any prizes, so George James was a little miffed because his score of 35 points would have been enough to capture the first prize and trophy. But better luck next year George, unless of course you decide to do another stint!

But for the fifth time, I managed to beat off strong challenges from Harold James, of South Pembs., and Harry Porter and Roy Plummer, of Milford Haven.

There was a front nine and a back nine prize as well, and Vince Shaw, also of Tenby, won the front bit, and David Christopher (he of the gargantuan appetite), of Milford Haven, did the back one. There was a special prize for the most endeavours that had been donated by Jim Phillips, and Jerry Clarke, of St. David's, was the lucky recipient of that one.

We did assemble for a group photograph in the dining room of the Crown Inn, but due to a spot of 'finger covering lens', and 'focus pocus', you will have to imagine what it looked like. Still, you can always wait until the next gathering at South Pembs. next September!

Results: 1. (trophy) John Hancock, of Tenby, 33 pts; 2. Harold James, of South Pembs, 32; front nine - Vince Shaw, of Tenby, 16; back nine - David Christopher, of Milford Haven, 17; best endeavour - Jerry Clarke, of St. Davids.

J.B.H.