Ninety-seven of the 132 seniors taking part in last week's Seniors Open competition at the club were from clubs all across South Wales, with one travelling all the way from Oxford. Large contingents from Maesteg, Rhondda and Pontardawe arrived to enjoy Tenby's glorious sunshine, while smaller groups made their way from Brecon, Cardiff, Neath, Cottrell Park, Langland Bay and Glynhir, such is the attraction of this wonderful links course. None of them were to be disappointed as the wall to wall sunshine gave everyone a chance to challenge our well-maintained course as well to challenge themselves. The fairways were beginning to green up again after some welcome rain and the greens were in excellent condition, giving no excuses for failure to putt - unless you were above the hole on the third or the 16th. Those who were first out enjoyed the best of the conditions with warm sunshine and a calm atmosphere. As the day wore on, the southerly wind picked up and provided a challenge as competitors made their way out to the ninth. This was an advantage on the back nine and must have helped David Davies, of Pontardawe, on the 14th as his was the longest drive of the day - on the fairway, that is! Vince Shaw and David Evans were the first names on that sheet, but they were overtaken by David Steer (Neath) and Mike Hayward (Rhondda), before David Davies came along. Eighty-seven inches from the hole was the nearest on the day at the sixth green and this was hit by Idwal Wiltshire, of Rhondda. There were four competitions on the day, two for Tenby members - class A for those aged 55 to 64 and class B for those 65 and over. Similar competitions were held for the visiting members. The course proved effective in keeping scores to a realistic level, with an average of around the 30 mark. Those who used their handicap to greater effect and scored well were the ones in the frame and these included the club captain, Bob Parsons, and the club treasurer, Ken Gouldsbrough. The highest score of the day was achieved by Keith Howell, of Carmarthen, with a well-struck 39, followed with a 38 from Ken Gouldsbrough. As they were in different sections, they both earned first place. The success of the occasion was due to the help received on the day from volunteers, the excellent work and co-operation of Chris Jenkins and his ground staff, Lynn in the kitchen, and the co- operation of the club in allowing the event to be held. The sunshine and the venue left all visitors with a feeling of achievement (to varying degrees) and pleasure, anticipating further visits to this challenging course.
