A bright sunny day offered a hint of spring for February's Monthly Medal played last Saturday at Tenby Golf Club. But as each group of golfers stood on the tee, they realised that despite the sunshine, conditions were far from ideal. The raw south-easterly wind blowing straight from the sea across the links, still held a touch of winter and ensured that warm wind-proof clothing was the order of the day.

The recent dry weather had firmed up the course and combined with the wind made some holes almost unplayable. Putting on the third was particularly difficult, with the wind blowing down the slope of the green. Some players making firm putts up the slope towards the hole were astonished to see the ball blown back, sometimes further away than its starting point. Being a medal competition, many players had their cards wrecked before they had a chance to get fully into their stride. Over 120 golfers entered the competition, but over a quarter recorded a nil return.

Lowest score of the day was achieved by division one golfer Michael Barrett, with an excellent gross 75. Playing off a handicap of seven, Mick's nett 68 was four shots clear of his nearest rival and won him the February medal, a voucher for £30 and a one shot cut in his handicap.

Runners-up prize, a voucher for £25, went to Richard Morton. Playing off a handicap of six, Richard shot a nett 72. Mervyn Tucker was a further shot behind in third place and won a voucher for £20. Three players shared fourth place with a nett 75, Dan Cope, Roy Howell and Gary McNeilly each receiving a voucher for £10. Mark Poole was the final money winner in division one, winning a voucher for £5 with his nett 76.

Curtis Cramb, playing off a handicap of 17, won the division two medal with a fine nett 71. Not only does Curtis win the division two medal, but also a voucher for £30 and a cut of one shot in his handicap.

Only a shot behind with a nett 72 was Phil Kidney, winning the runners-up prize of a voucher for £25 and also a cut in his handicap of one shot. Third place prize money was shared between Peter Watkins and Peter Hart with their nett 73, each receiving a voucher for £20. A voucher for £10 went to Joe Taylor with his nett 75, while Eamon Maher claimed the last of the prize money, a voucher for £5 with his nett 76.

Despite the strong wind there were 14 'twos', each one winning £8.85. Clive Webb had two of them, while the remainder went to Dan Cope, Richard Davies, Vivian John, Ralph Johns, Phillip Kidney, Robert Lusher, John Morris, Richard Ormond, Mark Poole, Joe Taylor, Jim Taylor and Michael Barrett.

And guess whose name was drawn out of the bag - yes Michael Barrett. Micky shared the bag draw with Peter Williams, John Charnock, Roger Schooling and someone else who featured three times in the prizes - Phil Kidney. The draw was worth £24 to each winner. A very rewarding day for both Micky and Phil - hope you both did the lottery on Saturday night!

The next medal competition is scheduled for Saturday, March 8, and is also a qualifying competition for the Lombard and Sellar Cups.

B.F.