The miserable rain of last Friday failed to dampen the juniors' spirits on Nic Thomas's Captain's Day. Seventy juniors attacked the course with venom and proved to be the future of Tenby Golf Club.
Nic Thomas led the field with Oliver Duckett and Holly Watkins. The first group of boys played a white box medal, with the girls playing a stableford.
Following them, it was a yellow box stableford over 18 holes, and then out in force came the nine and six-holers.
Halfway round they were greeted by Linda and Barbara, who fed and watered them to keep them going for the next nine holes. When they arrived back in the clubhouse, they were greeted with a barbecue where they could munch on burgers and hot dogs. And boy can they munch!
Thanks to Paul Heywood, Saundersfoot, for helping out with the meat, and to the Goldwaits, of Blueberrys, for helping out with the rolls, serviettes and ketchup.
After the feast, Nic very kindly presented every competitor with a logo bag, 'Junior Captain's Day 2002' - a lovely gesture and a reminder of the day.
Following the presentations, Nic gave an excellent speech in which he thanked all those who had helped throughout the year, including Ian, Julia, Simon, Gavin, Gill and Mary, as well as those who helped out on the day, Barbara, Tony, David, Nigel, Julie and all the parents.
He also thanked the club for all the support they gave the junior section, especially in allowing the time for them to play golf and for providing support and encouragement.
Then to the presentation, what we had all been waiting for, and it was well worth the wait.
Longest drive of the day was by Dan Cope, and nearest the pin was Sam Morgan - and Sam it doesn't matter how it's achieved, the others were just jealous that you could get away with it!
First up were the six-holers. Sam James took the first prize, Loui Feeci the second and Josh Jones took third spot.
Next up were the nine-holers. Oliver Goldwait took the first prize - and he didn't even want to play, good job you did! In second place was Sophie John, who will soon be playing off the red boxes - she's just too good for those black boxes - and third place went to Owain Rees.
Two putting competitions were held for the different categories, with Matthew Adams winning one group and Nic Johnson the second.
The president of the club, Mr. Gwyn Tibbs, made the presentations to the yellow box stableford winners, with Thomas Headland taking the first prize -well deserved, as he had been there since 8 am! The second prize went to Dan Worley, who arrived just in time for his tee-off! Third was Andrew Howell.
Mary Rowell, the ladies' president and club vice-captain, presented the girls' stableford prizes, with Anne-Marie Dassen winning with an amazing 49 points - a well deserved win and a deserved drop in handicap, excellent golf Anne-Marie. Second place went to Rachel Scourfield, playing to her handicap, with third place going to Holly Watkins.
Congratulations to Holly on becoming the West Wales champion the Wednesday before. This meant a drop in handicap to seven, which obviously hurt on the day!
The club captain, before presenting the white box medal prizes, firstly congratulated Nic on his day and the Junior section generally.
First up were the nett winners, with Andrew Evans taking first place, Lewis Hurlow second and Sam Morgan third.
Finally, the winner of the 'man', kindly donated by Mr. Paul Hoyland, for best gross of the day, was Oliver Duckett, who thanked the Tenby club for all their support over the past four years. Second was Dan Cope, with David Ayers third.
Nic did have a surprise prize for the best endeavour. This went to Michael Schooling - if you want to know his score, you'll have to ask him!
Nic then very kindly presented a bottle of wine to all the men who had helped throughout the year and flowers to the ladies.
A big thank you to Linda and Julian Thomas for all their hard work, as without their support, I'm sure the day wouldn't have run so smoothly. Also a big thank you to all those who walked out with the juniors. It's not easy keeping them in tow, keeping them moving, keeping score, wondering where their bag is or where they are going to hit next! So thanks to Ann Dassen, Gill Roberts, Nigel Ayers, Margaret Williams, Alun Williams, Wendy Watkins, Dave Butler, Roy James, Claire Webb, Stephanie Wellum and Andy Pouton. Thanks also to Julie Ayers and friends for feeding everyone!
Finally, thank you Nic, for an excellent Captain's Day, it was a day to remember, good luck for the rest of your year, and enjoy your golf.