Last Friday, the 19th annual Neil Rees Memorial Competition took place at Tenby Golf Club. The links were in superb condition, although many competitors found the long rough too tough to handle.
Basking in glorious sunshine, a total of 51 competitors took part and these were sub-divided into four categories. The vast majority of the entrants were either current or former players of Tenby United RFC and these were joined by a few friends of the hosts, Pat and Mary Rees.
The previous 18 events produced 18 different winners of the Neil Rees Cup.
However, this year Steve Amos, the 2005 champion, spoilt the party by winning again. Steve has been the most consistent performer throughout the history of the tournament. The Neil Rees Cup seems to bring out the best in him.
His magnificent 40 points included five gross birdies and a blob on the 12th hole. Second and third were also both former winners, Rob Brown and Richard Ormond with 36 points and 33 points, respectively.
In the Seniors section, John Rees also retained his title with a score of 26 points, which was two better than Pat Rees and three more than Vince Shaw. This year's Best Novice was Shaun Griffiths with an excellent 32 points. Craig Hamilton was second with 25 points and Alex Jenkins third with 23.
Steve Hartland has been asked to return the trophy for second place which was mistakenly awarded to him and he collected whilst 'under the influence'!
The Best Endeavour award went to Harry Bolton. His total of four points was equalled by last year's recipient, Justin Richards, but Harry was awarded the title based on the worst back six holes. Justin and Harry are step-brothers and apparently their mother Avril has never played golf!
In the Guest section, Mial Walker pipped Phil Okwedy by way of a better back nine after both had scored 24 points.
The Longest Drive prize was awarded to Nick Griffiths. The marker was 320 yards from the tee on the 14th hole, but there was some confusion regarding from where he hit the ball. Richard Rossiter's thinned shot to 6ft 2ins on the 8th hole won him the Nearest the Pin prize.
At the prize-giving ceremony and after Steve Amos's lengthy winner's speech, it was confirmed that following next year's 20th Neil Rees Memorial there will be an away trip which will be open to all those who have competed in the event in recent years. The date and venue are still to be arranged. As in previous years, competitors and their partners enjoyed an excellent buffet provided by Lynn Jenkins and dancing to DJ Rob Mayhew.
The leading scores were as follows:
Neil Rees Cup: Steve Amos 40 pts; Rob Brown 36; Richard Ormond 33; Ian Thomas and Peter Rossi 30; Terry Picton, John Morris and Simon Rossiter 29; Nicky Allen 27. Seniors: John Rees 26 pts; Pat Rees 24; Vince Shaw 23; Mike Evans 22. Novices: Shaun Griffiths 32 pts; Craig Hamilton 25; Alex Jenkins 23; Jimmy Davies 19; Gavin Brace 15; Chris James and Rhydian Rees 12. Guests: Mial Walker 24 pts; Phil Okwedy 24; Huw Roberts 23.