A total of 18 senior golfers remembered the route to the Golf Club and played in the Seniors' first competition of the spring season. This group may have struggled to haul the excess turkey and trimmings around the course, but all remarked on what a worthwhile exercise it was, especially since there was no rain, and even though the wind tugged at the weather-proof clothing on the far reaches of the links. There were choruses of 'Happy New Year' all around and for some the Yuletide rest and relaxation seemed to have paid dividends. Eight of the 18 achieved scores of 30 or more and amongst that lot were 'Uncle' Jim Taylor, Dudley Williams, Des Stone, Dave Miller and Tony Ranoe. The remaining 10 players' scores ranged from 23 to 29 - or should that be nine players? There was one score below 20 and that meant that this week's booby prize was awarded to J. D. R. Williams. Over- indulgence over the Christmas period resulted in a poor start, with J. D. R. not scoring on the first three holes and having to play catch-up from there on. No-one managed to score on every hole, but those in the 30s came very close. There were three players with a two this week - Newman Vincent on the eighth, Mike Nesbitt-Hawes on the 12th and Des Stone on the 17th. Those incurring penalty shots next week are: 1. Doug Havard 35 pts; 2. Newman Vincent 34; 3. Jim Martin 33. Following New Year resolutions of revised diet and more exercise, a full complement of senior golfers is expected next week to provide greater competition!

Lightning strikes in last event of the year

The last competition of the year was a three-club competition held on Saturday. It was a difficult day for golf, with a strong wind, rain and, for a while, play was suspended due to lightning. Winner was Stephen Davies with an excellent 36 points and a better back nine, second was John Stenson, also with 36, third was John Gillespie with 32 and fourth was Dai Cope with 31 and a better back nine. Thirty-six competitors took part and of those seven had twos, with Roger Schooling getting a couple of them. The next competition is a fourball better ball which will be held tomorrow (Saturday).