Congratulations to Mervyn Tucker on winning division one of the February Monthly Medal with an impressive net 71.
What was even more impressive was Mervyn's gross score of 76, which was the second best of the day and only three behind ever-consistent 'youngster' Brian Cramb with an outstanding gross of 73. Although a shy and retiring man, and not given to broadcasting his thoughts or opinions, he did in a rare lucid moment let slip that this victory came 54 years after his first Monthly Medal triumph! Although he is a little coy when revealing his age, it is fair to say that he has been able to ride free of charge the public transport within the county for several years! So congratulations once again Mervyn, you are a Tenby legend and long may your good form continue. Meanwhile, in division two, another 'mature' member, modest Meurig Jones, eclipsed the rest with the best net score of the competition, a superb 69. In fact, in what were difficult conditions on the day, his was the only sub par round, as with the two new holes at Giltar in play in a Medal for the first time, par for the course has now risen from 68 to a testing 70. Although perhaps not quite 54 years since his first Medal success (more like something approaching 15), Meurig was a model of consistency as he left his rivals trailing in his wake. And perhaps no one was more surprised than he was himself, as playing off a handicap of 20 (not any more), he produced a magical round to romp home with shots to spare - his nearest challenger being three adrift. Prize-winning results were as follows: Division One (45 competitors): Mervyn Tucker 76 -5-71 (medal and £34); Richard Morton 76-4-72, back nine (£21); Brian Cramb 73-1-72 (£16); Peter Brown 83-10-73 (£12). Division Two (50 competitors): Meurig Jones 89 -20-69 (medal and £34); Stephen Poole 90-18-72 (£21); John Charnock 91-18-73 (£16); Michael Wainwright 90-16-74, back nine (£12). Twos: Steven Amos, Geoffrey Aston, Richard Davies, Paul Heywood, Terence Martin, Roger Scholfield, Gavin Scotcher, Chris Thompson (£12.12 each). Bag draw: M. Wainwright, R. Morton, R. Davies, P. James, T. Martin (£18.60 each). Next competition is another Monthly Medal and Sellar Cup qualifier on March 10.
Brolly good show for Chicken Trotters!
After a two-week break due to weather conditions, the Chicken Trotters returned to action last Friday morning. Again the skies were grey and there were a few murmurs of 'if it rains, I'm going in'. As it turned out, it did rain, albeit briefly, but it was enough to send some scurrying back to the clubhouse... getting soaked in the process! More fool them, because once the heavy shower had passed, the weather improved and the remainder were able to play out their round in the dry. One of those who battled on regardless was redoubtable Jim Taylor, who was last seen by your correspondent chasing his brolly along the seventh fairway... and the brolly, blown by a rather stiff breeze, appeared to be winning the race! Obviously the chase must have affected Jim's play as, unusually, he did not figure amongst the prize winners. Unlike Owen Monaghan, who seems to be in a rich vein of form at the moment, as he was again top Chicken with a very useful 30 points - six more than the par for the day of 24. Perhaps playing alongside the club captain helped inspire him to new heights, but he is sure to be brought back down to earth after the 'sin bin' committee have finished with him. Rick Lewis is never far from a podium place and it was the same again this time, as he followed Owen in (or was he ahead of him?) on 29 points. Owen pocketed the princely sum of £2 for his efforts, while Rick trousered a round £1. With no 2s (opportunities have diminished since the opening of the new holes), the only other man in the money was Jim Moffat, who had his 30p entry fee returned after collecting the booby for his 13 points. Fourteen players took to the course in all, with two producing 'no returns' after succumbing to the rain, while the Chief Chicken and Co are still thought to be looking for Mike Fox's card. Surely it wasn't that bad, was it, Mike. Finally, rumours that Brian Cramb and John Gottwaltz have joined the Chicken Trotters appear to be unfounded! Although briefly spotted amid the brood, the Observer understands that neither took a card out of the hutch. Watch this space for any further developments, though!
Super Steve seals Divots title
The golfing gods were kind once again last Sunday, with almost prefect golfing weather; one small rain shower and a challenging side wind were small problems considering the heavy rain during Saturday evening and into the night. Taking full advantage of the weather were Gavin Field-Thomas and Lawrence Lindsey with a score of 39 points. Lawrence was paying his old Divots friends a quick visit while on a short break in the Tenby area. Sixteen points on the front nine would have been better if not for a blob on the ninth hole. A better back nine of 23 points included four points on the 14th by The Walrus. Playing partners Chris Davies and Rick Lewis matched their total of 39 points, but lost out on the back nine, with blobs on both the first and 11th holes costing them dearly! Hopefully, enough was done by Lawrence and Gavin to take the spoils and also improve Gavin's overall league position. However, 39 points proved not to be enough, with captain Clive Law and partner Richard Morton following them in with one better and 40 points - surely enough to secure the loot, having scored a steady 18 on the front nine and 22 on the back nine. As always, there were shots left out on the course, with dropped points on both the fifth and 11th holes. Yet again this was not a big enough score to take the money! This was achieved by the spectacular score returned by Rob 'Corbett' Hall and Gareth Rees - 46 points, including two single-pointers on the second and 17th holes. At one time it looked very likely that the pair would topple Steve Davies and Rick Lewis from the title of best score of the league (47 points), but it was not to be, with bogeys on both 16 and 17. Not so good for playing partners Richard Chapman and Loz Phillips. A decent score of 37 points could have been so much better if Richard Chapman had brought his glasses and improved his putting! Red mist could be seen coming from Loz after Richard four-putted the new eighth hole. 'Easily done,' was the comment from Loz, who then proceeded to run over his partner with his remote controlled trolley - 'just don't let it happen again'! As a consolation, Loz and Richard were able to choose their drinks from the prize money Rob and Gareth were obviously going to collect after such a fantastic golf display. Only one card left to be counted, Steve Davies having to play with a blind partner due to odd numbers. No worries for Rob and Gareth, as nobody in the two years of the new Divots League format has won the money with a blind partner. It is well known that the only real chance of taking the prize when playing with a blind partner would be if you were playing with the wrong handicap. Perhaps somebody who was protecting their handicap could come in with an obscene score, and yes, he did! With a total of 46 points (and a better back nine), Steve Davies not only secured the money on the day, but also the league title. With a lead of 22 points from Rob Hall and only two weeks remaining, his job is now done. Thankfully, there is a longstanding tradition at Tenby Golf Club that the overall winner of the Divots League has a four-shot handicap reduction. Surely the handicap committee cannot break this tradition! League table: Steve Davies 348 pts (8/13); Rob Hall 326 (8/13); Gavin Field-Thomas 318 (8/13); Nigel Ayers 307 (8/13); Loz Phillips 306 (8/13); Gareth Rees 303 (8/13); Richard Chapman 298 (8/13); Viv James 293 (8/13); Clive Law 280 (7/13); Rick Lewis 277 (7/13); Chris Davies 271 (7/13).
Ladies' Section
A few years ago, a survey of weather pattern found that statistically Thursday is the worst day of the week. Well, statistics can be used to prove everything, as the National Press shows us continually, but certainly Thursdays in Tenby this year have been wet, windy, cold or any combination you like to mention, and few of the ladies' competitions have attracted any players or only the most hardy individuals. The weather for a Bogey with Bisques competition was fairly reasonable and Paula Morgan, with judicious use of her handicap allowance, finished +7, followed by Ann Marsden on +4, Mary Lewis on +3 and Ann Follon on +2. The second drawn High/Low competition was played in a gale force wind and several pairs decided it was not conducive to a pleasant round. However, Nesta Hart and Rhian Walters managed 34 points, Barbara Williams and Anita Davies 32, on the back nine, from Ann Bailey and Ann Blackmore. The weather for the LGU Medal was poor and the scores reflected the difficult conditions. In the Silver Division, Emma Guerreiro had the best score with nett 77 and Pam Cole was second on 80. The two Bronze winners were Ann Blackmore and Barbara Williams on 91 and 94, respectively. The rain was so heavy for a Yellow Ball competition on the last Thursday in February that everyone cancelled. Ah well, roll on March - it can't be much worse! As usual on the first Wednesday in March, next week, the ladies will be holding their social afternoon of Bridge, Whist and Bingo. Do come and join us - there will be many prizes and excellent company and 'moreish' tea are guaranteed.
B.M.S.
Saturday Swingers
The Yellow Ball Team Competition takes place tomorrow (Saturday). Members who have entered are reminded to check their tee times and to remember their yellow balls. If anyone cannot make it, they should contact Eamon Maher (tel. 845366) who is first reserve. Ladies' Night is being held at the Gower Hotel in Saundersfoot tomorrow evening, commencing at 7.30 pm. The girls are advised not to wear heels which are too high or poorly fitting, strapless tops. Anyone wishing to book late should contact Barrie Frayne (tel. 810210).