Tenby Seniors' Winter Eclectic got underway last Tuesday with a good turnout. However, many of them returned to the clubhouse during their round with the onset of heavy rain. Despite the poor conditions, the scoring was very good, with John Hall winning this week's competition on a score of 38 points. Closely following him on 37 points, was defending Tenby Seniors Cup winner Brian Morgan, while yet another mercurial winner came in third on 36 points and that was immediate past Seniors captain, Des Stone. The draw for the competition is made on Tuesday and next week's list is up on the Seniors' board. Anyone wishing to play in the competition, please add your name to the end of the list. Qualification age is 55 years or over and a good sense of humour!
Tough early challenge for Divots
The first match of the new Divots season was played last Sunday morning. Gavin 'The Walrus' Field-Thomas, taking over from Clive Law as Divots captain this winter, set a tough early challenge of hitting the first fairway. Failure to do so would cost £1, while failing to reach the ladies' tee would be another £1 fine. As we said, a tough challenge so early in the morning! Surprisingly - or then again perhaps not - not one player managed to land on the fairway, with two of them not even reaching the ladies' tee - namely Clive Law and The Walrus himself! As a result, £15 was paid into the Divots coffers. There was nothing particularly special to report on day one, with a few rusty performances and an abysmal display from The Walrus. In fact, someone actually asked him if he had ever played golf before. The answer is still awaited. His partner John Stevenson never stood a chance as the pair finished bottom with a disappointing 26 points. The six other teams played steady golf, with the highlight of Nigel Ayers and Gareth 'Goa' Phillips's round being two birdies by Nigel on the second and 14th holes. Terry Martin, and everyone else for that matter, will be praying they're not drawn to partner Loz Phillips this week - Terry said once was enough for anyone! A close round of matches produced the following scores: Michael Schooling and Tony Morris 39 pts; Richard Chapman and Viv James 38; Gareth Phillips and Nigel Ayers, Ron Johns and Mike Disney, Loz Phillips and Terry Martin 37; Clive Law 35; John Stevenson and G. Field-Thomas 26. The Divots welcome two new members in the shape of Michael Disney - no relation to 'Walt' - and Jim Moffat.
'Fowl' play amongst Chickens?
Club treasurer Ken Gouldsbrough was celebrating a major windfall last Friday. But rumours that, as a result of his good fortune, the club will be waiving all membership fees for the next 10 years appear to be unfounded. Ken found himself in the money after leading the Chicken Trotters home on what was another superb morning. But, after gobbling up the princely sum of £2, the only thing he will be 'waving' is goodbye to his current handicap as he spends a well-deserved period in the sin-bin. Joining him in that black hole, no doubt, will be Fred Adlam, who we understand has somewhat divided loyalties when it comes to matters 'fowl'. Having just flown in from a time of summer migration in 'Turkey', serious questions are now being asked as to whether he should be allowed to mix with the 'Chickens' at all. Surely the forthcoming programme of club 'turkey trots' would be more to his liking. Chief cockerel Morran Boot and his committee will no doubt be keeping a very close eye on this delicate situation as it develops through the winter. On Friday, though, Fred was happy to strut his stuff as he handed out a stuffing to his two playing colleagues - his putting was said to be 'bootiful' - and earned himself a lofty position on the prize winners' perch. Not that those colleagues, Meurig Jones and Neil Dickinson, returned to the roost empty-handed. No, both also pecked up some welcome corn - but for very different reasons. Meurig was clucking contentedly after claiming a share of the twos sweep, while Neil was laughing all the way to the bank (he would have been crying otherwise) after making an impressive start to the defence of his booby prize title! Others rubbing their hands and booking urgent appointments with their financial advisors were early starter Vince Shaw, who galloped in for a share of the runners-up spot, and Mike Fox, another to bag a rare bird in the form of a two. A Fox playing with Chickens? Just what is happening at Tenby Golf Club? You are strongly advised to watch this space! A total of 16 Chickens trotted out of the hutch last week and prize winners were: 1. Ken Gouldsbrough 30 pts (£1.50); joint 2. Fred Adlam and Vince Shaw 29 pts (£1 each). Twos: Meurig Jones and Mike Fox (40p each). Booby: Neil Dickinson (entry fee returned).
Ladies' Section
Each year, the ladies' captain chooses a charity for the ladies to support through golf. This year Helen Morgan chose the NSPCC. In August, a Texas Scramble was played which was won, as previously reported, by Pam Cole, Mel Smith and Veronica Dyde. Donations were invited and the Goldwait family most generously provided vouchers to the winning teams and also matched the donations. This year, donations were £100 and this meant £200 was presented recently to the Saundersfoot and District NSPCC chairman, Gillian Bell, by Ruth Goldwait and Helen Morgan. Last week, a Stableford competition combined with a sale of cakes, books and plants raised £154, thus the total raised this year by the ladies is £354. Helen and the ladies committee are most grateful to everyone, particularly Ruth's family, who have supported these events this year. The winning scores in the Stableford competition were: 1. Denise Edwards 37 pts; 2. Rhian Walters 35; 3. Jean Charnock 35; 4. Nesta Hart 35. B.M.S.