Broken putter spoils the day

Roy Morgan's prayers were answered again as the Seniors gathered at a Trefloyne Golf Course that was bathed in glorious sunshine. Unfortunately, the price he had to pay was the loss of the inset on his putter face when he was on the first green. He attempted to use it without the inset, only to see the ball hop off the face and bobble wide of the mark. Ah well, it's either super glue or another trip to Lidls!

He and Roy Gundry, who claimed that he had had better days, also had to contend with an in-form John James, who gave them a golf lesson on his own course. Both Roys made reference to the handicap secretary as Colin Jenkins and his captain burnt up the course to give Trefloyne the ideal start to the afternoon.

Alan Yates, out second with Ken Gouldsbrough, played his part in this match. He was on the first green for three and putted out to win the hole. "That's my contribution!", he stated. Unfortunately, he faded out of this match in patches and Ken found that his putting had deserted him. Alan Chapman and John Cliffe still found themselves down for most of the time in what was a very close match. Persistence paid off as they won the last two holes to steal the result.

Gary Hopkins and Dennis Busby found themselves up against an in-form Stan Hudson paired with J.C. (John Cook). This Tenby pairing worked well as they stole a lead of five after nine holes. This match ended when Stan scored three pars on holes 10, 11 and 12, with J.C. having a net birdie on 10 to steal Stan's thunder.

Tenby were on the scoreboard - could the Sospan Boyos add to that score? Sadly, not this week. Their winning partnership has been broken and it was Pat Casement and Keith Warmington who spoilt the run. The Trefloyne pair found themselves five down after nine holes as Geoff and Peter forged ahead. They hadn't bargained for Pat's steely determination as he and Keith gritted their teeth and clawed their way back into the match.

The final holes were tense and close and Geoff and Peter only realised how precarious their position was when they needed the last hole just to force a half. The momentum was with Pat and Keith and they closed the game out by winning the 18th.

As dusk began to fall, the final group trudged into the clubhouse and it was noted that Malclolm Arlott and Martin Neilan were improperly dressed. They were both still sporting their yellow polo shirts, claiming that they didn't want to miss the meal. At least Martin was sporting a tie as they rushed past everyone to find a place at the table.

They, like many fourballs, had to wait on most fairways for the matches in front to clear and were weary after being on the course for five-and-a-half hours. They had fought out a challenging match against Barry Wood and rookie, Jack Zaraschi. With never more than one or two holes in this exchange, it fell to the rookie to earn the half by putting out to win the last hole.

Bob Howse was back, after a couple of weeks painting his house between showers, and showed good form after his break. Derek Bath was on hand to help him out when it was needed, using his handicap allowance to good effect. Although Mike Burke and Bob Maxwell were both hitting the ball well, they could not match the Tenby pair, who won holes four, five, six and seven to forge ahead, and eventually conceded on the 14th.

Twelve pars were shared in the match between Clifton John and Brian Morgan against Roger Cryer and John Bancroft. Brian's mind was on his move to Swansea as he and Clifton enjoyed a close match played out to the end. They, like the Sospan Boyos, found themselves one down as they tee-ed off on the 18th and ended up with the same result - they lost by two.

Tony Morgan and Nigel Rimmell were another pair in a close match as they tried to outgun Pembs. Past Captains' winner, Graham Harrison, partnered by Bob Burkes. They thought they were in with a realistic chance as there was only one hole in it for most of the time. The advantage of knowing what club to use on your own course gave the home pair the edge and they finalised matters on the 15th.

When asked for his comments on his match, David Evans stated that it was great fun on a lovely course with excellent food, but the round was far too slow. Consequently, concentration levels dropped as he and Rod Clark failed to overcome the challenge of the Jones' boys, Darryl and Derek, who obviously were able to maintain their focus.

Owen Monaghan and Des Stone tried to keep their focus, but they were outgunned by Trevor Lewis and Ivan Kirk. Octogenarian Ivan was hitting the ball straight and showing cameos of his former handicap with his prowess around the greens. Trevor put in a solid performance as they denied the Tenby pair any chance of winning a hole - at least until the match was over.

The joy of the day was manifested in the sight of competitors chatting amicably on the patio as the sun slowly dipped behind the trees. Another season almost over as clubs now await AGMs to elect next year's officers.

Results: R. Morgan and R. Gundry lost to J. James and C. Jenkins 7 and 6; K. Gouldsbrough and A. Yates lost to A. Chapman and J. Cliffe 1 down; S. Hudson and J. Cook beat G. Hopkins and D. Busby 7 and 6; P. Williams and G. Aston lost to P. Casement and K. Warmington 2 down; D. Evans and R. Clark lost to D. Jones and D. Jones 3 and 2; D. Stone and O. Monaghan lost to T. Lewis and I. Kirk 6 and 4; B. Howse and D. Bath beat M. Burke and B. Maxwell 5 and 4; C. John and B. Morgan lost to R. Cryer and J. Bancroft 2 down; T. Morgan and N. Rimmell lost to G. Harrison and B. Burks 3 and 2; M. Neilan and M. Arlott halved with J. Zarachi and B. Wood.

Stone me! Des helps Owen to Bowl double

It was a small, but select, group that assembled last Friday to contest the Tommy Hutton Bowl. For one reason or another, many of the usual faces were missing. Those who were able to take part were delighted to watch the sun rise over the bay and suffuse in its warmth as it rose in the sky.

This Chapman Foursomes competition, over 15 holes, is played annually in memory of a man who loved his golf and was an active member of the Chicken Trotters. The format demands that groups of four are essential and this year three people were unable to be active participants. Richard Davies and Glyn Williams were seen on the course, but without opposition, since there was no-one to accompany them, and Mike Fox accompanied David Evans and Malcolm Arlott to mark their card.

This left nine pairs to fight it out during this glorious morning. Everyone returning after their labours enthused about the weather and thanked Roy Morgan yet again for laying it on.

Jack Hasdell and John Bonar were the strong arms holding up the field with 24 points. Just ahead of them were John Cook and Tony Ranoe on 26. All was not well as John was heard to mutter that his putter was last seen on the train heading for Pembroke Dock, while Tony has yet to find his ball after driving way too wide on the 18th. Was that why he was seen disappearing from the clubhouse before the photo-call?

Meurig Jones and Doug Havard, still smiling, were only marginally better on 27. Peter Williams and Russell Clark, aiming to re-acquaint themselves with the trophy, were only one point behind the eventual winners on 29.

That left David Evans and Malcolm Arlott, Richard Morgan and David Lamb, Ken Gouldsbrough and Derek Bath and Owen Monaghan and Des Stone all on 30 points.

Fortunately the cards were in the capable hands of Chief Rooster, Moran Boot, and the result was kept secret until the meal was enjoyed and cleared away. In the absence of Seniors committee members, Des Stone, was delighted to welcome Mrs. Marion Hutton, who doesn't miss this annual event, to present the bowl to this year's winners.

For the second year in succession, Owen Monaghan will have his name inscribed on the trophy, but with a new name beside it. Des Stone took the place of Brian Morgan, last year's partner, and between them they carded a better score on the last six holes.

Chickens prepare

to leave the coop

It's that time of year again. Yes, with October upon us, the Chicken Trotters are preparing to leave the coop for their annual winter sortie on the links.

It's quite a sight to see them unfurl their feathers after their summer hibernation, so why don't you go along to witness the spectacle for yourself, or even better, join them early next Friday morning (October 10).

The Chickens welcome all... newcomers, old comers and any in between comers. There are no handicap restrictions and indeed, such is their lofty reputation, that last season even a golf professional joined the brood to sharpen his skills.

But did he clean-up the kitty? No chance. The Chickens have their own unique handicapping system and the sin-bin awaits any who dares to challenge it.

If you want to find out what it is, make sure you're there next Friday morning. Go on, you know it makes sense.

Busy time for Rabbits

Gwyn Tibbs trophy: Tenby Rabbits Society recently held their annual competition for the Gwyn Tibbs trophy. With this being a yellow box stableford event, some high scores were expected.

There was a reasonable turnout of 12 players and a beautiful Sunday morning saw four groups of three take to the course.

Leading by example (rubbish), the captain managed to secure a point on the first hole, but the same could not be said for his playing partners, Mark Edwards and Terry Davies. It took them a few holes to get going and even then it wasn't pretty!

Elsewhere on the course there were reports of short games being fantastic, so I guess Jerry Whitehouse and Jampot James were playing well! The big hitters, Steve Maytum and Mick Gillet, were also on fire, with murmurs of future Divots being echoed around the links.

Not quite so good for Paul (how many shots) Davies, though. It seems whatever this boy scores and however good he plays, he can't budge of that dreaded 28! Lot of years in the Rabitts for him then.

So as expected, the winning scores were high. Third place, losing on the back nine to Paul Davies, was Mick Gillet with 37 points; second (it goes without saying) was Paul Davies, also with 37, and what a score for the winner and a cut of two shots, Steve Maytum with a massive 43 points.

Summer League: Unfortunately, the Rabbits' hopes of success in the Summer League were finally dashed last week when, after beating Tenby on their own patch the previous week, Haverfordwest couldn't repeat the performance at Garnant Park. It means that Tenby Rabbits will have to settle for second place at best.

"However, we should be proud of this and look forward to the challenge next year under the leadership of Mark Edwards and his vice-captain Mick Gillet," said captain Chris Smith this week. "As captain this year, I have thoroughly enjoyed performing my duties and would not hesitate in recommending it to anyone else. If you are fortunate to have a great team around you, as I have had this year, it makes the job very easy - well done boys and cheers for giving me the experience of being your captain."

AGM and Winter League: Don't forget next Friday, October 10, the annual general meeting will be held at the club at 7.30 pm when the highlight will be the eagerly-awaited draw for the Winter League.

Please support this if you are full-time winter league member or a substitute and if you are planning any of the above, the entry sheets will come down this Sunday, October 4.

Fun clash: Also this Sunday, Rabbits are reminded that there will be a clash between the Taffs and The Rest (English, Scottish, Irish, Abanian, Cornish etc. etc.). A yellow box stableford competition, it will be a fun event, with tee-off at 9.30 am.

Wanted: On a serious note, we need committee members. These things do not run themselves. For example, this coming year's captain, Mark Edwards, is at present also treasurer! If anyone fancies stepping forward for this, or any other position, we would be most grateful.

Visitors take the honours in Ladies' Open meeting

The Ladies held their third Open meeting on Thursday, September 25. There were 81 competitors in a team competition, with the two best stableford scores from three counting. The entry was slightly down on previous years - no doubt the very poor summer weather deterred some entrants, but we were lucky in that it was a fine day with a gentle breeze.

The event was organised by the Ladies' president, Anne Morris, but one person cannot do everything and as usual there were many volunteers, all contributing to the smooth running of the day.

Before the day, many ladies had contributed raffle prizes, David and Marilyn in the office were most helpful, Mair Evans arranged the flowers, the course as usual was in excellent condition, the office was run by Gladys Budd, Mary Cherrington and Pat Lehane, the results were produced by Mel Smith and Barbara Williams and the bar and catering staff efficiently looked after the inner man.

I have not forgotten four important gentleman who were most generous with their time and expertise - Fred Wilks starter, John Charnock spotter on the fourth and Peter Hart and Richard Davies who dispensed refreshments at the 10th.

The early starters were mostly from Tenby and in spite of excellent conditions none of us produced any notable golf and it was the visitors who successfully dealt with the rough and fast greens. Ah, well, familiarity does lead to over-confidence, if not contempt, and it is always satisfying when the visitors do well in Open meetings.

After the presentation of the prizes, the captain, Nesta Hart, thanked everyone who had helped in any way to make the day run so well and presented Anne Morris with an orchid which will remind her of an event which she organised so efficiently and with great success.

Results: 1. M. Davies, C. Robinson, C. Davies (Wenvoe Castle) 78 pts; 2. R. Jenkins, J. Gibbons, I. Bridges (Pontypridd) 75 pts; 3. E. Tolland, A. Owen, J. Noble (Haverfordwest) 72 pts.

Longest drive at 14th - E. Tolland (Haverfordwest).

Nearest pin at sixth - R. Jenkins (Pontypridd).

Birdie twos: P. Slate (Milford Haven), Judy Lewis (Tenby), C. Stares.

B.M.S.