Last weekend, the annual two-day 72 hole event, played at Ashburnham GC and Tenby GC, took place. This year, the final two rounds were held on Tenby Golf Club and a thrilling three-way tie occurred in the Trubshaw Cup.
On the Saturday, at Ashburnham, the heavens opened up and gale force winds howled down the course, creating atrocious conditions for players and spectators alike. So it was no surprise to see scores in the high 70s and 80s and even 90s returned from many of the players. Despite these horrendous conditions, Nigel Edwards, of Whitchurch Golf Club, returned two fine rounds of 74 and 75 for a 149 to win the Carmarthenshire Open. Both rounds produced a CSS of 77.
Tenby's Vincent Thorne opened up with a first round 79, but in the second round returned an outstanding low score of the day of 73 to move into third place. Of the original 51 entrants, only 44 moved on to the Tenby on Sunday for the final two rounds.
Unfortunately, one player, was unable to reach Tenby because his car had broken down, reducing the number down to 43.
What a difference it was between Saturday and Sunday, despite a tricky wind, the day remained bright and sunny, with just one light shower in the afternoon. This was reflected in lower scores being returned at Tenby.
The first match of the day, which was a two ball , got under way promptly at 7.30 am. For the morning round, the starters were club manager David Hancock and Mike Brew.
Following on from his very fine second round at Ashburnham, Vincent Thorne, returned 71 in the morning to share their lead with Nigel Edwards, who came in with a 74, on a three round total of 223. However, the outstanding round of the morning came from Ben Westgate, of Trevose, with a 69, to move into fourth, place two shots behind the lead. Ben holds the new Tenby course record, which is 67.
In the afternoon, Tenby lady captain Heather Morgan took over the starters duties for the first part of the final round. Club captain, Idwal David completed the final hour to see the leaders off. By now with the weather very pleasant, a goodly crowd followed the players around the course and were entertained by some very fine shot making from many of the players.
It was Tenby's Matthew Moseley who provided the best score of the final round with another 69 to match Ben Westgate's morning total. It was a very fine effort from Matthew, who had opened up in the first round at Ashburnham on 87. He followed it up with a 77 and 74 in the second and third rounds and with his final round of 69 had an overall total of 307 to finish in the top 10 of the Trubshaw Cup.
Coming down the final stretch, the lead was constantly changing hands. In the penultimate group, Vincent Thorne came in with a 73. In the same group, Ben Westgate posted a 71. Both Ben and Vincent shared the clubhouse lead on 296.
In the final group, Ireland's Rory McNamara made a brave attempt to join them, but slipped back to finish on 74 and a total of 298. Nigel Edwards, in the same group, who had lead the field from start to finish, could do no better than a 73 to create a three way tie for the four rounds on 296.
In the recorders office, Ken Gouldsbrough, Richard Reed and Kevin Pullen, led by handicap secretary Jim Martin, meticulously checked over the final scores. The newly-installed module into the club computer enabled them to produce the final results within 15 minutes. The CSS at Tenby was 73 in the morning and 74 in the afternoon.
Shortly after 7.30 pm, David Hancock introduced Ashburnham club captain, Keith Thompson who announced the results of the Carmarthenshire Open, which was for the first two rounds held at Ashburnham. This was won by Nigel Edwards with a 149 total. In second place, was Oliver Farr, of Ludlow, scoring 151 and in third spot, Tenby's Vincent Thorne on 152.
Nigel Edwards then paid tribute to Chris Jenkins and his team for the excellent condition that the course was presented in. He went on to say that it was a privilege to play on the two finest courses in West Wales.
Tenby club captain, Idwal David, then announced the winner of the Golden Eagle. This was for two rounds played at Tenby. This was won by Ben Westgate on a total of 140, he too, complemented the green staff in the preparation of the course. Outstanding play from the two Tenby members, Matthew Moseley and Vincent Thorne saw them finish second and third, with 143 and 144 respectively.
For the first time in the history of the competition, the main trophy, the Trubshaw Cup, for the best four round total over the two days was shared by three players - Ben Westgate, Vincent Thorne and Nigel Edwards all on 296.
Idwal David thanked his fellow starters. He then went on to thank the organising committee for making the event go so smoothly. He thanked the ball spotters, John Ball, Brian Morgan, David Webb, Bob Creese, Veronica Martin, Sandra Parker, Richard Davies, Philip Marsden and Stan Hudson. He singled out in particular, young David Webb for special praise, who did a six-hour stint without a break from 8 am. Young David never quibbled once when he was moved around to different spots on the course by Jim Martin. He is a credit to the junior ranks.
He then went on to thank Mike Le Clair, who had acted as referee for the day. Mike was kept particularly busy around the second green where many competitors drives were landing, measuring out where they could take a drop from off the apron. Rhys Harry the club pro was also thanked, who with his to assistants David Ayres and Tom Hilling, were kept busy throughout the day looking after the players needs.
The new steward Steve and his wife were given special mention. He was on duty from before 6 am preparing bacon sandwiches for the players and officials in the morning and with his courteous staff kept continual refreshments and lunches going throughout the day.
In conclusion, the captain said how pleased he was that the day and competition proved to be such outstanding success and looked forward to next year when Tenby would host the first day of the event.
J.D.M.