Friday, July 10, and a large number of ladies from Tenby Golf Club had gone to support the Cardigan Ladies' Open Day. But the fixture list said 'Friendly Foursomes' and the men had already signed up. So ladies' captain, Heather K. Morgan, was on the phone, ringing around the ladies' section, looking for players to make up the numbers. Eventually, all pairs were complete and all that was needed was the weather.
Well, it could have been
better, but at least all started in the dry! Nevertheless, everyone was cheerful as they returned from the course to a lovely meal in the clubhouse.
The twos sweep gets harder and harder, with only two par threes on the 14 holes played, but there was one on this occasion from Jim Moffat and Penny Cope.
Trevayne Keohane and John Ball won the bag draw.
Penny Cope and Jim Moffat, and Fair Ball and Dave Moran, just missed out on the prizes with 26 points apiece.
In second place with 27 points were Nesta Hart and Neil Moffat, but first, with a superb 31 points, were Mervyn Tucker and Mary Rowell - a very popular winning pair.
It had been a most enjoyable evening, with a lovely atmosphere in the clubhouse.
The next mixed event is the Usher Cup on Sunday, July 26, at 1 pm. The sign-up list is on the mixed notice board in the outside foyer.
Water day for the captain!
Saturday was Captain's Day at Tenby Golf Club; I do not think it stopped raining all day! But this did not cause us any problems, due to the wonderful condition and excellent drainage on the course.
I was asked to sort the weather out and can only say that I did my best, with the heaviest of the rain coming in the afternoon, unlike normal Saturdays when it's usually in the morning.
Captain Idwal David greeted all players on the tee and offered them a chance to win a Pro V - something that was achieved by six players.
Everyone seemed to enjoy the golf in spite of the weather and 80 players participated, from the youngest to our more senior, with prizes for all categories.
Long-time leader in the clubhouse for the men's event was Nick Thomas, whose lead lasted right up until the very last group, when Tony Rogers, well backed up by his very soggy playing partners, managed to come in with 38 points - an incredible feat in the
circumstances.
The lady vet winner was our very own Miss Tenby, Mary Rowell, with Ken Goldsbrough leading the men's vets in. Fair Ball again had an excellent round to win the ladies' event with an excellent 37 points. Junior winner was Matthew Webb with 17 points (nine holes), with Amber Thomas a creditable second.
Closest the pin went to Neil Moffatt and closest the line Chris Hughes (men) and Gill John.
After the event, players had a chance to sit down and enjoy a lovely spread of sausage and mash, followed by cheese cake, all made by Steve and Hilary and served by their staff, before the presentation went ahead.
In his speech, the captain thanked all the players, caterers, scorers, Rhys our professional and his staff and the greenkeeper and his staff for making the day so successful. The captain remarked that he had had a good year up to now and this was down to everyone at the club.
Early morning scramble for intrepid golfers
You would never have known that it had been raining in the previous 24 hours, judging by the superb condition of the oldest affiliated club in Wales.
Rain does not stop play at our links and at 7 am on Sunday, 19 teams of intrepid golfers took to the fairways to play in the Phillip Booth Texas Scramble, no doubt looking forward to the big fry-up at the end.
It is without doubt an event that is looked forward to greatly in the calendar and without the kindness, generosity and support of the sponsor this event would not go ahead. Unfortunately, due to circumstances, Mr. Phillip Booth could not himself take part, but he was at the clubhouse to welcome in the teams and to present the prizes.
The first prize on countback went to the team of Roger Schooling, Paul James, Viv James and Steve Court (net 65). In second place, Simon Evans, Ian Thomas, Barry Frayne and Mike Anthony (net 65) and in third place with a net 66 (better back nine), Idwal David, Brian Cramb, Dave Hancock and Ken Goldsborough.
The best score of the day was a net 64 from the team led by Johnny Morris. Unfortunately, they had to play off a combined handicap of plus three, which made the net score 67.
Breakfast was enjoyed by all and thanks must go to Steve and his staff, along with the greenkeeping staff, Dave in the shop and Richard Davies for adjudicating on the cards. We look forward to next year's competition and once again thank Phillip for supporting this event and donating the proceeds to charity.
Ladies' Section
The improvement in the weather in recent weeks has resulted in many members producing good results, both in local competitions and in open meetings away from Tenby.
No-one has come close to the score Laura McQueen produced in the third Hill-Lowe Bogey competition. Anne Wilks and Heather Morgan were pleased to finish on +1, but Laura came in with +10, I repeat +10! Needless to say her handicap came down with quite a bump. Well done, Laura, it was quite a feat.
In the Yorkshire Cup, Mel Smith had a good day and scored 40 points, followed by Ruth Goldwait on 37 and Denise Edwards on 33.
The June GUW medal was memorable for Rebecca Naden who rarely manages to play on her home course between dashing about the world as a press sports photographer. She scored nett 68, while next best was Heather Morgan on 75.
However, Heather was back to scoring well with 43 points to win the Margery Glover Rose Bowl from Anita Davies on 30.
Last week, the qualifying round for the GUW Centenary Greensome Foursomes had a good entry and Gillian Roberts and Jo Walsh Morgan were delighted to qualify on 36 points, while the runners-up were Marion Clarke and Rita Collins on 34. Jo is still slightly hampered by a damaged shoulder, so she was doubly pleased with her contribution. We wish them every success in the Welsh final in September.
The two teams competing in the Three Counties competitions are having mixed fortunes. The scratch team of three players have lost to Carmarthen, but have won their matches against Ashburnham and Cardigan. In the Three Counties League, the team recently won at Glynhir and previously had lost to Milford Haven.
The difficult conditions under which we regularly play at Tenby often make it easier for some to perform well away from here in open meetings. Some weeks ago, Anita Davies won the main prize at Haverfordwest on 43 points, while at Cardigan recently, Anne Wilks said plaintively, "I had 41 points and didn't get a look in!" However, Mary Williams was second on 43 points, so well done, everyone. They are all delighted their handicaps are heading in the right direction.
B.M.S.
AJO memorial bowls match
Members of the teams picked for both Tenby Golf Club and Tenby Bowling Club should note that today's (Friday's) match has been postponed. The new date will be announced shortly.