Juniors 'trot' out for Christmas competition

On a bright sunny December morning, the juniors took to the links of Tenby in teams of two and three to compete over 10 holes for prizes before their Christmas party.

Winners were Henrik Jaakola and Max James, with Samu Jaakola, Matthew Webb and Thomas Griffiths second and Jack Harries, Joonas Jaakola and Johnny Birt third.

The putting competition was keenly contested and finally tied with 11 putts each by Henrik and Jack.

There was a competition to re-name the juniors and the winning entry was 'Tenby Trotters' by Henrik, who now wins a free team shirt.

JC entertained the merry gathering after a wonderful meal supplied by Steve and his band of Elves, with Scott making sure everyone was well watered.

Thanks must go to all the committee for making this a great event, hopefully the first of many.  

There is a stableford competition this Sunday, with a free group lesson on Monday, December 21, between 11 am and 12 noon for black box players and between 12 noon and 1 pm for yellow, red and white box players.  

IDWAL

Waters wins in winter warmth

It was as if the seniors could smell the warmth that brightened up a gloomy Autumn, despite the forecast of light showers. It was either that or the fact that Tuesday's competition was the last chance to catch the leader in the eclectic competition before the half-time scores are revealed.

With the rough beginning to lie down, only a slight breeze and the warm sunshine, that broke out as most were on the course, there was no excuse for not scoring well. Some of us, however, don't need an excuse to splay the ball into unrewarding positions.

Forty-one senior golfers took to the course in pursuit of a good round and it was encouraging to note that 20 of them achieved a score of 30 or more and of those nine scored between 35 and 40. Such was the quality of the day that there were only two who failed to reach 20.

The buzz of conversation in the clubhouse seemed louder than normal as each card with a good score was thrown into the pot for consideration. The comments and one-liners were bandied about as everyone waited in anticipation of hearing their name called out as a winner.

Clifton John started like a train, scoring14 in the first six holes, and Hywel Probert kept pace with him. However, a series of blank holes around the middle of the course and a couple of lost balls decimated that good start as he finished with 21. Hywel managed to maintain his form, despite labouring along with a bout of bronchitis, to earn a creditable 31 points.

Stan Hudson wondered, for a moment only, if his 36 would be enough to hold him at the top. His slow start was balanced with his usual birdie, bogey, birdie to finish, overtaking Richard Davies, who floundered on the closing holes. Ron Murphy wasn't far behind with his 31.

Halfway around the course Brian Morgan was telling everyone that his playing partner, Brian Waters, was burning up the course and looked destined to have his handicap cut. Brian was getting Morgie a cup of coffee in the clubhouse afterwards and shouted to ask him if he wanted sugar. "Yes, three spoonfuls," was his reply, "the same number as the number of points you scored on most holes!"

John Hayhoe penalised Morgie for not clearing his scorecard off the computer, while John Cook, on 31, suggested it was a case of what might have been. David Lamb optimistically asked if his card (29) was a winner and was told that it wasn't, but it was not at the bottom either.

When he saw where his card was placed in the pack, Meurig Jones (24) declared that he had not tried today! Ken Gouldsbrough, on the other hand, thought that his 38 stood a chance of taking the honours and was told that it was not quite good enough. It did give him second place ahead of Tony Ranoe by virtue of a better back nine. Those are two names that have been mentioned in despatches in previous competitions.

Out on the course, John Hall thought that he was performing better than he had in Saturday's medal, but even his 33 was not enough to worry the leaders. His consolation was scoring a two on the 12th. The only other to join him in the twos stakes was David Evans, who also acquitted himself well with a 35.

Bob Howse was pleased to welcome yet another new member to the fold. He had played alongside Allen Watts and declared that the New Zealander played a mean game off a handicap of nine. The booby prize this week went to new boy, Danny Owen, who improved on last week's score with 17. That was one point ahead of Roy Morgan, who breathed a sigh of relief that he didn't have to take the book home with him again.

Brian Morgan was delighted to inform those present that £44 had been raised in the raffle as he handed the prizes to Martin Neilan and Tony Ranoe.

Next week is a Texas Scramble competition played over 15 holes, followed by a meal and presentation.