During the week beginning August 16, Tenby Golf Club was delighted to welcome the cream of ladies' European amateur golfers to the British Ladies' Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship.
There were 107 competitors from 15 countries in Europe and one from Korea. Together with their families in a number of cases, their presence in Tenby was a welcome boost to the local economy in these stringent times.
Most of the golfers were scratch or better and during their practice rounds, when the weather was kind, their expertise was much admired, but this admiration increased considerably as the week progressed and the weather gradually deteriorated into wind and rain, culminating in thunder and lightning on Friday morning. This resulted in the final fourth round being abandoned. The course had been stretched by nearly 600 yards with a par of 72 and with the deteriorating weather any score in the low 70s was most creditable.
Running such an event requires considerable organisation and this, of course, was headed by the LGU team from St. Andrews, but the part played by various aspects of the club was essential. First there was the excellent condition of the course produced by the head greenkeeper, Chris Jenkins, and his staff; the expertise of club professional, Rhys Harry and his staff in organising the practice facilities and of course, the shop; fine meals were supplied from 6 am to 9 pm by Steven and Hilary Turner and their staff; and the office staff of David Hancock and Marilyn Marquiss were their usual quietly efficient selves. However, in trying weather conditions, the work of spotters, in this case mainly supplied by senior gentlemen and the ladies' section, and the smooth functioning of the clubhouse were essential and the part played by everyone was much appreciated.
At the presentation on Friday, the club captain, John Stenson, the LGU president, Mrs. Maureen Lockett, and the winner, Pamela Pretswell, were full of praise for all the organisation and Mrs. Lockett particularly praised a club she regards as a hidden gem in West Wales.
RESULTS
Team award: Wales 302 (team of Amy Boulden, Gemma Bradbury and Tara Davies).
Best 18 holes: Taunton Trophy - Amy Boulden (Maesdu) 68.
Best under 18: Dinwiddy Trophy - Amy Boulden (Maesdu).
Best under 23: Duncan Salver - Pamela Pretswell (Bothwell Castle).
Best over 23: Angela Uzielli Trophy - Charlotte Ellis (Minchin Hampton).
Championship: 4th - Lara Katzy (Germany); 3rd - Line Vedel Hansen (Denmark); runner-up - Amy Boulden (Maesdu); champion - Nicholls Trophy - Pamela Pretswell (Bothwell Castle).
It is evident from the results that the Welsh competitors know the course well and we hope those from continental Europe will have enjoyed their, perhaps, first encounter with links golf and will visit us again, maybe for the annual 36-hole Ladies' Open in the spring.
We wish everyone who played, successful golf in the future and happy memories of Tenby.
B.M.S.