Buoyed by the weather, but saddened by the loss of regular senior member, Colin Griffith, as well as that of Mike Nesbitt-Hawes, 36 members took to the course last Friday to compete for the Tommy Hutton Bowl.

Tradition determines that this esteemed trophy is contested with a Chapman Foursomes event, one that Tommy particularly enjoyed. The course was in immaculate condition, but still with the rough providing a challenge. There were many seen to looking for hidden balls as the morning progressed.

The current handicap secretary was one such searcher as he failed to provide his partner with a second shot on no less than five holes, while on another five, life was made difficult if not impossible by the rough. Poor old Jim was having a 'rough' day with the driver, but he did make up for it with a few quality putts. It was enough to help his partner to 32 points, a score equalled by Allen Watts and Tony Morgan.

Previous winner, Owen Monaghan, partnered by Bob Wiseman, failed to make this score, as did Malcolm Arlott and Paul Nixon, along with Jim Taylor and Bart Youll.

Setting an early lead was a pair of left-handers, Richard Davies and Brian Morgan, and they proved to be consistent in finding the fairways. Twenty-two on the front nine gave them a solid foundation, but they failed to build on it, faltering slightly on the back nine. A seven on the 16th and a bogey on the last meant that they failed to reach the magic 40-mark and had to make do with 39.

That kept them in the lead for a long while with some close scores being handed in. Martin Neilan and Alan Yates scored three birdies in their round of 38. Alan putted out for two of them, while Martin putted the third. Glyn Williams and Peter Hart failed to score on three holes and still ended up with 38. There must have been some good scores on the rest of the holes.

On the same score was the pairing of John Cook and Tony Ranoe. John sank a long putt on the 12th for a well-earned birdie against the wind. Newcomer to the senior ranks was Jim Moffatt and he was helped out by John Hayhoe. Theirs was a consistent round,18 out and 18 back, to hold middle of the table position. Nigel Rimell and Brian Waters went one better with 37, as did Ken Gouldsbrough and Derek Bath.

Previous winners, Russell Clark and Peter Williams failed to match that score by one, as did Stan Hudson and Tony Morris. They did complete the course, however, not like Roy and Dave Morgan, along with JDR and Hywel Probert, who elected to walk, sorry drive, in off the 13th.

It was the late arrivals who stole the glory from Messrs. Davies and Morgan. Pushing them into third spot, with a better back nine, was the illustrious pairing of Mike Fox and Richard Chapman. However, even they did not lift the trophy. That honour went to Seniors captain Bob Howse, who, with his partner, Robin Hagley, turned in a steady performance. Bob set the pattern by watching his long putt on the first hover over the hole for a good eight seconds before dropping in, to start their round with a birdie. Another birdie on the 13th gave them the edge as they worked their way to a total of 43 points.

Joining the golfers for a late breakfast was Mrs. Marion Hutton, accompanied by Chief Rooster, Morran Boot. It was Marion's pleasure to present the Tommy Hutton Bowl to this year's winners -Bob Howse and Robin Hagley.

Prior to the meal, Bob had the pleasurable task of giving away some money. Two presentations were made to charitable organisations. All the money raised by Brian Morgan on a weekly basis is donated to worthwhile causes and, on this occasion, there were members present from the Pembrokeshire branch of the Parkinson's Society and the Hope Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Milford.

Norman Gray (chair) and Islwyn Bevan (treasurer) were delighted to receive a cheque for £275 on behalf of the Parkinson's charity, as was Ken Bromby (chair) from the Hope Centre to receive a similar amount for his cause. They thanked the senior group profusely and explained briefly how the money would benefit their members.

Swingers enjoy great trip

The Saturday Swingers of Tenby Golf Club had not toured since 2007, but the annual event was revived last weekend when a party of 26 visited Cardiff.

Brynhill GC in Barry was the venue for the first day's golf. The undulating parkland layout with mature trees was a pleasant change from the links at Tenby, but the rather soft greens made putting a challenge.

Excellent rounds by Neil Thomas and Jerry Whitehouse, with 40 points and 39 points, respectively, led the way. Neil Webb's 36 points put him in third spot at the halfway stage. Club captain John Gillespie and the young Schooling brothers, Mike and David, were lucky to make the cut.

The Swingers' second and final round was on the Wales National course at the Vale of Glamorgan. For those who are not familiar with the Vale Resort, this is a monster of a track with numerous trees, huge bunkers and even bigger lakes. The fast greens, some the size of football pitches, were fantastic.

Furthermore, the beer in Cardiff Bay also took its toll on the majority of the group and only four bettered their previous day's score, despite being blessed again with fabulous weather.

The winner on the day was David Ayers, an assistant pro and Tenby GC. Playing off a handicap of one, he came in with an extremely creditable 32 points. Swingers journey man Martin Morris, yet again a model tourist, claimed runner-up with 31 and Nick Thomas's 29 was good enough for third place.

Jerry Whitehouse and Neil Webb both scored less than half the points they had at Brynhill and consequently fell off the leaderboard. Big hitting American Neil Roach and the consistent Mike Wainwright both totalled 59 points, but were beaten to fourth place by Martin Morris by virtue of his better second round.

Thanks to top eight finishes on Saturday and Sunday, Steve Maytum and Austin Davies both aggregated 60 points after 36 holes, but Steve pipped Austin for second as he was the higher scorer on the second leg.

Despite coming in with 15 points less at the Vale than he had at Brynhill, Neil Thomas's total of 65 points was easily good enough for him to be crowned Swingers' Tour Champion for 2010.

Neil and Austin are both former members at South Pembs GC. The top three prizes all went to tour 'rookies'.

Discussions were held regarding the 2011 tour and a return to Edinburgh seems to be favourite, although Gloucester got a mention.

The leading scores were as follows:

Brynhill: Neil Thomas 70 pts, Jerry Whithouse 39, Neil Webb 36, Austin Davies and Neil Roach both 34, Andrew Cope and Gary McNeilly both 33.

The Vale: David Ayers 32 pts, Martin Morris 31, Nicky Thomas 29, Mike Wainwright and Steve Maytum both 28, Paul Heywood 27.

36-hole aggregate: Neil Thomas 65 pts, Steve Maytum and Austin Davies both 60, Martin Morris, Mike Wainwright and Neil Roach all 59, David Ayers and Jerry Whitehouse both 58, Paul Heywood, Terry Davies and Phil Goodridge all 57, Nick Thomas 56.

Twos: Neil Thomas, David Ayers, Mike Schooling and Phil Goodridge.

Longest drives: Brynhill - Neil Roach; The Vale - David Schooling.

Nearest pin: Brynhill - David Ayers; The Vale - Martin Morris.

Secret pairs: Martin Morris and Mike Wainwright (118 pts).

Sweep: John Stenson.

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 this impressive sepctacle for yourself, or even better, join them early next Friday morning, October 8.

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 even golf professionals have been known to join the brood to hone their skills.

The Chickens have their own unique handicapping system and the sin-bin awaits anyone 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.

Frostbite Friendlies

The first of the 'Frostbite Friendlies' was played on Sunday. It is disappointing to record that we only had three men enter the original foursomes competition and therefore this had to be changed to a team event.

Nevertheless, we started out in bright sunshine on a beautiful Tenby day. With the course in magnificent condition (and little wind!), it was no surprise that some good individual and team scores were recorded.

In third spot, missing out on the prizes were Olivia Bradbury, Sarah Waring and John Gilman (56 pts).

Second place went to the only all ladies team of Bev Owen, Helen Hughes and Ruth Goldwait with 59pts (£12).

The winners, with a very creditable score, were Georgina Ormond, Annette Flower and Matt Goldwait with 62 pts (£18).

There was only one 2 on the day, scored by Ruth Goldwait (£3).

The best score on an individual hole was eight points by Bev Owen and Ruth Goldwait on the 12th, traditionally one of the hardest holes on the course. Well done to both (praise, but no cash I'm afraid!).

Additionally, there were four bag draws made (£3 each). These were won by Bob Flower, Bev Owen, Matt Goldwait and Sandra Parker. Certainly a good day out for the Goldwait family!

Thanks also go to Steve and his staff for the catering arrangements.

The next Frostbite Friendly Foursomes is scheduled for Sunday, October 24, at 12 noon... so why not come and join us!

J.G.

Junior golf

This Sunday, it is the turn of Tenby Golf Club's junior girls to show their mettle in the Jones Lewis Salver; hopefully the weather will be kind to them. Please arrive around 10 am so that we can sort out pairings.

The following week is girls versus the boys in a fourball matchplay competition. The list for this is up in the junior room.

The Christmas party and prize-giving is provisionally booked for Friday, December 10, at 6.30 - please add the date to your calendar.

Idwal