In line with government strategy, Tenby Seniors raised their performance considerably in their first outing after the Christmas break. Captain Stan informed the gathering that over half of those who played scored a total of 30 points or more. This week's winner surpassed himself with the grand total of 41, for which he forfeited two handicap shots.

There should have been a three-club competition last week, but it was abandoned since only seven hardy souls turned up. Those who did entered into the spirit and only used their chosen three clubs plus a putter. It was either too much Christmas spirit or the thought of heavy showers that kept the rest at home. As it turned out, the morning was mild and fairly dry, so the magnificent seven thoroughly enjoyed their excursion.

Most of this week's contingent would have left home with the rain beating down and fearing the worst. However, the first groups off the tee were welcomed by the long rays of the morning sun as it peeped over the scrub covered dunes.

The last two groups in were subject to a late shower, but otherwise everyone was able to enjoy some pleasant sunshine. It was so warm that one hardy senior was seen on the course in short sleeves. The rest kept their wet weather gear on - just in case!

Roger Scholfield had his inaugural outing in seniors' company and was hoping to impress. His less than ideal performance resulted in a 'could do better' performance, so much so the computer awarded him an extra shot on his handicap, raising it from 16 to 17. His 27 equalled that of his playing partner, Roy Gallop (not Gallon as I reported last year).

Walkers and golfers alike were startled as they heard some hooting and hollering coming from the 17th green. Jim Moffatt thought that it was because Jim Martin's drive off the 15th had landed amongst them. But no - it was to celebrate the second two of the morning by master golfer, Derek Bath.

Jim had gone round to find his ball and reported back that he had witnessed Derek's putt from off the green race across the surface and rattle the flag before dropping in. In fact, it was fortunate that the flag was there to stop it, otherwise it would have ended up in the bushes, like Jim's ball. It all helped to complete a card of 36 points.

Jim Martin's shank off the tee on the 15h followed an eagle attempt on the 14th. Jim's handicap belies his ability to connect with a golf ball. Two shots and he was on the green with a makeable putt to earn an eagle three. It just slipped by, but left an easy birdie.

Jim Moffatt would have had a better score than 33 had he been able to capitalise on his putting ability. His playing partners lost count of the number of times his ball lipped out along with the missed short putts. Brian Morgan was in similar mode as he attacked the back nine. By all accounts he used the hole on most greens as if it was a tennis net that he was determined to cross. He ended up with 28 points.

Two players failed to reach 20, while 16 remained below 30. Of those in the top 17, Paul Nixon, John Hall and Ken Gouldsbrough just missed out on the prize money, each of them scoring 35.

Derek Bath's 36, including two blobs and two 2s, was good enough to put him in third place, while ahead of him on the winners podium were two excellent scores of 39 and 41, respectively. It was a delighted Newman Vincent, with a birdie on the 18th, who reduced his handicap by one to claim second spot.

This week's outright winner, with one blob on his card, and earning a reduction of two shots off his handicap was Tony Morris. Tony seemed more pleased with reducing his handicap than he was with the win, but then they go hand in hand don't they? Well done Tony!

Derek Bath was awash with prize money since he was the winner of Morgie's bonus ball.

Next week there will be another attempt to improve on eclectic scores, weather permitting, while the following week gives everyone a chance to play the Texas Scramble postponed from before Christmas.

Jampot wins first event of 2011

Paul James won the New Year's Day three-club event held at Tenby Golf Club last Saturday. This was a mixed stableford event and was played under the CONGU rules for mixed events.

This did cause a certain amount of confusion among the men who saw their scores in the competition one point lower than they actual recorded.Without getting too technical, I will try and explain.

To compete to a level playing field in mixed singles events, the competition result is determined by the score a lady and gent would return playing to handicap. This is governed by the difference between the SSS and par for the respective course.

In the case of the ladies' red course (Tenby), a lady will play to handicap if she scores 37 points. This is arrived at by the following formula: Points to play to handicap = 36 - (SSS - par); for the ladies on the red course in Tenby this is 36 - (74 - 75). For the maths experts out there, this gives a result of 37 points.

For the men, who played off the yellow course SSS = 70 and par 72, the result is 36 - (70 - 72) = 38 points. Therefore, to create an equitable result, the difference between the ladies and the men being 38 - 37 = 1 the men have the higher points (playing to handicap), so one point is deducted from their score when computing the result.

It also adjusts the handicap on this result; however, in this event, with only three clubs allowed, it was a non qualifier. One caveat if the men feel a bit aggrieved; had they played the white course with an equal SSS and par, then the ladies would have a shot deducted!

So to the competition itself; a field of 21 took part with a third of that number being ladies. The conditions were very pleasant in a barmy temperature of 7°C. Considering the weather the course has been through over the last month, it was in an excellent condition, with the greens running quite quick for this time of year: a testament to the outstanding work carried out by Chris Jenkins and his green staff.

Despite their smaller numbers, the ladies figured well in the result, with three finishing in the top five of the competition. Paul James won the event with 35 points - he actually scored 36, but the result was derived by the formula above. Paul has had a very successful 2010 and has kicked off 2011 in similar vein - there is no doubt that he will come to the attention of M&H in their annual review later this month!

The full results are as follows with the top six scores (men's adjusted):Paul James 35 pts (£25); Laura McQueen 32 (£15); Allen Watts 32 (£10); Linda Evans 32; Julie Lovett 31; Jim Moffat 31.

There were four 2s, with Jim Moffat grabbing two on the sixth and 12th; the others came from club president, Mervyn Tucker, on the sixth and club treasurer, Ken Gouldsbrough, on the 17th. Each two was awarded £4.75

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of Match and Handicap of wishing you all a very happy and successful 2011.

J.D.M.

Vice-president John leads the way in Open Stableford

Immediate past captain John Stenson headed the field in the Open Stableford played last Sunday.

Although it was an open event, there were no visitors playing; possibly because conditions around the Principality put people off. Hopefully next year we may have members play with some of their friends and guests to make it a more festive occasion.

There was a good size field playing, though, considering the distractions of New Year sales, with 33 players taking part. Conditions were very pleasant, but the scoring never reflected the benign state of the course.

Many players were playing for the second day following the New Year three-club event, but form was largely reversed.

Paul James was not able to reproduce the scoring he had with three clubs with a full set of clubs; however, it was off the white boxes for this event.

It was obviously more to Roger Schooling's liking. Despite playing the longer course, Roger increased his points tally by six points. Paul Haley was enjoying his first competition for some time with a fine gross 74 to give him a stableford score of 34 points.

In total, almost half the field had 30 points or more, but some notable single figure handicap players struggled to post more than 27 points, namely Richard Morton, Martin Morris and Robert Wilcox; most probably many still recovering from the excesses of New Year's Eve, the lowest score being 21 points.

A fine 36 points from John Stenson made him top dog for the day and earned him £35 and a drop in handicap from 12 to 11 to win the event.

Top five finishers: 1. John Stenson 36 pts (£35); 2. Paul Haley 34 (£20); 3. Roger Schooling 33 (£12); 4. Paul Davies 33 (£8); 5. Rob Hall, 32 (£5).

There were six players with twos, earning £6.60 each. Neil Moffatt at the sixth; Paul Haley at the 12th; Mackie Harts at the 17th, Rees Davies at the sixth and Adam Joseph at the 12th.

The next main competition is the January Monthly Medal on Saturday, January 29. By the time you read this, you will be able to book you're your tee time via the terminal and later on HDID.

Please also note that towards the end of the month, the season's knockout cups will be open via the terminal at the club and HDID site for entry. A new ruling will be in place this year for all cup events that no player with an inactive handicap will be allowed to enter.

J.D.M.