This year's annual Open Week at Tenby Golf Club got off to a lively start on Saturday with a Captain's reception in the impressive clubhouse lounges.
Visitors from golf clubs throughout the UK were welcomed to the town by Clr. Trevor Hallett, Mayor of Tenby, and to the club by the Captain, John Gillespie, who outlined details of the full week of golf which lay ahead.
A lively evening ensued, with many regular competitors enjoying the opportunity to mix with old friends and a number of first timers experiencing the club facilities for the first time.
The ambience was enhanced by background music provided by talented young local harpist, Isabelle Harries.
At last 'Yobbler' wins the Neil Rees Memorial
Last Friday was the hottest day of the year so far. Furthermore, there was unusually little or no breeze on the Tenby links. Many competitors in the annual Neil Rees Memorial wilted in the stifling heat, but not former front row forward Ian 'Yobbler' Thomas - he is made of tougher things!
The prestigious event, open to all those who have represented Tenby United RFC, produced its 23rd different winner in 24 years, a wonderful record. Yobbler has been one of the most consistent performers with numerous top 10 finishes.
In fact, his winning card of 37 points this year, although an excellent round on the day, was not as high as a few he handed in in previous years when he was placed but not victorious. Yobbler is experiencing a hot streak on the course at present, although his round was fairly average until he birdied the 13th and 14th and enjoyed four consecutive three-pointers on the back nine.
However, it could have been a totally different story. John Broomhead, now a member at Trefloyne GC and a hard tackling centre in his younger days, stood on the 18th tee with 36 points, but following a good drive, proceeded to hack his way to the green and thus had his second 'blob' of an otherwise fine round.
John also regularly performs well at the Neil Rees Memorial and hopefully he will win in years to come.
Another great supporter of the event is scratch golfer John Morris and he too deserves to be champion. This year he turned in a gross 74 for 34 points to claim third spot.
Two very occasional golfers had extremely creditable rounds. Graham 'Fly' Brace and Dickie Lewis scored 32 points and 31 points, respectively, to secure top six finishes and automatic entry into next year's event.
Debutant Johnnie Palmer, a prop who joined Tenby United last season from Pembroke, won the Novices section with 17 points. He was unable to attend the prize-giving as he was playing in a Young Farmers sevens competition in the evening - just shows that looks can be deceiving! Runner-up was Dean Bowen with 16 points and he won the best left-hander prize.
This year, the Novices section was very tight, with a spread of just eight points.
The Best Endeavour trophy went to the unlucky Gareth Edwards with 10 points, which is the highest score to ever claim this award.
A special mention must be made of David Lewis, who seemed to be cruising the Novices section with 13 points after 12 holes, but was then unfortunately involved in an accident. He was 'crushed' by two buggies (a Laloo sandwich!) and forced to retire hurt.
Keen golfer Roy Young won the Seniors section with 30 points and another former player from Tenby United's 'golden years' in the 1960s, Robin Scanlon, claimed nearest the pin on the 17th hole. The longest drive on the 8th was smacked by former champion Nicky Allen. Carl Cogbill headed the Guests section with a fabulous 36 points.
At the awards ceremony, an emotional Yobbler explained that the only reason he took up golf was to enter the Neil Rees Memorial.
He is a very proud champion and stated that this is his best ever win.
Pat and Mary Rees' son-in-law, Vic Moore, thanked Tenby GC for allowing the competition to be held on the course which was in superb condition, Steve and his staff for the excellent meal, plus Georgina, Dylan and Ian who helped on the day.
Everyone involved in the Neil Rees Memorial is now looking forward to 2012 which will be the 25th year of the very successful event.
This year's best scores were as follows:
Neil Rees Cup: Ian Thomas 37 pts, John Broomhead 36 pts, John Morris 34 pts, Graham Brace 32 pts, Richard Ormond, Vernon Lawrence, Nigel Edwards, Richard Lewis and Nicky Allen all 31 pts, Richard Rossiter 30 pts, Dai Meyrick 29 pts and James Davies and Ginger Beynon both 28 pts.
Seniors: Roy Young 30 pts, Pat Rees 29 pts and Alan Thomas 28 pts.
Guests: Carl Cogbill 36 pts, Juan Cruz 29 pts.
Novices: Johnny Palmer 17 pts, Dean Bowen 16 pts, Will Crockford 14 pts, David Lewis and Tom Lewis both 13 points and Harry Bolton 11 points.