Last Friday afternoon, the 50 competitors in the Neil Rees Memorial Cup enjoyed glorious sunshine, but a strong wind, and some tricky pin positions made scoring difficult. This was the 15th annual golf tournament for players who have represented Tenby United RFC and it produced its 15th different winner.
Victory this year went to the determined Loz Phillips. Although the former back row forward was introduced to golf at Tenby, Loz honed his game on a tight tree-lined course in South Africa where accuracy was essential. Since returning to Tenby about six years ago, Loz has enjoyed an enviable matchplay record whilst representing the club in the Dyfed League.
Loz's 35 points was two better than the consistent Clive Webb on 33 points, who finished one ahead of both Johnny Morris and Richard Ormond on 32 points. There was a group of four on 31 points and a further three on 30 points, including defending champion Darren Griffiths, whose nervous start to his round cost him dearly.
This year, the senior section was divided into three age categories and was played over 15 holes. Neil's father, Pat, claimed the 60-69 years group with 32 points. Ian Nicholls was the winner in the 70-79 years band with 22 points.
However, the 80 years and over category was won by 82-year-old Sonny Perkins with an outstanding 33 points. Sonny was also overall senior champion for 2002.
There were a few new entrants in the novices section. One of these first timers, young flanker or No. 8, Robert James, was the winner, pipping the slightly older and shorter Louis Beynon on the back nine after both had scored a very creditable 24 points. Louis was not disappointed as he beat his brother Ginger, although this defeat did not seem to spoil Ginger's 40th birthday celebrations. Mike Wainwright was third with 21 points.
Phil Rees's shot of almost 300 yards on the 14th hole won him the Longest Drive trophy. Oliver Brace, who plays very little golf nowadays, hit a delightful nine-iron on the 6th hole to within 35 inches of the cup to claim the Nearest the Pin award, but in the excitement he three putted.
One of the maiden novices did score less, but sweet swinging left-hander Tim Rowe regained the Best Endeavour trophy, despite scoring twice as many points as when he last won it.
The evening function was again very enjoyable. Mary and Pat Rees presented stewardess Ria, who will be leaving the club shortly, with flowers in recognition of the excellent service she and her husband, Roger, have provided. This was their 10th Neil Rees Cup.
It was announced at the prize-giving that there will be a few minor changes at next year's event. A small number of guests will be invited to play, but these will have to meet certain criteria. Competitors were also reminded that later in the year there will be another golfing day trip. The date and venue have yet to be arranged. Wives and partners are invited.
The leading scores for the 2002 competition were as follows:- Neil Rees Cup: Loz Phillips, 35 pts; Clive Webb, 33 pts; Johnny Morris and Richard Ormond, 32 pts; Oliver Brace, Simon Toy, Gavin Scotcher and Tony Upham, 31pts; Steve Amos, Peter Rossi and Darren Griffiths, 30 pts; Paul Heywood and Robert Brown, 29 pts; Gary Lewis, Nigel Edwards and Richard Smith, 28 pts; Gethin Evans and David Morgan, 27 pts.
Senior section: Sonny Perkins, 33 pts; Pat Rees 32 pts; John Tasker 28 pts; Mike Evans, 27 pts; Ian Nicholls, 22 pts; Ted Martin, 19 pts; Chan Thomas, 18 pts.
Novices section: Robert James 24 pts; Louis Beynon, 24 pts; Mike Wainwright, 21 pts; Ginger Beynon, 17 pts.