On Saturday, despite the sunshine, the group of juniors that turned out was slightly smaller than usual.

Mark Hawkey, our pro, was on hand to give advice and tips for bunker work and swing, set-up and grip.

The first groups were split into four, some in the bunker, some putting, some chipping and the rest concentrating on their long game. Mark was pleasantly surprised by some of the talented youngsters who had their first go in a bunker! Especially Joanna Rowe, who took on board everything he said and performed to perfection!

Gill and Mary had the girls and boys chipping. The groups were very excitable, and appeared to want to win a Mars Bar rather than concentrate on their shot! However, after the practice, they did get down to business and tried to improve on their chipping stroke and target practice! Loui Fecci proved to be a natural at it and won his group, with Lewis Butler second, despite having an excellent hole in one, and in third place was Bethan, who always works hard at her game.

In the other group, Jasmine Pouton proved to be the outright winner - another golfer who works quietly at her own game and concentrates well. In second place was Georgia Williams, who should also be congratulated on her excellent performance last week around the three holes, and finally Rhiana Davies. Well done to the girls, you really showed the boys how it's done!

In the putting, Greg Palin proved to be the most consistent, making it three putts every time. However, Rhys Lewis also did extremely well. After taking four on his first putt, he quickly improved on that by taking two putts on each of the next three holes. David Webb's constant nagging of his father to take him down to practice has also paid off, with him having 12 putts over four holes. Next time boys, let's make it eight putts!

The long game players did well, but it was decided that a number of the juniors need a quick lesson on back to basics! Mark went down the line and the children were put into groups ready for next week's back to basics lesson. Special mention must go to Lewis Collins, Luke Rees, Adam North and Jack Hawkey, who did perform really well on their long game.

The second group managed to all have an individual lesson with Mark, as well as putting practice with Ian! Again this group were taken back to basics, with Mark correcting a number of grips, stances and swings. Don't forget what you were told, and I hope you have put into practice what you were taught over the half-term.

Keirion from Aberdare was the star putter, with Oliver Goldwait, Garin, Matthew close behind! They also had a Boys v Girls competition, with boys winning by just one putt!

Golf is as normal tomorrow.

On Sunday, five girls travelled to Pontypool to play in the South Wales girls competition. All the girls played well and enjoyed the day, but no winners this time!

On Monday, 13 went to Haverfordwest to play in their Junior Open. There were 16 originally, but not everyone showed up, which was a pity.

The team won the Order of Merit, with a second, fourth, fifth, sixth and ninth positions. Oliver Duckett had the second best gross and is leading the individual Order of Merit table - well done, Oliver, keep up the good work!

It was also a good day for Anne-Marie Dassen; she won the 10-hole stableford competition with 31 points! An amazing score!