FRIENDLY RIVALRY CONTINUES

Although the main competitions have now been completed, there is still some spirited and competitive golf being played on the fairways of Trefloyne Park. Despite the recent heavy rain, when over two inches fell on Trefloyne Park, the course has remained in its usual excellent condition.

There was a large turnout for the 18-hole Bogey Competition on Saturday, October 8, when the competition is against the course rather than the opponent. With the course playing well, some found scoring not only hard to come by, but confusing in its simplicity.

John Broomhead took the honours with a +2, followed by the reliable and steady Walter Witts with a +1. There were a string of 0s all contesting third place, Dean Rawlins eventually taking it from Barry Harrison, Dominic Subbiani and Graham Longster. The twos pot was well contested with Bernard Bradley, Chic Brown, Barry Harrison, Walter Witts and Tony Hopkins all taking the elusive birdie-2's. Tony Hopkins made the cardinal sin of not paying into the pot, which normally guarantees a two.

When a round of golf is going particularly poor, a birdie-2 should lift the confidence and spirits, for the holes to come, but for Tony Hopkins was to have the opposite effect and sent things from bad to worse. After putting in from the top of the green on the Glorious 12th, much to the shock of all around him, it was on to the quarry hole with head held high wearing the 'yellow jersey'. With admiring looks from playing partners 'Tiger' Davies and Simon Arthur, a steady if somewhat nervous shot from the tee had him looking at the daunting quarry. Don't think about it just swing easy, and you will only be a pitch away from the green, the head was swimming, the shot was dreadful and yet another golf ball was finding its way into the quarry never to be seen again.

If the 13th was bad, the 14th was catastrophic, with things not made any easier by the grouping of Chic Brown, Mel Beeley and Brian Norman, who were leaving the 13th green just as the drive was being wound up, the club face connected with the ball at terrific speed, only to see the ball travel the imperious distance of five yards. Three more beefy swishes later, and the ball still hadn't reached the ladies tee. It was time to pick up the ball with the course winning again.

The three magnificent high calibre players behind were now watching on from the 14th tee. They were all playing imperious golf, with swings to die for that mere mortals can only dream about. The encouragement and consolation offered to their struggling colleague, was much appreciated by a golfer who was in desperation with his game. The walk down the 14th fairway was brisk to quick, in the hope of reaching the 15th tee before the gallery caught up with him.

DYFED LEAGUE PRESENTATION DINNER

Trefloyne were well represented at the Dyfed League Golf Day and Presentation Dinner at Tenby Golf Club on Friday, October 14, which included Dyfed League captain Steve Wedlake and Tom Beynon, who was representing Trefloyne's proprietors. With just the slightest hint of some sunshine and a strong wind blowing from what seemed all directions, the course was as tough as ever, but offering challenges for those brave enough to take them on. The unforgiving rough was punishing good shots, but this was links golf at its best. It was a superb day's golf, with friendships being renewed from what has been a memorable season, with the challenges this time being more friendly than competitive.

Rob Evans played some terrific golf in testing conditions, and showed how links golf should be played. Playing partners Chic Brown and Tony Hopkins did their best to keep up with him, but with wayward drives added to the difficulty of finding lost balls in the rough, they were no match for the 'Big Man', who was able to find the tight fairways from the tee with monotonous regularity. The presentation dinner was supported by clubs from all divisions of the Dyfed League, those who weren't there to collect trophies, were generous in their support of those who were.

Following a superb meal, Dyfed League captain, Steve Wedlake, was at last able to get his hands on the Division Four trophy, which will now be displayed with pride in the Trefloyne Clubhouse, until hopefully it is replaced by the Division Three trophy next year.

The hard work now starts, with fixtures being planned for the 2006 season, which is being looked forward to with some relish at Trefloyne Park. With continued support and enthusiasm from everyone involved, it could well be another promising season, with no doubt some ups and downs along the way.

The new season will also see a new Dyfed League captain. Steve Wedlake who has worked long and hard to achieve the object of promotion, now hands over the mantles and responsibility of captaincy to Meurig Evans, who has been Steve's vice-captain in 2005. It will be a tough act to follow, but Meurig, who has been an ever present during 2005, has the ability and knowledge to continue where Steve has left off, whether he has Steve's ability and eloquence with words for the speeches, remains to be seen.

Just when it looked as though the evening was over, Chic Brown showed just what a wonderful all-round sportsman he is, with a stunning display on the dartboard. The arrows were clinical in their execution as they thudded into the trebles and doubles, and the speed in which he worked out his finish, was sheer mathematical brilliance. The ensemble of Trefloyne golfers, and all those fortunate enough to be in the Evergreen were left spellbound by the skill and ability on show. It brought an unforgettable evening to a wonderful climax.

PRESENTATION GOLF DAY

The next big event at Trefloyne Park is on October 29, when a Golf Day will be followed by the presentation of the annual awards, in the clubhouse. All the winners from 2005 will receive the trophies, for which they have worked so hard for in a season of very competitive and high calibre golf. Every player who has represented Trefloyne in the Dyfed League, is requested to be present, as captain Steve Wedlake brings the curtain down on his successful period of captaincy.

The Golf Day will be a stableford format in teams of three, with a 10 am 'Shotgun' start, aimed at bringing everyone home in plenty of time for the presentation to start at 4 pm. It is hoped that all the 2005 winners will be on the course to show once again the skill and quality that has made every one of them 'Trefloyne Winners 2005'.