Friday, December 22, saw the annual contest between the greens staff and the greens committee at Tenby Golf Club for the coveted Greens Trophy - not one for the faint-hearted or if you are not a lover of banter.

The greens staff brought in a few invited guests and the committee called upon the newly-formed management board to make up their numbers. The course was immaculate, as you would expect from the persons responsible for its upkeep, the weather was fine and dry, which is not what you would expect at the end of December, the Christmas jumpers were on display and the competitors were eager for the challenge.

They were led off by the ladies, Heather Morgan and Holly Watkins for the staff against Gill John and Rhian Watkins for the committee, with the staff just edging this one. Must admit, the ladies were the smartest on the course.

They were followed by the pairings of Alex Jenkins and Tom Hilling, club professional, for the staff against Dave Hancock and Chris Beecher for the committee. A grudge match this, with the staff looking for revenge after their previous year’s defeat. Didn’t happen and they were second again this year.

The third pairings saw the senior member of the club, Mervyn Tucker, supporting the new apprentice on the greens, Joe Simmons, against the club captain, Mike Anthony, and house chair, Richard Ormond, who took the spoils on this occasion.

Tim Poole and Piers Bradbury from the management board were parachuted in to support the staff against Wyndham Collins and Phil Goodridge of the committee and, typical of committee members, they called the match an honourable half, decisions, decisions.

Final pairings saw head greenkeeper and captain of the greens staff, Scott Williams supported by his number two, David Smart, up against the greens chair and team captain, Tony Key, and greens committee member, Richard Reed. This match went to the last putt on the last green, with the staff sinking the putt to win their match, ensuring the contest was halved overall, two-and-a-half points for each team.

After all of that arguing and gamesmanship with bottles being shared and hospitality being strained, it ended up as a draw and the trophy to be shared for the next 12 months.

This contest is more than a game of golf, it is the ideal opportunity for the sharing of information between the members and the staff for the betterment of the course and the overall pleasure of everyone who plays this Championship Links, which is ranked in the top 10 courses in Wales.

Tenby Golf Club would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy and healthy New Year by keeping fit and active, play golf.

Anyone wishing to know more about this fantastic sport, just contact us on www.tenbygolfclub.co.uk or ring us on 01834 844447 and see what special offers are available this year.