This spring’s club tour was originally planned to be to Bryn Meadows Golf Club, Blackwood, but unfortunately the venue was hit by the Beast from the East and Storm Emma. Ten-foot drifts were reported on the course, which resulted in a 10-day closure. Colin Kaijaks rapidly rearranged both venues and hotel and 16 members hit the road to Llanelli on Friday, March 9.

Friday saw rain and a cold wind at Machynys, conditions which proved too much for the majority of players and only six managed to complete the 18 holes. It was decided to abandon the competition, but carry the scores forward to the evening’s quiz.

All players were allocated an alternative persona, famous golfers from England, Wales, Ireland and USA, and the four teams pitted their wits against each other to answer questions set by Simon Bourne and Steve (Rocket) Ronald, in the convivial and warmer enviroment of the Stradey Park Hotel. The winning team overall for the golf and quiz were Wales, followed by the USA. Both teams having only three quiz members, but overcoming the disadvantage.

On the Saturday, with a few heavy heads, the troops met up at Ashburnham Golf Club and whilst the late morning saw heavy rain, by tee time it had dried and even the sun made an appearance. The format was a Texas Scramble, with team members allocated by draw, and giving everyone the chance to play with different team-mates.

The course was in excellent condition considering the amount of rain over previous days, and certainly more enjoyable than the day before at Machynys!

The competition was hard fought with excellent scoring by all. In second place was the team of Steve Elliott, club captain Paul Grimwood and Ken Smith on a net score of 56.75. The winners were a four-man team comprising last year’s cptain Simon Bourne, Terry Watkins, Paul Rogers and Steve Ronald with a remarkable 51.7 points.

Prize-giving followed the food and included special awards including ‘most balls lost’ (Steve Ronald), ‘four-putter’ (Steve Elliott) and ‘most sartorial dresser’ (can you guess from the photo!).

Forthcoming Competitions

The next time the Tigers and Rabbits meet will be in a more combative format, for the Highgate Cup. This will take place tomorow (Saturday) and will take the form of a mini Ryder Cup over 18 holes. The entry sheet is on the notice board, and all are welcome. Team selection will be by the Tigers and Rabbits captains, with a tee-off at 9.30 am.

Saturday, March 24, will see a challenge match between the under 50s and over 50s, to hone players’ matchplay skills ready for the start of inter-club competitions in April. Sign-up sheet available in the clubhouse. Tee-offs between 9 and 10.30 am.

With Easter at the end of March, the first medal competition will be played over three days, Friday 30th, Saturday 31st and Sunday 1st. The total of two rounds to decide the winners.

Mike Swain