On Saturday, Tenby Golf Club team played their first round in the Mail on Sunday knockout golf competition when they took on the might of the Ashburnham Golf Club team who arrived with three players playing off a one handicap and looking for a win at the Burrows.

The weather was typical links golf, with a stiff breeze blowing across the course and light rain moistening the greens. This did not dampen the enthusiasm of the participants who teed-off to play in a singles matchplay format.

The first onto the tee was Ben Childs, who won his game by 2 and 1, soon to be followed by Chris Hughes, who had taken on the challenge of a one handicap opponent, only to defeat him by 3 and 2.

The third Tenby player onto the tee was Nick Rogers, who set off with his young seven handicap Ashburnham opponent, neither anticipating what was about to happen when an incident occurred which marred the whole occasion.

Whilst playing the seventh hole, the Ashburnham visitor hooked a drive down the 10th fairway which unfortunately struck a local member, Mr. Roger Schofield, on the head, resulting in him being conveyed from the course by ambulance for hospital treatment at Withybush Hospital.

Both of the competition players left the course declaring their match an honourable half, being more concerned as to the health and welfare of the injured club member, rather than the match result.

The fourth player out on the course was Jim Moffatt, who also took on a one handicap player, winning on the last green, leaving the last match on the course between the club captain, Chris Beecher, and his one handicap opponent. Again the result went in favour of the Tenby team, with the captain winning by two holes.

The final result of the team match indicated that Tenby Golf Club had defeated their long term rivals Ashburnham by four-and-a-half matches to a half.

All of this was overshadowed by the injury to Mr. Schofield who thankfully made a full recovery and was allowed home after receiving sutures to a head wound, with no visual signs of any other injury. The young player who struck the unfortunate shot was most relieved and everyone was delighted that nothing more serious had occurred.

The club captain Chris Beecher re-emphasised the dangers of being on the golf course and the injuries that can occur if struck by a golf ball. Signs are placed at strategic points along the course asking visitors to the links to stay on the footpaths provided, as their safety cannot be guaranteed if they are to wander onto the fairways where the undulating terrain often leaves them hidden from sight.

Please, please adhere to the signs and everyone should be safe.