A total of 34 mature golfers enjoyed the delightful weather on Friday as they contested this year's Tommy Hutton Bowl competition. The Chapman Foursomes Stableford format, with handicap allowances of 40 per cent for higher handicappers and 60 per cent for lower, makes for interesting results from the competing pairs. Marion Hutton, Tommy's widow, was once more at the club to join the players after their round - and to generously buy them all a post-match drink - before sharing lunch with the field and presenting the trophy. This year's Hutton Heroes were Idwal David and David Morgan, who romped home with an enviable score of 47 points off a combined handicap of 17. Second, playing off a 14 handicap and scoring an excellent 43 points, were Robin Hagley and Bob Howse. Since only the first and second place pairings receive a prize, I will only mention very briefly the fine effort made by in-form Martin Neilan and his skilled partner Stan Hudson, who achieved third place by also scoring 43 points off a 12 handicap, but who were pipped on the inward nine. Marion presented the trophy after lunch, and expressed her thanks to the competitors for supporting the tournament and her intention to continue her most generous sponsorship for many years to come. All in all, a delightful morning's golf and a most pleasant lunch - book early for next year's competition!

M.F..

Anniversary Shield success

The last of the Tenby Mixed Fours trophies was played for on Saturday in beautiful conditions. This 125-year anniversary shield was presented by last year's captain, Chris Beecher, to mark the 125 years that Tenby has been an affiliated golf club. He chose a difficult format, as it was a foursomes medal, but Greensomes meant that both members of the pair could drive and then choose the better drive. However, to stop it being too easy, each person had to give a minimum of six drives. Before announcing the results, the Mixed Section said farewell to Matt and Ruth Goldwait, who played in the competition. A cake was presented to wish them good luck in their new life in America. It was very emotional as they are a popular couple who will be sadly missed by all their golfing friends. Matt thanked all and assured us that they were coming to see us next March, and would keep in touch; though he was sad that he had never succeeded in getting the better of Tenby golf course! There was a good turnout for the competition and generally a good pace of play, as everyone was reminded before going out that if they were in any doubt where the ball had gone, to play a provisional ball. However, the dry conditions meant the ball was unpredictable and only two 2s were recorded; both on the 17th. Steve Cole put his ball close to the pin for Pam to slot one in, and Heather Morgan did the same for her partner, John Stenson, who also holed the putt. Winning back their entry money in the draw were Liz Storey and John Gilman, Gillian Roberts and John Ross, Ian and Georgia Thomas, and David T. Morgan and Laura McQueen. There were only two 'no returns' this year, so maybe we are all improving. In fourth place were Annette and Bob Flower with 98-25.6-72.4; third were Pam and Steve Cole 83-12.6-70.4. Georgina Ormond and Craig Thomas had an issue with a kindly lady who threw their ball back in from out of bounds, so had to give themselves a penalty. They still managed to come second with 87-16.8-70.2. But with an amazing gross 36 on the back nine, the winners were John Stenson and Heather K. Morgan 81-11.8-69.2. Heather, who usually plays with Mervyn Tucker, thanked Mervyn for asking John to stand in to give himself a better chance with Heather in the Mixed Final the following day. John also said how much he had enjoyed not only the game, but the lovely atmosphere in the club as everyone socialised after the game. Everyone was then asked to support the finals, and to add their names to the list for the friendly match against Ashburnham on Sunday, October 5.

Podium place for Owen!

Formula 1 fans in Pembrokeshire may have recognised a familiar face on the podium at Sunday's Grand Prix in Singapore. Winner Lewis Hamilton, runner-up Sebastian Vettel and third place man Daniel Ricciardo were joined by Owen Jones, formerly of Letterston, who received the winning manufacturer's trophy on behalf of the Mercedes Formula 1 team. Owen attended Fishguard Secondary School and gained a masters degree in Mechanical Engineering at Imperial College, London, before joining Cosworth Racing as a senior engineer. He was head-hunted by Mercedes and is now based at the company's engine factory at Brixworth, Northamptonshire, where he is now head of performance engineering for the Mercedes Formula 1 team. Owen can take a great deal of credit for his huge contribution to the success of the much praised Mercedes engine which has outstripped rivals Ferrari and Renault in power and performance in this year's championship. He has already won two World Championships with Mercedes engines, firstly with Lewis Hamilton in his McClaren in 2008 and then with Jenson Button's Brawn in 2009. Owen's parents, Patrick and Valerie Jones, live at Loveston, near Kilgetty.

LADIES' SECTION

LADIES' OPEN MEETING

The Autumn Open Meeting at Tenby was played on September 11 and there were nearly 80 competitors from a number of different clubs. The course has now almost recovered from the weather problems of the last year, but even so, many visitors find Tenby much more difficult than their home courses and this was clearly shown by the results this year. The competition was a Stableford, with two best scores from three counting. Results: 1. H. Hughes, P. Cope, B. Owen (Tenby) 95; 2. S. Griffiths, R. Naden, G. Roberts (Tenby) 88. Visitors' prize: C. Watkins, P. Perry, J. Evans (Pontypridd) 87. Longest drive 14th: R. Walters (Tenby) Nearest the pin 6th: R. Naden (Tenby). Twos: R. Naden, C. Beecher, H. Hughes.

COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP

The Championship Stableford competition organised by the Carmarthesnhire and Pembrokeshire Association was held at Glyn Abbey on September 17. There were 62 competitors and most clubs in the two counties were represented. The weather was good and except for those who apparently got lost in the woods, the general standard of play was reasonable. We are delighted that Tenby's Toni Lucas won the Championship with 39 points, from N. Jackman, Glyn Abbey, on 37 points, from E. Goodwin and B. Robinson, both of Carmarthen, on the last nine.

WEEKLY COMPETITIONS

The ladies playing competitions at the end of August and beginning of September have enjoyed good weather and the scores generally have reflected this. The August GUW Medal was combined with the Jane Davies Hughes Trophies. The medal was won by Heather Morgan with nett 75, from Denise Edwards on nett 77, and they were also winner and runner-up for the Silver Jane Davies Hughes Trophy. The Bronze Trophy was won by Jo Walsh Morgan with nett 80, on the last nine from Bev Owen. The nine-hole competition was won by Liz Crockford. In the fifth Hill Lowe Bogey, Rita Collins returned all-square, with Annette Flower on 1 down and Laura Mc Queen on 3 down. The RNLI Stableford on Sunday, August 31, was won by Laura McQueen with 35 points, on the last nine from Bev Owen. On Thursday, September 4, Marion Clarke won with 36 points, again on the last 9, this time from Linda Thomas. Maura Rimell was third on 35 points. The GUW Medal on September 18 was memorable for the first rain in any competition for some time and was won by Pam Cole on nett 75, from Denise Edwards on 76. The nine-hole Stableford was won by Judy Lewis on 18 points. B.M.S.

Senior Men's Open Meeting

All golf clubs need income over and above membership fees and Open Meetings can generate some of this as well as providing excellent PR. For all Open Meetings it does help if the weather is good and this year September was an ideal month to choose. The Senior Men's Open Meeting, run by Dave Blackmore and Bob Parsons, attracted nearly 80 competitors from local members, the rest of Wales and England. Even those who were not too happy about their play enjoyed their day at Tenby and many will be playing here again in the future. Results: 1. D. Parry, M. Parry (Puckrup Hall) 45 pts; 2. N Vincent, D. Stone (Tenby) 44; 3. S. Sutcliffe(Tenby), R. Whittaker(Mount Pleasant) 42. Twos: S. Sutcliffe (2), S. T. Owen, A. Jones, D. Stone, D. Parry, L. Davies, D. Markham, A. Kalvik, D. Harry, J. Flanagan.

Chief Trotter's bereavement

I am sure that you will join me in offering sincere sympathy to Mickey Johnston, the Chief Trotter, whose wife Eunice died on Friday last. Eunice and Mickey had been married for 58 years, and we should offer Mickey our support during this sad and painful period. M.F.