A golfer’s life has been saved thanks to the quick-thinking actions of his fellow players and staff at Tenby Golf Club.

Jonnie Kapec, a member of Langland Bay, Swansea, collapsed with a heart attack near the club’s 15th tee on Friday afternoon.

His playing colleagues immediately began efforts to resuscitate him, while another visitor, who attends Open Week and was out on the course, Stephen Childs, remembered spotting the club’s defibrillator on the wall and ’phoned pro shop calling for urgent medical assistance.

Professional staff member Tim Edwards immediately alerted club secretary David Hancock, who grabbed the portable equipment and jumped in Tim’s car with him and sped to the scene.

The casualty’s playing partners and friends were already in communication with the emergency services and were performing CPR when they arrived.

David prepared the defibrillator for use and assisted the Langland Bay members whilst it was attached and then used to shock the casualty.

Paramedics arrived quickly afterwards, along with the Wales Air Ambulance which landed on the 14th green.

“The defibrillator was generously paid for by a member at the club, who wishes to remain anonymous, and what a wonderful gift that has been,” said David.

“It shows the importance that all clubs should have one on site, it saves lives.

“Tenby Golf Club plans to raise funds to purchase an additional defibrillator to be positioned further out on the golf course and hold awareness training for all members and staff.”

David added: “Having been involved with the use of defibrillator, I would stress that, although the prospect of using one is scary, they are surprisingly straightforward. Once switched on, the machine does all the work automatically and the two pads clearly identify where they should be attached to the casualty. Anyone could do it, even if they had not had any training. I have been reassured that it is impossible for the defibrillator to shock anybody who did not require it.”

A post on the Langland Bay Golf Club Facebook page this week said: “Very pleased to report that a very popular member of Langland Bay, Mr. Jonnie Kapec, is recovering in hospital after having a heart attack whilst playing golf at Tenby Golf Club on Friday.

“His life was saved due to the fast reactions of Langland Bay members Steve Bond, Ian Gladwin and Owen Price, followed by Mike Gardiner with CPR and consequentially the assistance of Tenby Golf Club with a defibrillator. Without this vital help, the outcome would have been quite different.

“We have had a defibrillator at Langland for the last five years. We are thankful that Tenby have the same. I urge all sport clubs to invest in this lifesaving piece of kit.”

Tenby and Saundersfoot First Responders, who supplied a box for the equipment to be stored in, is incidentally the charity of this year’s club captain Mike Anthony.