Traditionally, the Brooks Cup, one of the oldest cups to be played for in the mixed calendar, is contested on Easter Saturday. So, it is quite a relief when the day is dry and fine. Admittedly, at only five degrees on my car’s dial as we were driving down, it was somewhat chilly, with a bitter wind, but at least it was dry.

Twenty-two pairs entered the competition and as usual there were some excellent scores. Only two 2s were recorded: one by Maura Gunning and Jim Moffatt on the sixth, and one by Angie Gottwaltz and Roger Schooling on the 18th.

Winning back their entry fees in the draw were Chris and Carol Beecher, Allan Morton, Trevayne Keohane, David T. Morgan, Laura McQueen, Mick Seal and Linda Tordoff-Evans.

Just missing out on the prizes with 35 points were David T. Morgan and Laura McQueen and Julie Tordoff and Nigel Ayers.

In fourth place with 36 points were Denise and Tim Edwards, and in third place, beating them on the back nine, also with 36, were Terry Davies and young Nel Allen. Second place with 37 went to Chris Thompson and Holly Watkins.

This year’s winners of our prestigious Brooks Cup were Roger Schooling and Angie Gottwaltz. Although Roger is no stranger to our trophy board, this was Angie’s first, and I’m sure she’ll still be smiling when I see her next week!. Well done to you both - with 41 points, it was very well-deserved.

We were all sorry to be saying goodbye to Chris Thompson. We wish him well in his new home and we’ll be keeping a welcome for you Chris. Maybe he’ll come and play for his new club on Friday, April 20, when we have our annual friendly against Derllys Court at Tenby. We play 14 holes, then have supper afterwards; places are limited, so sign up on the sheet at the back of the club if you want to play.

The annual Ashburnham game is away this year and that also needs to be signed up as soon as you can. It is on Sunday, May 6, and is a ‘must win’ match!

Back to Tenby members’ fixtures, the Llewellyn Thomas knock-out is on the board. Please don’t leave your games to the last minute. Get some dates suggested as soon as possible.

The next trophy is the Mathias Thomas Medal Cup on Sunday, May 20, and that will go on the computer three weeks before.

Finally, thanks to Laura for sorting out the computer, to Tom for doing the cards, to the caterers for feeding and ‘watering’ us, but most of all, to the competitors who make this such a super event.

Ladies’ Section - March, Part 2

On Thursday, March 22, twenty-two ladies signed up for the annual Captain versus Vice Captain contest. Last year, the fourball betterball format was well received amongst the ladies who do not normally play in league/matchplay competitions and, therefore, it was decided to do the same again this year. The selection for the teams was made by a random draw, which saw five pairs each, plus a twoball at the end. The weather on the day was cloudy and quite breezy, which proved to be quite cold on times, but we were all grateful that the day remained dry.

All the matches were played in great spirit and were quite close, with all going ‘over the line’ and many concluding on the 17th and 18th greens.

This competition is another opportunity for the lady captain to raise some money for her chosen charity - Samaritans Haverfordwest - and Pam was very grateful for the £44.

The outcome was a very good win for the vice-captain Bev Owen over captain Pam Cole by 4.5 to 1.5.

Once the results were announced, the tradition of the captain and vice-captain handing out Easter Eggs to all participants was carried on - chocolate is always very well received, with many of the ladies scoffing theirs within minutes of receiving them!

A number of Tenby ladies recently went on a journey to Holland to one of our twinned clubs, arranged by Linda Tordoff-Evans, and below is an account of the trip as written by vice-captain Bev:

Sunday, March 25, 10 ladies departed for a four- night trip to Holland. The main purpose to play at Kennemer Golf & Country Club with who our club have special links. Having lost an hour to the clocks changing, leaving Cardiff at 10 and then losing a further hour on arrival, we were somewhat sleep deprived, though this did not deter us. Suitably refreshed with food and drinks, we began to focus on our golf the next day.

Monday was sunny and calm, we played in threes, as unfortunately Penny had sustained an injury some days before, but still travelled and was kept busy! Cards completed and Julie was first, Carol second and Gill third.

Tuesday, a free day, the majority travelled to the Keukenhuf gardens, some chose to have fun in Amsterdam, while others chilled locally.

Wednesday and the predicted rain came. We opted to play a nine-hole competition against the Kennemer ladies and gave each a Tenby ball marker on the tee. Afterwards, we were pleased to learn that Tenby had come out on top.

Back at the magnificent clubhouse, once showered and dry, our hosts had laid on wine and nibbles, followed by a two-course meal and, yes, more wine. Speeches and thanks were made and their ladies presented us all with Kennemer golf towels, which we were all delighted to receive. Their welcome and hospitality, we all agreed, was excellent.

Thursday we were able to explore Haarlem’s cultural side, before our afternoon departure.

Linda, who planned and organised this trip for us, deserves a special mention, as each day evolved so smoothly making it easy for the rest of us; thank-you Linda.

The stableford competition due to be played at Tenby on Thursday, March 29, didn’t take place due to the weather.

Tenby ladies have to play in the preliminary round of the Welsh Team Championships which will be held in Langland Bay, Swansea, this June. Tenby have been drawn against Derllys Court, which will be played at Haverfordwest Golf Club, on Sunday, April 22. Good luck to the Tenby girls on the day.

For any ladies reading this article about the life in Tenby Ladies Section who fancy joining us and giving golf a go, you are invited to a free Taster Day at Tenby Golf Club on Monday, April 16, at 11.30 am, with our senior PGA teaching professional Tom Hilling. Tom is a brilliant coach and very friendly - come and give it a whirl - just think of the benefits, exercise in the fresh air, new friendships, trips playing golf all over the place, laughter and a feelgood factor! If you are interested, ring the Pro-Shop on 01834 844447 or [email protected]

P.C.