Roger Barton and David Rees were in high spirits last Thursday as they started their match against Mike Bradney and Harold James. The sun was shining and they were facing a veteran celebrating his 85th birthday.

That optimism soon faded as they were outgunned somewhat by this South Pembs pair and out-driven by the 85-year-old. Halfway round the course, which for them started on the fifth tee, they were four holes down and struggling to catch up. They dug their heels in, however, and managed to walk in with a slightly improved image, losing by two holes with one to play.

This match was an indication of the resolve of the South Pembs side as they showed Tenby seniors how to play their well presented course with its fast, undulating greens. Most of the matches were close encounters and none more so than that enjoyed by Steve Cole and Mick Whale up against John Parsons and Nigel Williams. It was rather like a joinery project since both pairs dovetailed well and to some extent negated each other’s efforts. Neither pair was more than one or two holes up and the end result was an honourable half.

Idwal had worked his magic and arranged for a sunny, but cool, breezy afternoon. Unfortunately he was unable to be at the match. A medical emergency had cropped up and Idwal had to accompany his wife to Withybush. This left his vice-captain, Derek Cole, in charge for the second time and he stepped up to help Ross James in their quest to overcome the opposition provided by Darrel Willington and Steve Elliott. Four holes down after 10 played was not what Idwal would have hoped for and this pair had to re-think their strategy if a come-back was to take place.

They were still four down with five holes to play and that was when they played like their captain. They won the next four and were all square as they started the 18th. Neither team could find a winning putt so, with a sigh of relief, they shook hands on a well-earned half.

Peter Williams and John Stevenson, both consistent in their game, looked a promising pairing as they set off against Brian Williams and Cliff Jackson. They proved worthy opposition and were all square as they drove the 18th. Brian, however, stole the glory as he sunk a long putt to take this match by one hole.

Another match played out to the final hole was the one between Alan Jones and Brian Waters who faced Bob Veale and Billy Harries. Again there was never more than one or two holes separating these pairs and a one-hole deficit on the last could not be redeemed, so Alan and Brian had to settle for a loss.

Paul Bradley and John Hayhoe had each other to contend with as they tried to reduce a four-hole deficit in their match against the capable, competitive Peter Johnson partnered with Chris White. John tried to make the most of his shot allowance and managed to help Paul reduce the deficit as they approached the final few holes. It was not enough, however, and they had to report a loss to their captain as they returned to the clubhouse.

Tenby’s two Johns had been put together in the hope of some success. John Hall was playing his first match of the season and was under the guidance of the capable John Hancock. Although they had some success against Keith Thompson and Angus Hayward, it was not enough to merit a win as they went down by three and two.

Was there anyone on the Tenby team able to bring a smile to the captain as he waited to receive each result. John Ball had stepped in to partner Stan Hudson and they achieved a degree of satisfaction in their match against Fred Mountney and Keith Rees. Like most of the other matches, this was a closely fought affair. Four consecutive pars by John helped restore the situation after the pair had lost the first two holes. Still, they were all square after nine with all to play for. Fred’s birdie on the par three ninth put the home team ahead, but then he gave the advantage away when he played the wrong ball on the 17th. That was enough to seal their fate and gave Stan and John a much-needed win, in a match which was peppered with frequent excellent shots coupled with inconsistent errors.

As well as the two Johns, there was also the two Ians, Ian Harries and Ian Phelps. They were facing Jim Martin and Des Stone, starting on the sixth hole. The home pair stumbled somewhat over the first few holes and gave their visitors chance to take a four-hole advantage. They recovered to win the 10th (fifth) and reduce the lead. Then they suffered with buggy problems which resulted in a stop and start situation and this was enough to further upset their equilibrium. A replacement buggy was called for, but even that was not enough to restore their confidence and they conceded this match on the 17th.

Tenby came out winners in the raffle - again.

Narrow defeat

On Tuesday, May 8, the Tenby team travelled to Creigiau Golf ?Club, just outside Cardiff, to compete in the Annodata matchplay knockout competition. The weather had changed from scorching heat to a cold nrtherly breeze, but at least it was dry.

The competition comprised of five singles matches and Tenby were looking to secure the three wins necessary to go through to the next round.

First on the tee was Nick Rogers who accidently injured his back earlier in the day, costing him a 7 and 6 loss. Second out was Idwal David, who was beaten by two holes, finishing on the 18th,. Third out was the ever reliant Dave Morris who won 7 and 6, securing Tenby’s first point. Next was team captain, Chris Beecher, who also came in with a creditable 7 and 5 win, making it two-all.

The experienced Jim Moffatt was the Tenby anchorman, and was all-square after 15 holes, but unfortunately lost the 16th and 17th, leaving the home side with a narrow 3-2 victory.

Team captain Chris Beecher said it was a great effort and would like to thank all the Tenby team for making the long journey to Cardiff.

Gents May Monthly Medal

Seventy-seven players entered the May Monthly?Medal on Saturday, when leading scores and prize winners were as follows:

Division One: 1. Gavin Scotcher 70-1-69 (£41 plus medal); 2. John Stenson 83-12-71, on countback (£31); 3. Martin Morris 80-9-71 (£20); 4. Gary McNeilly 83-11-72, on countback (£10.50).

Division Two: 1. Roy Edwards Jr 91-20-71, on countback (£41 plus medal); 2. Nicholas Corbett 87-16-71 (£31); 3. Ian Jarvis 88-16-72 (£20); 4. Richard Reed 92-19-73, on countback (£10.50).

Twos: Paul Jenkins, Huw Roberts, Andrew Pouton, Darren Thomas, Robert Willcox, Mark Edwards, Ian Jarvis (£11 each).

Bag draw: Stephen Nicholls, Darren Thomas, Paul Jenkins, Daniel Brace, Roy Edwards (£15.40 each).

Pro Shop draw: Ian Jarvis (Ping Moon Lite bag).

Changes to handicap: Daniel?Brace 11 to 10; James Brown 12 to 13; Stephen Cole 15 to 16; Roy?Edwards Jr 20 to 18; Ian Jarvis 16 to 15; Vivian John 8 to 9; Gary McKeown 15 to 16; Nic Rogers 9 to 10; Gavin Scotcher 1 to 0; Desmond Stone 18 to 19; Darren Thomas 7 to 8.

Successful fundraising by Ladies’ Section

On Thursday, May 3, the Tenby Ladies had two competitions running - an 18-hole GUW Medal (incorporating the Rhian Pearn Qualifier) and a nine-hole stableford.

Fifteen played in the Medal and Helen Hughes came in third with a nett 80, Pam Cole was runner-up with a nett 77, but the winner of the medal was Irene Gilman with a nett 75. The top two go to Neath to represent Tenby in the Rhian Pearn final later this summer. Denise Edwards had the only two of the day on the 17th.

Eight entered the stableford, with some good scores returned. In third place was Isobel Lawrence on 15 points, Nesta Hart was second on 16 and the winner was Pat Fox on 18 points.

On Friday, May 4, the Tenby Annodata Team travelled to Creigiau in the second round of the competition. Another close contest, with the scores 2-2 after four games and the fifth match being all-square after 18 holes, so it became sudden death. The 19th hole was halved ,but the 20th hole was won by Creigiau with a 20-foot birdie two. Better luck next year, girls.

Last Thursday was the Ladies’ Captain’s Charity Day which was raising money for The Samaritans, Haverfordwest Branch. Two-dozen ladies took to the course, with all entrance fees going to the charity. Thankfully it was a sunny, but breezy day, but just being dry was a bonus.

Fourteen scores of 30 or more were returned, with Denise Edwards getting third place on countback with 35, Bev Owen coming second, on countback, with 37, and Sue Ensor taking top spot with a better back six in her 37 points. All three received prizes chosen by the Lady Captain and there was also a prize for the best 36 and over handicap, which was won by Dinah Reed.

There was only one two scored on the day and that came from Denise Edwards - again on the 17th - obviously her favourite hole at the moment.

After the golf, the Lady Captain Pam Cole thanked everyone for playing, plus the ladies who donated prizes for the raffle, thanked those who had made additional donations and announced that the money raised from the day totalled £236.

After giving a brief explanation of why she had chosen The Samaritans as her charity, Pam then introduced two guests, John and Jo, who were representatives of the Haverfordwest Branch. John gave an informative and thought-provoking summary of the work that the volunteers are involved with and the amount of work that they deal with on a regular basis. The ladies are now more aware of the role the charity plays in the area.

Also in support of the Lady Captain’s charity, on Sunday members of the Ladies’ Section held a Charity Fashion Show with a difference! In association with the Tenby branch of ‘M & Co’ and ‘M & J Golfwear’ of Penarth, eight lady golfers left their clubs in their lockers and became ‘super-models’ for the afternoon, taking to the catwalk in various outfits supplied by the two companies.

The event started with patrons being greeted with a glass of Prosecco, strawberries dipped in white chocolate, and shortbread biscuits courtesy of some lady members who obviously have extra talents other than golf. A number of other section members assisted with essential ‘behind-the scenes’ duties, selling raffle tickets and later helping to serve the guests with ‘high tea’.

The event appeared to be well received - even the unintentional ‘comedy aspects’ - and boosted the charity funds which in turn supports The Samaritans. Lady Captain Pam thanked everyone on the day for supporting the event, including Michelle (the ‘M & Co’ manageress) and Justine and Bill (from ‘M & J Golfwear’), and with monies still being counted, the event has raised over £300. Thank you very much, one and all.