Tuesday, March 8, marked the Seniors’ first match of the 2016/2017 Summer season, and we welcomed Glynhir Seniors to Tenby links. The event is more like a meeting of old friends than a clash between rivals, only a couple of new faces were to be seen in the two 16-man teams, and scarcely any of the older hands were meeting their opponents for the first time.

The weather could have been kinder, a blustery north-west wind, heavy rain and low temperatures greeted the fourballs when they started the tournament at 10.45, so all the players were fully waterproofed, well wrapped - and not entirely delighted with the conditions.

However, after about an hour of soggy progress, the rain gradually eased, then the wind dropped dramatically - and it turned out nice again! The players were much happier, the scoring improved, and as the eight matches concluded and the players showered and changed - the atmosphere was quite jovial!

By the time dinner had been consumed - a really tasty pulled pork creation by Lee - both teams were in a mellow mood and looking forward to being addressed by captain Peter Williams for the home team and Phil Evans for the visitors.

Before the address could take place, captain Peter announced that we would be taking care of a little unfinished business. You will recall, dear reader, that a recent article covered the end of season prize-giving, with a detailed list of winners and trophies - well - absent from this list of champions, because the trophy had been mislaid, was the winner of the Seniors Winter Eclectic Gross Score prize - the Des Stone Trophy. Thankfully, due to some excellent detective work by competitions secretary, Jim Martin, the trophy was located, and so - better late than never - captain Peter was able to present Jim Moffatt with the Des Stone Trophy, to thunderous applause! (see photograph)

Back to the Glynhir/Tenby fracas - captain Peter welcomed the Glynhir chaps, thanked them for a close encounter and announced the result - Tenby 6, Glynhir 2, a welcome result, which it is hoped will be repeated when the teams meet again at Glynhir on Wednesday, June 8.

Captain Phil thanked the home team for their hospitality, remarked favourably on the state of the course, the catering and the high quality of the reporting! Then it was goodbye to the visitors - and a look ahead to the Seniors Spring Tour which starts on March 14.

M.F.

Gents Stableford and Welsh Team Qualifier

Seventy-six players entered the Gents Stableford and Welsh Team Qualifier on Saturday, with an even split between divisions one and two. Leading scores and prize winners were:

Division One: 1. Mike Davies 42 pts (£43.50); 2. Simon Jones 38, on countback (£32.50); 3. Jeffrey Banfield 38 (£21.50); 4. Jerry Whitehouse 37, on countback (£11).

Division Two: 1. Barrie Frayne 37 pts, on countback (£43.50); 2. Michael Davies 37 (£32.50); 3. Charles Dredge 35, on countback (£21.50); 4. Stephen Cole 35, on countback (£11).

Twos: Richard Davies, Huw Roberts, Andrew Cope, David Cope, Mike Davies (2), David Hancock, Gary McNeilly, Peter Rossi, Simon Jones, Paul Davies, Gethin Evans, Vivian James, Barrie Frayne (£5.20 each).

Bag draw: Mike Anthony, David Hancock, Steve Cole, Gareth Brace, Paul Jenkins (£15.20 each).

Pro Shop draw: Phil Carpenter (leather holdall).

Handicap changes: Philip Booth 18 to 19; Peter Brown 17 to 18; Mike Davies 11 to 10; John Gilman 18 to 19; Rob Hall 13 to 14; Simon Jones 13 to 12; Jeremy Morris 8 to 9; Neil R. Thomas 8 to 9; Jerry Whitehouse 14 to 13.

Junior Fun Night

There will be a Junior Fun Night at Tenby Golf Club on Wednesday, April 6, from 4 pm..All are welcome to come and try target golf on the driving range, play the par 3 course, putting and chipping, and the golf simulator.

The Tenby Golf Professional staff will be on hand to offer tips and advice, and provide details on further coaching sessions.

For children who have already been through the coaching programmes, volunteers will be on hand to take groups onto the golf course for some fun competitions. These sessions will continue each Wednesday night through the summer from 4.30 pm onwards.