A large contingent from Kilgetty Golf Society turned out on Wednesday of last week in the endeavour to conquer the immaculately manicured Trefloyne golf course, and once again the weather gods provided conditions so good that even 'Brandjo' and 'Chippy' completed the course! Are they ever going to live Tenby down?
The large turnout reflects the popularity of the society and the course, and it is hoped this continues.
Tee-off was scheduled for 9.30 am and the eager first three were ready and champing at the bit some minutes before due time.
First to tee-off was the formidable trio of Gary 'Windows' Dutoit, Phil 'Sheepskin' Rugg and Jim 'Piper' Hinchliffe. These three set the standard off the tee that we all had to follow.
Next were Windsor 'Duke' Royall, Rick 'Paddy' Lewis and 'Uncle' Bobby King - what an awesome team.
The veterans were next! Trevor 'Santa' Lewis, Gordon 'The Cart' Carney and Gary 'Shiner' Hopkins (woolly hat and all). The only things to top their combined ages were their golfing ability and their handicaps!
Fourth off were Derek 'Bubble' Bath, Terry 'Hippo' Harvey and Martin Davies. A whole heap of talent, I know, as I have played with two of them.
Following on their heels were Roy 'Grumpy' Good, Colwyn 'Blocker' Harts and second shot specialist, Billy 'Brandjo' Cole. Well played chaps.
Big-hitting Mark 'Woody' Wood, Steve 'Bullion' Price and Steve 'Squirty' Scanlon made up the next group to scorch the fairways. This they did until running out of puff!
Next we had John 'Sniffer' James, Harry 'Dentures' Jakoola and debutant Derek 'Spooner' Griffiths. 'Sniffer' plays this course, so gaining some advantage over the others!
The penultimate trio was Daryl 'The Rod' Jones (how's the handicap?), Des 'The Stick' Stone and deadly debutant Lee 'Larnie' Lewis. Wow, what a debut!
The final three consisted of long hitter Brian 'BC' Cullen, Kenny 'Drains' Badham and yet another newcomer in Wyn Hopkins - welcome to our gang. Nice to see you 'BC' - all work and no play won't do your driving any good!
We had many newcomers to our society this month, but only one 'latecomer'. Didn't we 'Gaffer', and there were a few who just did not turn up. This was very sad, as they didn't even let anyone know.
Due to these unfortunate events, the last group to go out consisted of a fourball of Len 'Corrie' Fairclough, Ian 'The Gas' Thomas, Gareth 'Gaffer' Gwyther and the old chap, Barry 'Chippy' Wood, who played so badly he should have been one of those who didn't show up! Absolutely true. He vows to do better next time.
There was one 'champagne hole', the long par five 18th. 'Gaffer' played the entire hole with his driver and recorded an amazing nett five.
Well done matey, perhaps I should have tried this from hole one!
After the end of play, we returned to the Woodridge Country Club for a scrumptious meal and a few bevvies and then the presentations were made by 'Woody'.
In his address, he welcomed all the new members and the former ones for turning out and making the day a very successful one. He named the day 'The Lewis Day', which will become evident a little later on.
He also stressed how important it was for those who had put their names forward to play on the day, to turn up, or if this was not possible, then to ring him on the night before, or the morning of the competition. Please do this, as it would help everyone concerned.
The presentations were made as follows:
Individuals: 1. Lee 'Larnie' Lewis 39 pts (congrats Lee on your debut victory); 2. Rick 'Paddy' Lewis 33 pts; 3. Trevor 'Santa' Lewis 31 pts (I believe he had first hand knowledge of the course).
The wooden spoon was presented to debutant Derek 'Spooner' Griffiths. Mrs. Griffiths wants him to have a matching pair! He says no chance.
Team winners: Bandits all, were Windsor 'Duke' Royall. Rick 'Paddy' Lewis and 'Uncle' Bobby King - never to play together again.
Nearest the pin: Len 'Corrie' Fairclough, who only just pipped 'Grumpy' by a few inches - better luck next time.
Longest drive: Who else, but Brian 'BC' Cullen. This is getting boring. Something will have to be done. Must check driver.
High handicap: Gary 'Shiner' Hopkins with 23. The 'Chopper' is on your case mate.
Over 65s: Newcomer Jim 'Piper' Hinchliffe. Good on you.
Finally, 'Woody' again thanked everyone who competed on the day and reminded golfers that the May Day stableford will be on Wednesday, May 5, at Carmarthen Golf Club.
Tee-off at 10 am. Meet at RAOB at 8.45 am or at Carmarthen by 9.30 am.
It is essential that you contact 'Woody' on 07870 693350 or 'Chippy' on 07790 239191 as soon as possible with your availability.
Once again, if there is anyone who would like to assist in the running of the society, especially 'on the day', please come forward, as every little helps.