They came from Carmarthen and Milford, from Wenvoe and Clyne and also from Cottrell (Park) and Pennard in line.

They travelled from Neath and from Rhondda, Maesteg, with players from Penrhos, as well as Tawe Vale

Let's add on St. Athan, Pontardawe to boot with Grove, Pyle and Kenfig, and also Newport.

That leaves Woodlake Park and Peterstone free to join all the members of our home club Tenby.

In total, 104 visitors rolled up in glorious sunshine for the Seniors Open day, to join the 46 Tenby members who had signed up to challenge the oldest links course in South Wales, as well as each other. As it happens, three players had to withdraw at the last minute, but that did not detract from the success of the day.

The committee was delighted that so many had signed-up and extremely happy that the weather had settled long enough to take away the worry of a day spoilt.

The course was in immaculate condition thanks to the ongoing efforts of Chris Jenkins and his team.

As they handed in their cards, visitors were full of praise for the firm fast fairways (when they found them!), as well as the pristine greens which provided a challenge of pace and undulation. The rough added to the challenge but, with the first cut extended over recent years, was far enough away to be avoided by many, but not all. These elements all played a part in the range of scores registered and allowed for a number of high scores to be recorded.

John Hancock, as first member out, laid down the challenge with a score of 32 points, but was soon relegated when Brian Jones came in with 36 and Jim Moffatt with 38. Richard Davies matched Jim's score, but they all had to concede to Paul Nixon's score of 40 points. Martin Neilan couldn't match his score of 40 at the Grove, returning a score on the day of 36 points. Tony Ranoe, on the other hand, rose to the occasion and added to the number of high scorers with a total of 39.

The first score over 30 from the visitors was provided by Ray Thompson, Clyne, with an opener of 32. This was soon overtaken when Graham Lang, Carmarthen, and A. Thomas, Pontardawe, both returned a score of 35. Gerwyn Davies, Carmarthen, edged past them with 37, which was one more than Brian O'Connor, Clyne. Many of the visitors came in large groups and had their own competition amongst the group. Pontardawe was one such group to return with a large contingent and compete for a trophy in memory of one of their former members who enjoyed the Tenby Open. Also among their group was Alan Hinks from Florida - popular place Tenby!

It was now a case of whether the later starters could match or improve on these scores. Some did and many didn't as will be evident from the results below. One Tenby member opened his account with an eagle on the first (for five points) followed by two blobs. On the rest of the front nine he scored three points on each of five holes, while failing to score on one more. Still a total of 20 was not too bad. He followed this with two points on the 11th, one point on the 18th and the rest all three pointers. What a day's golf! Well done Jim, now you can start your next game with a brand new handicap, as can a few others.

Nearest the pin was on the 12th and was won by Tony Ranoe, while nearest the line on the 14th was won by Dai Rees from Penrhos.

A sleeve of balls was the reward for scoring a two and given to 16 players. On the sixth, the recipients were Robin Hagley, Michael Griffiths (Tawe), David Mold (Tawe), Don Sigsworth and J. Edwards (Penrhos). John Hall scored one on the 12th, as did Allen Watts and Clive Llewellyn (Pennard). Winners on the 17th were Newman Vincent, W. Marks (Carmarthen), Steve Powell (Clyne), Phil Rees (Pontardawe), Terry Sheen (Neath), Ivor Grant (Rhondda) and Terry White (Rhondda). The best off all, however, was a two on the 13th scored by A. Thomas (Pontardawe).

As with all events, it is a team effort that ensures that everyone goes home with feelings of pleasure and accomplishment. At the hub of the Tenby organisation was the secretary of the seniors' section, Peter Williams, who, in consultation with captain, Stan Hudson, has been busy since January sending out and collating all information for visitors and members to book their slot.

On the day, he was helped by willing volunteers to make sure that the occasion was a good experience for all who took part. Tony Morgan was in place alongside Peter to make sure the entry fees were all accounted for and every one registered. For the first time, this took place in the pro's shop and the support offered by Rhys and his staff was invaluable to the smooth running of the day.

Meanwhile outside, delighted that the day was warm and sunny, Geoff Aston and Bob Howse added a touch of professionalism as they fulfiled the duties of starter.

As scorecards were handed in, Richard Davies, and later Jim Martin, was there to enter them into the computer and ensure that there were no errors. In the club, Steve and his merry entourage were kept busy in the kitchen attending to all the bacon rolls and coffee before tee-off time and fulfiling the needs of after match food and drink as they returned.

Brian Morgan and Mike Fox were also very busy finding raffle prizes, displaying them and announcing the winning numbers. All proceeds will be handed over to local charities so keep up the good work chaps.

In his address to those who had remained for the presentation Stan Hudson was effusive in his praise for everyone who had helped to make the day a success, in particular to Peter Williams who had been working tirelessly in the background for many months.

He also extended his appreciation to the club committee and the office staff for their on going support in enabling the event to take place each year. This event brings it own rewards as indicated by the number of visitors who expressed a desire to return and meet the challenge again.

The results for the day's competitions are as follows:

Visitors Under 70: 1, Alun Rees, Maesteg (41 pts); 2. Terry Sheen, Neath (37); 3. Brian O'Connor, Clyne (36); 4. J. Harries, Clyne (36).

Visitors 70-plus: 1. W. Marks, Carmarthen (39); 2. G. Davies, Carmarthen (37); 3. J. Crawford, Carmarthen (33); 4. P. Bolladz, Pontardawe (33).

Members Under 70: 1. Jim Martin (44); 2. Paul Nixon (40); 3. Tony Ranoe (39); 4. Jim Moffatt (38).

Members 70-plus: 1. Owen Monaghan (36); 2. Bob Wiseman (33); 3. Tony Morris (33); 4. Ron Murphy (33).