There was no match scheduled for last Thursday so 21 seniors, organised by their commander-in-chief, set off for a relaxing day's golf on the rolling hillsides of Builth Wells. This is a venue they have used for the last three years and the course and the clubhouse are becoming a regular feature in their summer programme.

It helps that the sun, and the staff, welcomes them back like old friends and could be a positive influence in their choice of venue. This year was no exception as they, yet again, attempted to overcome the challenges set by this interesting course. There were varying degrees of success ranging from scores of 39 down to 20, but, as always, the course left each one with the desire to return and try again.

Playing the course for the first time can be frustrating and reduce one to using words unfamiliar to the English dictionary, as Danny Owen found to his cost. His partners thought he was speaking Gaelic. While not being as expletive, Ray Ford also struggled to master some of the intricacies of the challenges set, but enjoyed the experience.

Mike Fox, on the other hand, thought that - 'the holes were in the wrong place and the distances were all incorrect!' but he enjoyed watching Brian Morgan arc his drive in familiar style to narrowly avoid most of the trees on either side of the fairways. I say most; he was forced to use a 'tree' iron on the fourth and had to duck as the ball struck the tree and sailed back over his head to land 20 yards behind him. Whatever happened to the straightening out of the driver? Brian must have been distracted. Owen Monaghan had already discovered his wallet on the coach and duly returned it. He was rewarded with three balls for his troubles. He was expecting the same when he discovered Morgie's watch on the windowsill in the showers after the day's golf.

Peter Williams started off in sparkling style with an eagle two on the first hole. His second shot, a six-iron from 160 yards, hit the green, climbed the bank behind and rolled back into the hole. He must have thought that the rest of the day was going to be a doddle - not so! Every course has a means of levelling any aspirations, as most found out, and Peter ended up with a creditable 31 points. Bart Youll also found that to his cost as he trudged back to the tee on the fourth hole. His well hit drive had manoeuvred its way into the hedge on the left and disappeared from view. Playing three off the tee, he managed to score a point for his troubles in a round of 30.

Stan was one of those to struggle against the challenges of the back nine as his game fell away in a round of 24. He was encouraged, however, by his playing partner Alan Yates, who earned himself 36 points. Allen Watts, on the other hand, came in muttering that he also had not had a good day. He was unable to overcome the difficulties posed by the greens and could only manage 30 points, as was the case with John Hancock, Tony Morgan and John Hayhoe.

'Our Jim' had brought his lap top so the scores were duly entered - but, not before a few miscreants had been summoned to verify or adjust scores. Will the seniors never get it right! When asked if the round was going to be a qualifier, Jim barked, "No – It ain't!" I wonder why? - Read on.

The round was followed by some lively conversation on the patio, before everyone adjourned to the dining area for a sumptuous meal and the announcement of the results. Peter Williams and Jim Martin were the only ones to score a two during the afternoon and were duly rewarded with half of the pot each.

There were two holes designated for nearest the pin, the fifth and the 15th. Both prizes went to Des Stone for his touch of luck on the day.

The winning team comprised of Peter Williams (31), Jim Martin (38) and Owen Monaghan (35) with a total of 104 points. They outscored the next in line, Rod Clarke (33), Ken Gouldsbrough (27) and Bart Youll (30), who could only manage eighty-nine points total.

Alan Yates (36) picked up third spot, while Jim Martin (38) escaped with second. The winner on the day, with a magnificent 39 points, was Paul Bradley.

With the echoes of conversation and laughter still resounding round the bus, the next thought was, 'Where will we go next year?' It's obvious 'ennit?' We'll drop a division and find a course near to West Aam!