PLAYED over four days last week, top amateur golfers from all over the UK and a few from Europe competed at Tenby for the prestigious Welsh Open Strokeplay title.

The competitors experienced tough conditions including some rain and strong winds blowing in almost every direction.

However, despite the very wet winter, the famous links were in an excellent overall condition and the greens were very slick.

After three rounds, young Harry Watkins of Royal Porthcawl was five ahead on 15 under. He played the last round with fellow Porthcawl member, Matt Roberts, and it was a very exciting spectacle – almost matchplay.

Roberts almost caught American University student Watkins. However, Watkins miraculously saved par on the 13th and then Roberts had to play three off the tee on both the 14th and 15th after pulling his drives.

Tomi Bowen of Welshpool was already in the clubhouse at 13 under.

Watkins had to par the 18th to win the tournament but he charged his first putt.

However, he composed himself and slotted the return to claim victory on 14 under.

Throughout the four days there were huge praises for Tenby GC in respect of both the well presented course and the fabulous new clubhouse from competitors, officials and the new President of Wales Golf, Andy Ingram.

The leading scores were: Harry Watkins (Royal Porthcawl) – 274, Tomi Bowen (Welshpool) – 275, Matt Roberts (Royal Porthcawl) – 277, Jacob Kelso (Kings Hill) and Joe Jones (Langland Bay) – both 278.

Joe Jones was winner of the Under 21 section and Caolan Burford had the lowest round of the event with a 63 on Sunday.

The Tenby team had to travel over 76 miles to North Ceredigion for its last Dyfed League match.

Dean Rossiter who won his first game for Tenby GC.
Dean Rossiter who won his first game for Tenby GC. (Pic supplied)

Unfortunately, they lost by the narrowest of margins – 4.5 games to 3.5.

Despite flopping in the Welsh Strokeplay at Tenby, skipper Rhys Davies together with Andy Cope claimed a resounding 7 & 5 win. Llyr Davies and the evergreen Neil Thomas had a creditable half. Rhys Jones and Rob Morgan lost one down. Ian Duke and Paul Jenkins fell 2 & 1.

However, Mick Seal and Wyndam Collins stopped the rot with a 2 & 1 win. Rob Wilcox and newcomer Paul Northwood were never at the races and lost 4 & 3. Dean Rossiter and Neil Proctor won 2 & 1, thus levelling matters at 3.5 games each.

However, Nick Allen and young Ollie Morris lost the final rubber by 2 & 1.