The Golden Eagle, a world-ranking event for amateurs and the opening day of the Trubshaw Cup, was played in glorious sunshine at Tenby Golf Club.
Conditions were ideal for good scoring, but the oldest golf course in Wales once again proved it is far from easy. Tenby’s unforgiving links punished wayward shots throughout the day, with the morning scores coming in higher than expected. Only three players managed to break par in the opening round.
Tenby and Neath Golf Club member Tomas Carlson produced one of the standout morning performances with a superb one-under-par round, an excellent effort on a day when the average score was in the high 70s.
Scoring improved slightly during the afternoon 18 holes, but no one was able to overpower the course. After 36 holes, the competitors were understandably tired, although they are only halfway through the challenge, with a further 36 holes to be played at Ashburnham tomorrow to decide the winner of the Trubshaw Cup.
The catering team, led by Brendan, were outstanding throughout the day, arriving at dawn to set everything up and keeping competitors and volunteers fed and watered from start to finish.
A huge thank you also goes to club members Chris Beecher, Mick Seal, Linda Tordoff Evans, Beth McMann, Ann and Wyndham Collins, and the ever-reliable Gethin Evans, who all volunteered their time to help make the day such a success.
This tournament would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of lead organiser Irene Gilman. Thank you, Irene, for your continued efforts in keeping Tenby Golf Club on the rotation of top amateur events.
Leading scores after 36 holes
Theo Baker, Celtic Manor Resort — 68, 74 — 142
Shaun Harpin, North Wales — 75, 71 — 146
Adrian Cunningham, Woodlake Park — 71, 75 — 146
Ted Ballard, Sherdons Golf Centre — 74, 73 — 147
Lee Jones, Conwy — 77, 71 — 148
Ryan Williams, Bargoed — 76, 72 — 148
Bryn Thomas, Cardigan — 72, 76 — 148
Tomas Carlson, Neath — 71, 78 — 149
Piers Murphy, Celtic Manor Resort — 76, 74 — 150
Iwan M Lewis, Royal St Davids — 75, 75 — 150