On Thursday 28 September, Mick Seal and Brian Jones (the latter stepping in as a replacement for David Hancock) proudly represented our club in the GCMA Cup held at Llanishen Golf Club.

The day commenced with enlightening presentations by the GCMA Chief Executive and representatives from Wales Golf. Of particular note was a significant announcement from Wales Golf, stating that starting in 2024, scores from 4 ball betterball matches will be factored into handicap calculations (a warning to those trying to take advantage of the system!).

The afternoon’s competition featured a 4 ball betterball format, allowing for an 85% handicap allowance. Tenby was paired with representatives from Glamorganshire Golf Club, and the day proved to be a tale of two halves for our team.

During the front 9 holes, Brian Jones contributed numerous valuable 3-pointers, bringing the team to the turn with an impressive 21 points. However, on the back 9, Mick Seal, known for his formidable driving skills (though not always in the intended direction), took the lead. The final scorecard revealed a total of 43 points for Tenby, securing a 2-point lead over the Glamorganshire team. There were whispers that a staggering 49 points might be within reach.

Following the round, all participants enjoyed a delightful 3-course meal and an awards presentation. Mick Seal was honored with the “Nearest the Pin” prize for his exceptional 9-iron shot on hole 5. As the final scores were announced, the tension in the room grew palpable, and to our pleasant surprise, our 43 points were enough to secure victory in the cup.

It’s worth noting that this prestigious competition has been a tradition since 1954, and this year marks the first time that Tenby Golf Club has claimed the coveted trophy. Apologies to David Hancock, but we couldn’t resist sharing this moment of triumph! 😉

Report by Brian Jones