For the past two years, Tenby Golf Club has dominated this team event, but this year, the third attempt ended in disappointment. Was the loss due to the absence of their inspirational captain, Linda Tordorff Evans? Or perhaps it was the challenging Kennemer golf course, or maybe even the generous flow of alcohol in the impressive thatched-roof clubhouse.

Things started off well after the Day 1 betterball, with Tenby just one point behind the leaders, Biarritz, while Kennemer, Kirby Muxloe and Pau were close behind. Day 2 dawned with near-perfect golfing conditions, unfortunately, these conditions didn’t favour Tenby, who typically thrive in torrential rain and gale-force winds!

In the singles Stableford, most of the team; Dinah and Richard Reed, Tony Key, Rhian Walters and the two Kennemer guests, returned scores in the mid-20s, which was never going to be enough to retain the cup. Rob Morgan delivered another solid performance with 32 points and Brian Jones achieved a respectable 34. The highest individual score came from Michael Fabre of Biarritz, who managed 36 points, proving just how challenging this top course was. Biarritz extended their overnight lead and emerged as deserving winners.

The gala dinner was a resounding success, with everyone enjoying a three-course meal, excellent wine, and entertainment provided by a local band playing hits from the era that resonated with the crowd.

While Tenby may not have won on the golf course, they certainly stole the show with their singing, Rhian and Tony brought the house down with a superb rendition of “Calon Lan.”.

Thanks to Tony for stepping in as captain on short notice.

Golf is an important part of the Hamilton Cup, but it pales in comparison to the lifelong friendships formed over the three-day event.