First-4-Golf

The pace in local clubs is definitely increasing as players contest the closing rounds of club match play events leading up to Finals’ Day  about the middle of September. We were able to record the Club Championship results at Clays golf club last week, and this week it is the turn of the Denbighshire Golfing Union Seniors’ Championships held at the Vale of Llangollen on 17^th August.

Following a couple of years of lower numbers of players competing, the efforts of David Ethelston, Secretary to the DGU to publicise the event led to an large increase in the numbers who turned out on the day to the gratification of the organizers and officials.

Make no mistake, the Llangollen course is no easy track off the back tees in the height of summer. The alluded to “run on the ball” is compensated by very fast greens which, in Llangollen, are usually played with a longer iron or hybrid club due to the length of the second shots into the long par fours. So although the test was a fair one, it was also a tough day for the average player who may not have blistering length off the tee.

The event sought a County Champion at scratch (gross) level, and a net winner also, with supporting prizes in each category.

Winner of the gross was Wrexham player Alan Merrill with an excellent 75 against par of 72, and Competition scratch score of 73. He was followed one shot in arrears by Andy Povah, also of Wrexham who handed in a 76 whilst the net champions completed a clean sweep for the Wrexham players in the form of Steve Basford who returned 77 – 12 – 63, dropping only five strokes to par throughout the day. Net runner up was Llangollen’s President, Warren Davies, with a net 68 from third placed Rod Stanczyszyn on 69 with Tom Pierce of Chirk fourth, and Dave Richmond of Abergele in fifth place, both on 69’s.

The prizes were presented by Terry Dodd, County Captain, at the conclusion of play, and the Officials of the DGU would like to express their appreciation to the Vale of Llangollen for the use of the golf course.

Remaining with Llangollen, the veterans played their Keefe- Jarvis cup last week when no less than fifty two players contested the event. Played as a pairs event, the winners were Bill Matthews and Spencer Povah with 42 points from second placed Wyn Williams and Eugene Jones who handed in the better of two 40 point cards, the other being the recorded efforts of Brian Beaton and David Wright who had a slightly inferior back nine holes to the runners up.

The Wrexham junior team played at Llangollen last Wednesday in the final round of the DGU Junior league and was successful in retaining their title. They will now progress to Builth Wells in October as the Denbighshire representatives in the SWALEC Junior Challenge.

The junior medal at Wrexham proved to be a low scoring affair with the first division winner, Matthew Waters returning 79 – 12 – 67, but the second division winner, Gareth Hughes, handed in79 – 21 – 58 to see his handicap drop four strokes to 17.

Callum Gaughran played 95 – 27 – 68 for runner up in the second division and Jamie Lloyd was runner up in the first with 73 – 5 – 68.

For longer handicap juniors, the 97 – 33 – 64 belonging to O Green deserves recognition with J Hughes on 98 – 29 – 69 and H Jones on 100 – 29 – 71 just beating E Hoskin who returned 136 – 34 – 102.

The young lady members were led by Rhian Barton on 95 – 29 – 66 followed by Lucy Jones on 100 – 22 – 78 and Ellie Waters with 115 – 36 – 79.

Last Saturday the Wrexham course hosted the Derby Cups event for mixed pairs, the leading four pairs going through to the match play rounds in readiness for the finals in September. Leading qualifiers with 81 – 15 – 66 were Mike Norton and Helen Milner followed by Cliff and Sandie Reddington with 88 – 22 – 66. Third were Barry and Wendy Roberts with 83 – 14.5 – 68.5 and finally came Peter and Glenys Wynn with 91 – 14.5 – 76.5.

The following day was the turn of the popular Ted Clutton Am Am event which always attracts a full field of players. Winners, with apologies for the lack of fore-names were Messrs Wersun, Dickens, Ashton and Greenwood from Hart Common with 90 points. Second place went to Wrexham with Messrs Marsden, Jones, Owens and Davies on the better of two 87 point cards, the third place being occupied by Messrs Lowe, Osbourne, Alexander and Blackburn, also of the home club. Fourth spot, again to Wrexham, was occupied by Messrs Purdy, Matthews, Keenan and Palmer on 86 with Messrs Hughes, Evans, Norfolk and Grey of Wrexham in fifth place wi8th 85.

Clays golf club hosted their Seniors Stableford last Tuesday with David Clifford assuming the lead with 41 points from Bill Parry in second place with 39 and Bill Kelleher third with 37. Two days later they all played in a better ball Stableford off full handicaps and congratulated Tom McGrady and Bill Duncan who led with 51 points followed by Noel Jones and Gerry Wooster on 50, Gordon Roberts and P Hughes on 46 and Bill Hughes and Den Murphy on the same figures.

The Ladies Stableford played last Wednesday went the way of Anne Richards with 31 points from second placed Diane dare on 31 and Janet Johnson who also gained the same number of points. 

The Wrexham club seems to have had an exceptionally busy period at the beginning of this month, but calm has followed as the Green Staff embark on a three to four day Course Maintenance programme of tining and top dressing greens, and verti draining elements of the course that require special attention. The optional fourth day depends largely on the weather.

The weekly, if not daily, reading of greens speed on the Stimp meter has indicated a level of well over nine for the past month, giving a speed nearly always associated with tournament golf, the notable exception being Augusta National which hosts the U.S. Masters where speeds of just under thirteen are the norm.

The Stimp meter is a simple device comprising a grooved Aluminum stick with a saucer like depression at one end. A golf ball is placed in the shallow depression and, on a suitably flat area of green, the end holding the ball is slowly raised until the ball detaches itself from the depression and rolls down the groove and on to the green. Measure from the end of the stick to the now stationary ball at the end of its roll, and that figure in feet and inches is converted into the speed reading of the green, for example a distance of ten feet gives the logical reading of ten for the Stimp meter.

Tackling the fast greens were the competitors in the Ladies Open held last week. Hosting a large field, the club provided six prizes and a Visitor’s prize as well as both front and back nine prizes.

Overall winners were D. Langley and C. Makin of Lymm Golf Club with 44 points followed by Janet Brand of Wrexham with H. Pearson of Arscott who handed in 42 points. Bea Evans and Shelagh Jones of Wrexham were in third place with 41, a score replicated by fourth placed C. Davies and Sue Lightwood of Wrexham.

The Visitor’s prize went to J. Heritage and B. Baird of Vicar’s Cross with 39 points and the front nine award went to M. Davies and M. Claister, also of Vicar’s Cross, with twenty one points.
The back nine was won by J. Weaver and J. Brisbourne of Hawkestone Park with exactly the same number.

With Hawkestone Park in mind, Phil Coleman of the Vale of Llangollen reports on their Veterans’ second leg match against Hawkestone, played in Shropshire last week which resulted in a home win for Hawkestone by 6 – 4 matches. The first leg went to Llangollen by the same margin when played in Wales, so the completed sequence resulted in an honours even ten matches each.

The Mens’ Wednesday medal was played last week on the 3^rd of August and again printed out in long format rather than the customary divisions. Winner of the day was Brian Prandle with 75 – 12 – 63 followed by Selwyn Roberts with 85 – 20 – 65 and then Chris Davies with 79 – 14 -65. Malcolm Fennah was fourth with 85 – 20 – 65 followed by Mark Fisher on nett 66. Ian Davies recorded the lowest gross of the day with a 72 for a nett 66, with Tony McCann on 72 – 8 – 66 to complete that range of scores.

Mr. Jim Johnson was privileged to hold his second and final President’s Day at the club last Saturday in an event for both ladies and gentlemen to be played as an individual Stableford off full handicap.

 Winner of the Gentlemen’s prize was Craig Jones with 44 points from second placed Phil Dodd on the better of two 42 point cards, the second attributed to Tony Brunyee and ranked on back nine holes scores.

Ladies’ winner was Wendy Hughes with 45 points and she in turn was followed by Jackie Williams on 44 and the Lady Captain, Janet Brunyee on 38.

May I take this opportunity to thank members who contributed to my charity for research into Prostate Cancer in lieu of a competition fee? Topped up very slightly, we all raised the sum of £300.00.

The evening function rather competed against the closing concert of the National Eisteddfod and the fact that the following day was the occasion of the thirty six holes Scratch and Weiner competition which does not look kindly on late nights, but the members who attended were treated to excellent entertainment by the jazz trio “Tribeca” and a disco later.

The aforementioned Scratch and Weiner cups are played over the two rounds and attract in the main the lower handicap golfers or those in the middle range. The result featured the friendly rivalry in the club between Alyn Torrence and Rod Fieldhouse, both of whom have played for the Denbighshire scratch team over the last three years or so, and have each won the County scratch championships with the other as runner up, 2010 and 2011 being the featured years.

Sunday witnessed a good start from Alyn with a one over par 71 against the 73 offered by Rod. The afternoon round saw both players submit scores of two under par 68’s which when totalled up gave Alyn the Scratch cup with 139, and Rod the runner up spot on 141.

Heinrich Weiner was a German national who worked as an engineer in the Wrexham area before the Second World War and became fascinated with the game and subsequently joined Wrexham golf club as a member. He presented the cup upon his return to his native land and suggested that it be for the best thirty six holes net prize on the day that the Scratch cup was contested.

Winner last Sunday was Paul Hollingshead with nett 62 &70 for 132 from runner up Mark Galloway who returned 70, 67 for a total of 137.

Clays golf club hosted their Seniors’ Texas Scramble a week last Tuesday with Tony Owens, Dave Lambert and Mike Hollins winning the event with net 59. Ray Martin, Brian Downes and Den Murphy were in second place with 62.4 with Andrew Mitchell, Peter Almond and Mike carding in third spot with another 62.4

The Fan Jones Trophy attracted the lady players in an event that was organized as an individual Stableford. Winner was Shirley Roberts on 32 points followed by Yvonne Taylor on 30 and then Jeanette Williams with 29.

The Clays Club championships and Rowland Cup round one were contested for net places on the 30^th July. Winner was Rob Condren with net 62 from second placed Gareth Roberts on a further 62 with Jack Roycroft third with 63.

The Senior medal played last Thursday was won by Noel Jones with net 68 from Ernest Williams on 72. The second division went the way of Alwyn Williams followed by Stan Brookfield with scores of 65 apiece.

Joanne Beddows handed in net 75 to win round one of the Ladies’ Club Championships from Kim Harcombe on 77 and Amy Thomas on 82. The second round played the following day witnessed Pauline Peacock handing in net 73 followed by Kim Harcombe on 76 and Joanne Beddows on 79.

The Championships and Rowland Cup round two went to Jack Roycroft with net 65 from second placed Phil Davies on 66 and Kenny Hughes with 68.

One of the club senior members, Mike Carding, had an eagle two on the par four 13th hole by way of driving the green to twenty feet away from the pin and sinking the putt during the Eisteddfod event last week. He is also abseiling down the tower at St Chad’s church in Holt on Saturday 27^th August in aid of Nightingale House Hospice and St Chad’s church funds.

Further to recent events at local clubs, it was the turn of the Lady  President at Wrexham to host her day a week last Tuesday, the results being made available a little too late for inclusion last week.

Mrs. Hazel Parry enjoyed a day in which forty three ladies contested her competition. The Lady President’s prize for the best gross score of the day going to ten times ladies’ club champion Jo Nicolson with a 76, followed by Pam Valentine on 77.

Played through two divisions, the Silver division went to Monica Jones with net 68 followed by Carole Jones on net 70 and Jean Sawford with 71.

The Bronze division as won by Andrea Vaughan Smith with net 71 from a similar score submitted by Pat Purdy, but ranked on back nine holes scoring. Third was Jo Davies with 72.

Sue Bannister won the birdie twos to the tune of £31.00 as the only winner who actually entered the sweep on the day.

The Seniors’ Shield and Veterans’ Cup attracted a field of one hundred and thirty four players and was open to all over 55’s for the Seniors, and over 65’s for the veterans.

Seniors’ winner was Brian Chaloner with an excellent 79 – 16 – 63 from second placed Chris Roberts on 77 – 12 – 65 whilst the Veterans’ Cup went to Keith Bellis on 85 – 20 – 65 who was in turn followed by Cyril Jones with 82 – 16 – 66.

Thirteen players beat the competition scratch score of 70 and a further nine equaled it on the day.

The August medal brought out a plethora of low scoring rounds with Jamie Durkin submitting a 67 gross net 66 to effectively win the first division. Both Kevin Matthias and Rod Fieldhouse handed in gross 68’s to complete a trio of sub par rounds from players who are the backbone of the D.G.U. scratch team.

 Dewi Sides added a 73 – 5 – 68 and Course Chairman Phil Guest carded a 71 – 2 – 69 to add to the equation.

With the competition print out delivered in long format, not in four divisional sections, the best nett of the day went to Craig Williams with 80 – 17 – 63. He was followed in the grand order of things by Brian Moffett on 80 – 15 – 65 and then Steve Lloyd with the same score for equal third overall.

Allan Hughes handed in 78 – 12 – 66 to win what amounts to the second division and Dave Mclintock an 84 – 17 – 67 for the leading score in the third group.

A brief phone call from our press officer at the Vale of Llangollen reveals that the Veterans’ team played Padeswood and Buckley this week and lost by seven matches to three. Following a run of excellent games, I was pleased to write of their continuing success at inter club level, since which time the fate of predictions has overtaken them, albeit only temporarily.

Clays golf club in the meantime played their Shop Sunday Strokeplay last weekend which resulted in a win for David Riley with 73 – 6 – 67. He was in turn followed by Gareth Whitley on 87 – 19 – 68 and then Dennis Kevin Jones with 83 – 14 – 69.

The Neil Harden Trophy , played as an individual Stableford,  was won by Jonathan Falcus with 42 points from second placed Andy Matthews on 40 and Matthew Williams with 39.

This immediate past Sunday, the shop organized a Stableford event which was won by Jack Rycroft on 39 points. Danny Williams was in second place with another 39 point card with Matthew Hunt third with 35.

Clays Seniors’ team played Wrexham on July 25^th and lost by a margin of 7 ½ to 2 ½.

The Seniors’ Trophy was contested on 26^th July and was won by Ernest Williams with

80 – 16 – 64. He was followed by Michael Drake on 94 – 28 – 66 and then Tony Harcombe with 80 – 13 – 67. Tony won the Vets’ over 70 trophy.

In an individual Stableford played on Thursday 28^th July, Eifion Jenkins won the day followed by Don Wraight with 35 and Billy Duncan on 31.

This coming weekend is the occasion of President’s Day at Wrexham on Saturday followed by the thirty six holes Scratch and Wiener Cups on Sunday, so a busy weekend seems to be on the cards – pun not intended.

Clays golf club had a busy week when the Welsh Girls Championships gained the benefit of an excellent golf course and first class organization during its play over the qualifying and eventual match play rounds.

The thirty six holes qualifier was played last Wednesday and panned out fairly true to form considering that Wrexham’s Chloe Williams was playing abroad and not featuring in the event. Katie Bradbury of Cottrell Park established an early grip on the event with a morning 71 followed by a 74 for a 145 total that led by five strokes from Georgia Lewis of Llanishen on 150. India Friswell of Wrexham was ranked fifth and Jessica Jones of Wrexham in fourteenth place, both girls within the sixteen required for the match play rounds to follow. Amy Toft of Northop and Amy Clarke of Old Padeswood were in seventh and twelfth places respectively.

Thursday witnessed number one seed Katie Bradbury win the first round by two holes and her quarter final by six and five, Jessica and India unfortunately being drawn against each other in the quarters in which Jessica triumphed on the twenty first hole, both Amy Toft and Amy Clarke going down in the first round.

Jessica has the misfortune to be drawn against the in form Katie for her semi final which she narrowly lost by two and one with Sarah Rees Evans becoming the other finalist by beating Miriam Hassan by two and one also.

The final went true to form with Katie winning the event and Sarah becoming runner up.

Thank were expressed to Clays by the officials of the Golf Union of Wales at the presentation following the final.

Clays also hosted last Sunday’s County match when Denbighshire took on old rivals Flintshire.

The Denbighshire team was drawn from just two clubs in the county and comprised Andrew Bostock, Jamie Durkin, Kevin Matthias and Alyn Torrence of Wrexham,  and Iain Hayes, Howard Lea, Josh Lloyd and Paul Strange of Abergele.

The morning foursomes went the way of the host county with Denbighshire leading by 3½ to ½ to establish a very handy lead before the singles in the afternoon.

A win by Alyn Torrence and a half by Jamie Durkin after lunch added to the early points, but a reversal to the tune of three consecutive losses let Flintshire back into the equation before two halved games gave Denbighshire overall victory by 6½ to 5½ .

The next match is against Caernarfonshire at Abersoch on 21^st August.

Wrexham’s professional Paul Williams held his professional’s Day at his home club last Saturday and attracted a full field of players throughout the day. The final tee time was in the region of 3.30 p.m. to enable results to be available for the evening presentation.

Ladies’ winner was Jo Davies with 37 points from runner up Jane Mullet Prandle with 36 and Hazel Parry in third place with 35.

The mens’ winner was Ian Arnold on 43 points followed by Alan Stone on 40 and then a card play off for third place between Andrew Purdy, Andy Ward and Alan Prandle  who were ranked in that order with 39 points each.

The Junior Ted Clutton trophy went to Jak Hughes with 44 points from second placed Lucy Jones with 41.

At the Vale of Llangollen the veterans played their Jubilee Cup which featured a win for Malcolm Devaney on 42 points from David A Wright on 41 and Dennis “ Sunbank” Jones on 40. Sixty two players contested the event.

The veterans’ team also travelled to Shrewsbury golf club at Condover to play in a friendly, but lost by seven games to three.

Reverting to Clays golf club, the members played a Shop Stroke Play competition which witnessed a win for David Riley on 73 – 6 – 67 followed by Gareth Whitley with 87 – 19 – 68 and Dennis Kevin Jones on 83 – 14 – 69.

The results of the Neil Harden Trophy featured Jonathan Falcus in the lead with 42 points from second placed Andy Matthews  on 40 and Matthew Williams on 39.

With the Open championship over for another year, and Darren Clarke safely ensconced back in Northern Ireland with the claret jug, it’s been a shot in the arm for the over forties to see such a homely figure play so steadily to achieve a lifetime’s ambition and then celebrate as only the Irish know how.

A few years ago Darren became a gymaholic and as slim as a whip, highlights in his hair, and the epitome of the modern golfer. His recent return to normality has seen a huge change for the better in his personality and his appeal has broadened as a result.

We can all identify with a man who can certainly play a bit, celebrate a bit, and gains pleasure from a crafty cigarette on alternate tees, but plays with the steadiness that we all aspire to when the chips are down.

A people’s champion if ever I saw one, and very well deserved.

Meanwhile, local golf continues despite the distractions of the television game, and Clay’s golf club held their joint captains’ day for Captain Reg Peacock and Lady Captain, Diane Dare last Saturday with over one hundred and sixty players competing in support of their officers. A few short showers flurried through the day but nothing serious enough to hinder progress in the Stableford competition off full handicap with a morning and afternoon competition with shotgun starts.

The evening presentation in the clubhouse was accompanied by a sit-down meal and entertainment by a local group called “Five past Forty”.

Winner of the Captains prize was Richard Edwards with 44 points from Steve Parry, 40, and Andy Evans with 38. Prizes were also awarded to the best non-prizewinning score and the recipients were Ian Stent in the morning and Graham Davidson-Clarke in the afternoon.

The Lady Captain’s prize went to Jo Beddows with 39 points followed by India Friswell, 37 and Ellen Mostyn with 34.

The straightest drive on the third hole was won by Ellen Mostyn and Ian Samuels; nearest the pin in two strokes on the eleventh was won by Gareth Parry, and the ladies nearest the pin on the fifth hole went to Ladies’ Vice Captain, Anne Lee and in the mens’ event, Junior Captain Patrick McHugh.

Best junior was Jack Roycroft and best senior, Bill Kelleher, and the best visitors were Bill Robinson and Jilly Law from Ruthin – Pwllglas.

The Seniors played an individual Stableford last Tuesday which featured a win for Andrew Mitchell with 39 points on  a count back from Mike Drake with Peter Almond in third place with 38, a score replicated by Lou Bush for fourth place and Brian Mercer who was fifth.

On the same day Clays seniors had a home match against Aldersley Green and won by

7½ to 2½      

The Shop Bogey played on July 9^th witnessed a good day for David Lang with a score of +6 against Bogey with Gareth Whitley on +5 and David Abell on a similar score.

The Seniors Kitty competition played last Thursday as a three ball competition was won by Gordon Roberts, Cliff Davies and Neil Sanger with a cumulative score of 81 points. Second came Peter Almond, Bill Parry and Andrew Mitchell with 78 followed by our press officer Derek Lyon accompanied by Steve Monk and Harold Hughes with 77.

Meanwhile the Vale of Llangollen veterans had a slightly off day when playing the first round of the Coleman Trophy at Mile End golf club. They left themselves with a metaphoric mountain to climb by losing the match by nine games to one.

Wrexham hosted the Crowe and Leader Cups competition just over a week ago which featured a win for Stuart James Woolrich with 73 – 12 – 61. Due to the fact that he was not a previous Honours Board winner, he scooped the both trophies despite a good score from Leader runner up Sean Price with 81 – 18 – 63. J Peet was runner up in the Crowe Cup with 78 – 13 – 65.

The Ladies’ Invitation Day was won by Jean Sawford with her partner Sue Goodyer with an excellent 45 points followed by Dorne Tym and Lou Johnson on 44. Third place went to Janet Brand and Helen Pearson with 44 in an event in which twenty nine teams took part.

For over thirty years the principal golf tournament associated with the Wrexham County Borough Council has been their allegiance with Carlsberg U.K. to sponsor the popular Carlsberg Trophy event held at Wrexham Golf Club each August.

This year is no exception and the competition takes place on Wednesday, 24^th August and is played in pairs as a betterball Stableford for a range of excellent prizes which include over £400 worth of golf vouchers, and memberships of Pure Active WCBC Fitness.

For just £38 per pair it represents excellent value for money as there is a meal included as well as two complimentary pints of lager from the sponsors, Carlsberg U.K.

Entry forms are available on line from www.wrexham.gov.uk or by contacting Andy Harris on 01691 778666 or Louise Brady who answers to 01987 821600.

Remaining with Wrexham golf club for the moment, the Ladies played their Caldecott Pattison Salver last Tuesday with a rather surprisingly small field of just five players.

Winner with an excellent score was Jane O’ Sullivan on 98 – 30 – 68 from runner up Sandy Reddington who handed in 97 – 24 – 73.

Twenty ladies did however contest a Stableford event on the same day which witnessed a win for Shirley Williams with 38 points from ladies’ Vice Captain, Carolann Jones on 37as a result of a card play-off.

The Vale of Llangollen veterans played the second leg of their Eifion Davies Memorial Trophy which is contested between themselves and Oswestry golf club where Eifion was also a member.

Home club advantage was evident in the first leg which was won at Llangollen by 7 ½ to 4 ½ but also at Oswestry where the home players reversed the advantage to win by 9 ½         to 2 ½ . The Trophy therefore residing in Oswestry for the next twelve months as a result of the overall score reading 14 to Oswestry against 10 to the Vale of Llangollen.

Clays golf club played their Junior medal last Sunday which saw Victoria Raffle return 83 – 33 – 50 to win the event and have her handicap reduced to 24 in one fell swoop. Tom Gledhill came second with 79 – 22 – 57 and was duly reduced to 18 as was Jack Roycroft who was in third place with 81 – 21 – 60.

The Seniors travelled to Ruthin Pwllglas for their Seniors Open on July 5^th. Played as a pairs betterball Stableford off 7/8ths handicap, the winners were Clays pair Dave Lambert and Noel Jones with a creditable 40 points. Second came Mike Carding and Don Wreaight from Clays with 44 points and completing the nap hand were Maelor Davies and Tony Jackson of Clays with 44 points.

Irwin Elkin was nearest the pin for his second shot on the par four 4^th hole (or thirteenth depending on which nine holes you were playing) and the nearest the pin on the par three 7^th hole (or 16^th) was Wal Browett of Ruthin Pwllglas. There were fourteen birdie twos on the par three holes which were contributed by Brian Proudfoot, John Brooks, John E Jones, Len Padmore, Wal Browett and John Hughes, all of Ruthin Pwllglas; Mike Hollings, Bill Kelleher, Colin Jones and Ray Jones from Clays, and Colin Edwards and Arwel Morris from Wrexham.

The Seniors Kitty competition on July 7^th went to Cliff Davies with 40 points from Bill Duncan, 40, and Reg Taylor with 37.

The Ladies’ monthly medal resulted in a win for Janet Johnson on 91 – 25 – 66 followed by Anne Richards with 89 – 16 – 73 and finally Diane Dare the Ladies Captain with 102 – 27 – 75 for third place.

The Welsh Girls Championships take place at Clays from 18^th to 21^st of July, the results of which will not quite be available for next week’s issue, but will feature the following week

The Denbighshire Past Captains’ Association has enjoyed some forty odd years since its inception in the 1970’s and enjoys support wherever the game of golf is played throughout the county.

Organised for many years by the late John Hawkes of Llangollen golf club, and since his demise by Brian Dallimore of Denbigh golf club, last Thursday was the occasion of the Association’s Captain’s day held at Wrexham golf club, which is the home club of this year’s incumbent, Cyril Belton.

Cyril was the club captain in 1996 and has been an enthusiastic member of the Past captains for over fifteen years. His competition took the form of an individual Stableford and he entertained over forty three past captains from the affiliated clubs of the Union.

Custom has it that the Captain of the day of the host club is a guest of the Association, and Thursday was no exception as John Dwyfor Williams, Wrexham captain for 2011 was duly invited to participate in the competition.

Four hours later with 40 points on his card he was announced the event winner, but was obliged to miss the presentation because of his prior commitment to the National Eisteddfod committee of which he is an enthusiastic member. He did however return and participate in the later celebrations.

The Captain’s Cup is awarded to the winner on the day, the successful recipient needing to be a Past captain of a Denbighshire golf club. With 38 points, Ron Roberts of Clays golf club was presented with the trophy by Cyril in the company of the Association president, Stan Roberts of Ruthin Pwllglas.

 J.D. did however scurry home with four bottles of wine for his efforts.

Rather belatedly and with apologies to all concerned the results of the County Scratch and Youths Championships have lurked on my Inbox for nearly a fortnight. Thanks to David Ethelston, County secretary of the DGU I have a comprehensive report on the goings on on the day and, of course, the final results.

The event took place just two weekends ago at Clays golf course which was presented in impeccable condition for the competition. At the end of the morning round, this being a thirty six hole event, five handicapper and past County champion Hugh Parry of Abergele led with a 69 gross, one stroke clear of fellow five handicapper Donny Jones of Old Colwyn and reigning champion, one handicap Alyn Torrence of Plassey with a further eight player sin close contention.

The afternoon round saw last year’s runner up, Rhodri Fieldhouse of Wrexham, off plus one, return a 67 against Alyn’s 70. Rod’s score of 139 piped Alyn for the championship by on e stroke with Andy Evans of Clays third with another 67, and Hugh settling for fourth place.

Hugh had the best net thirty six holes score of 132, almost twenty years after his first victory in the event.

Rhodri also took the Youth’s championship, with second place going to Michael Evans of Clays with 145 and third place to Rhys Millington of Wrexham with 147.

With the usual restrictions in place regarding the number of prizes awarded to one player, the best morning gross went to Donny Jones for his 70 and in the afternoon to Chris Platt of the Vale of Llangollen with his 69.

The best Youth’s thirty six holes net award went to Wrexham’s Thomas Williams with 137.

The Union expressed its gratitude to Clays golf club with the prizes being presented by Terry Dodd, the County Captain of Chirk golf club. The Union were appreciative of the assistance of two referees in the way of Maurice Berg of Abergele and Cliff jones of Wrexham.

Remaining with Clays golf club, the Seniors’ medal for July was played through two divisions and went firstly to division one winner Bill Parry with net 66 from William Duncan on the same score. Third was Stewart Poole with net 67.

The second division was won by Steve Monk with an excellent net 62 followed by Stan Brookfield on 68 and then Pater Frazer with 69.

The monthly medal open to all club members was played through a third division to accommodate the increased numbers. Division one winner was Stephen Hart with net 65 from Ian Connel on 66 and Steve Williams with 66 also.

Richard Collier took the second group with his score of net 63 followed by John Scott with 64 and then Jordan Pearson with another 64 card. Peter Reagan won the third division with net 65 with Dilwyn Jones in close attendance with 66 and Nigel Davies on another 66.

The shop Stableford played last Sunday witnessed a win for Justin Bull on 42 points from David Abell on 40 and Colin Brand with 39.

Phil Coleman of the Vale of Llangollen informs me that yet again, their veterans’ team has had a successful match against a local club, this time Helsby who slid to gentle defeat by a margin of 7 ½ to 4 ½.

Reverting to Wrexham for the recent results, the Ladies Cancer Relief medal took place a week last Tuesday, just too late for last week’s issue. Janet Lloyd in winning the Silver division with 82 – 17 – 65 also took the Cancer Relief honours for the day. Second in her division was Carole Jones with 89 – 18 – 71.

The Bronze division was won by Anne Bale with 95 – 29 – 66 from Andrea Vaughan Smith who returned 90 – 21- 69.

Just last Tuesday Shelagh Jones won the GUW medal with a Silver division victory with her score of 85 – 20 – 65 from runner up Mary Bainbridge who returned to the clubhouse with 86 – 20 – 66

The Junior medal was played last Sunday and witnessed a win for jack waters with 76 – 12 – 64. This adjusted his handicap to 11. Second was Mike Peters with 75 – 7 – 68 and third came Jamie Lloyd with 73 – 5 – 68.

Sam Postle took the honours in the second division with 99 – 32 – 67 with Joel Baines on 108 – 38 – 70 and O. Green scoring 104 – 33 – 71.

Mens’ Invitation Day played last Saturday was a day of two halves in that two separate shotgun starts saw play in one competition in the morning and another in the afternoon. This has the distinct advantage of having everyone in the clubhouse at the same time for a meal and presentation.

Winner of the morning event was Ollie Hughes and P Huxley with 45 points from second placed Tim Jones and K Todd, 43; and P Williams and P Jones on 42.

The afternoon round featured a win for Dennis Humphries and D Allcock with 45 points from Steve Taylor and P Harrison on 43 and then Mike Lowe and S Parry with a repeat score of 43.

The prizes in  the morning were presented by the Vice captain, Colin Graham, and in the afternoon by the club Captain John D. Williams.

Young Wrexham lady golfer Chloe Williams confirmed her position as one of the strongest players in her age group in Wales when she gained the most points in the Vagliano Trophy (Junior U16 Girls) when representing Great Britain and Ireland at Royal Porthcawl last Friday and Saturday. The team consisted of six girls from G.B & I. playing against six girls representing the Continent of Europe. Chloe played with Bronte Law in the opening foursomes an achieved five birdies in the closing seven holes to only gain a half a point.

The team score was 1½ – 1½   after the first mornings games.

Her afternoon singles found her slightly out of touch and she went down by 6 and 5, her game having slightly lost its edge in all departments, and the first day closing score was

7½ to Europe and 2½ to GB & I.

On day two Chloe again partnered Bronte against the same opponents on a very windy, wet day, and beat them by 6 and 5. For her final outing in the afternoon singles, she played the Spanish U16 girls’ Champion, Harang Lee, and beat her by 2 and 1.

The overall score for the match was Europe, 13; and GB & I 5, with Chloe gaining 2½ points to become joint top points earner with Georgia Hall.

The icing on the cake was Chloe’s interview with the June Welsh Club Golfer magazine that features a prominent amateur each month. Copies are available in clubhouses throughout Wales.

The Wrexham club held their Open week last week commencing with the Junior Centenary trophy. Winner with 96 – 32- 64 was Harry Jones with runner up Chris Tym scoring 79 – 14 – 65.

The Ladies’ Centenary trophy went to Carole Jones with 87 – 19 – 68 from runner up Dorne Tym, Chris’s mum, on 85 – 14 – 71. The thirty three entries produced just one birdie two which went to Gayle Elson.

The Open Am Am attracted a full field and was won by the team comprising Brian Neale Huw Williams, Mike Kagen and Barry Dickenson with a score of 92 points. Second came the ladies team of Gayle Elson, Andrea Vaughan Smith, Jane O’ Sullivan and Jackie Williams on 87. Third came David Nigel Jones, Oscar W. Jones, Rob Huxley and D Jones with 85 and fourth were Keith Miller, Bob Kavanagh, A Jones and R Kavanagh with 84.

The Ladies prize, excepting the runners up, went to L Williams, A Hewitt, M Hughes and L Finlay of the Vale of Llangollen with 78.

The Better Ball Open of Wednesday was open to Mens or Mixed competitors with the former going to Chris Davies and Glyn Williams with 44 points. Second came Jamie Seddon and R Irvine with the best of three 41 point cards and they in turn were followed by S Williams and G Williams with C Chew and S Winter taking fourth place.

The Mixed prizes went to husband and wife duo, Dorne and Jonathan Tym with 41 points followed by Keith and Angela Miller on 40, Reg and Mary Hunter on 38 and H. and G. Smith on a second 38 point card.

The ever popular Seniors Open of the Thursday was won by Mike Verburg and Brian Chaloner with 45 points from second placed Bill Taylor and Tony McCann on the better of three 43 point cards. Third place was obtained by Derek Collis and Gilbert Hunt followed by Brian Bell and Rob Huxley occupying the fourth position.

The best gross went to Mike Norton and Malcolm Sides with a two over par 72.

The Mens’ Centenary Cup was played in conjunction with the July medal and the trophy went to Mark Antony Williams with 70 – 6 – 64 followed by Howard Griffiths with net 67, and then Keith Baines with another 67. Maelor Gittins came fourth with net 68.

Clays golf club played their Ladies Stableford Qualifier last Wednesday which resulted in a win for Anne Richards on 41 points from second placed Rosalind Carman on 32 and Shirley Roberts with 30.

The Tommy Davies Cup went to Mike D Jones with 44 points from Peter Snape, 42; and Robert A. Brown in third place with 41.

The Sunday Shop Stableford went to Josh green with 43 points from second placed Timothy Lloyd on 42 and Neil Lloyd Richards with 41.

Playing in the Seniors’ Hall of Fame Qualifier, Colin Brown led the pack with 45 points from second placed Wyn Williams, co proprietor of Clays, on 40, with Barry K Evans third with another 40 point card

The Shop Saturday Strokeplay went to Rob Condren with 83 – 18 – 65 from Ernest Williams on 82 – 17 – 65 and Jonathan Falcus with 81 – 16 – 65 in third place.

The following day the Shop Stableford featured a win for Clare Broster with 40 points from second placed Stuart Rogers on 39 and David Lang in third place with 38.

Our final contribution this week is offered by Phil Coleman of the Vale of Llangollen Veterans who were successful in beating Hawkestone Park at Llangollen by six matches to four. They have now played ten and won nine for an excellent position to be in mid summer.

Rather than duplicate the  accolades in the national press about the achievements of Rory McIlroy, I  would just add that I thought that his assurance and control were excellent, so I shall launch straight into the past fortnights efforts.

A week last Saturday was the occasion of Captain’s Day at Wrexham when John D Williams hosted his day. The competition was played as an individual medal with three prizes offered in the customary manner. The Captain’s prize was for the best net score of the day; the seniors’ Prize for the best of the over sixties, and a prize for the best gross score, open to all.

Excellent weather for most of the day attended the captain who was at the club from first light until the last players departed the first tee. Winner of the prestigious Captain’s Prize was Steven Taylor with an excellent 81 – 20 – 61 which in ordinary terms means playing to eleven handicap such was his competence on the day. He now plays off seventeen. Stan Hughes was next in line with 82 – 20 – 62 but sadly not receiving a prize, and then the senior’s winner Ian Hodgson with 82 – 18 – 64.

The best gross of the day went to Alun Torrence with a 70, representing a level par round off his one handicap. Following Alun came Tony Phillips with 72 and Chris Marsden on the same score.

The club also played the qualifying round of the Kenyon Cup, presented to the club in 1924 by the then Lord Kenyon who owned the lease that we had on the golf course at the time.

The event requires eight players to qualify and then go into match play rounds to determine the winner on Finals Day in September. Leading qualifier was Russell Osbourne with net 65 from Phil McKevitt, 65; Maurice Simpson, 65; Paul Maribbi,66; Andrew Ian Jones,66; Alan Guest,67; Tony Darlington,67 and Dennis Humphries with the best of eight 68 score cards.

The G M Crewe Trophy has been traditionally played midweek as it was originally designed for five day members of which he now have precious few, Geoff was a local auctioneer and past captain of the club and coincidentally, following his death, the inaugural competition in his name was won by his son Frazer Crewe  in then late nineties.

Winner on this occasion was Ben Bignall with 83 – 20 – 63 from Craig Matthews on 85 – 18 – 67.  Andy Moth was in third place with 82 – 15 – 67 and Brian Neale fourth with

77 – 10 – 67.

Last Tuesday the ladies played a three ball Am Am event which resulted in a win for Gayle Elson, Jackie Williams and Janet Sharley with 80 points. Runners up were Wendy Roberts, Anne Roberts and Shelagh Jones with 75. In all thirteen teams played in the competition.

The Graham G Williams Cup was contested by the juniors and was played as an individual Stableford event. Winner was Michael Peters with 38 points followed by Lewis Jordan on 36 and then Graham’s grandson, Jordan Williams, in third place with 34.

We need little reminding that Graham was a prominent Everton and Wales footballer in the fifties and sixties and a stalwart of low handicap golf at Wrexham.

Down the Dee valley to the Vale of Llangollen golf club and the occasion of the third and final one of Warren Davies’s President’s Days. One hundred and sixty three players contested the event which was scored as an individual Stableford. Playing in threes, the best score in each three ball won a bottle of wine, and all players were invited to contribute to Warren’s charity which endeavors to purchase a guide dog for the Blind.

Winner of the day was G Jenkins with 43 points from Chris Morris with 42 and Paul Johns with 39. The longest drive down the first was won by Mark L Jones, no mean feat with it being a right angle dog leg to the right, so how much dare you chew off for the line of play I wonder. The nearest the pin on the eighteenth went to Dyfed Rowlands.

The veterans of the club halved a match with Henlle and beat Caldy by 6 – 4 for the second leg of the Caldy Trophy which Llangollen retained by 13 ½    to 6 ½ .

The Vet’s over seventies championship was won by John Crosbie with 91 – 20 – 71 followed by Cyril Jones with 89 – 17 – 72 and Ray Jarvis on 87 – 14 – 73.

Clays golf club have been very busy and our press Officer Derek Lyon equally so with no less than three emails of results awaiting me when I got home.

Starting with the Seniors betterball pairs event, the winners were Tom McGrady and Dave Lambert with 46 points from second placed Bill Hughes and Larry Birch with 45 and then Tony Owens and Cliff Davies on 44.

Twenty four seniors went to Devon last week for their annual golfing jamboree.

Playing at Oakhampton for the Ramnee trophy and the Accumulated Stableford score, past captain Bill Kelleher led on three of the four days winning overall with 142 followed by Rodney Evans on 136 and Clive Davies with 128.

The Forrest Trophy, played within the Ramnee required outing out on each hole for the best net score excepting the winner of the Ramnee, thus leaving Bill’s 66 void. Nigel Moore won with a count back 67 to Clive Davies’s 67 and Irwin Elkin on 68.

Clays company day was held on Saturday June 11^th in weather conditions better than the forecast.

Winners were Ian Barwood, Stephen Hart, Vic Thind and Jack Rycroft with runners up comprising Steve Williams Lawrence Bayliss, Brian Johnston and Dave Wright closely followed by the family of John, Mike, Andy and Richard Evans.

The ladies played their HB-Weds Powell’s Jeweller’s Crystal event on Wednesday 8^th June with Kim Harcombe winning with net 73 from Valerie Jervis on 77 and Sheila Roscoe on 82.

The Sunday Shop Stableford was won by Richard Ackersley with 39 points from second placed Neil Lloyd Richards on 37 and Dafydd Jones on 34.

The Junior Summer Stableford league went to Jack Rycroft with 41 points followed by Patrick McHugh on 37 and Louis Gray with 36.

Of the three major amateur events in North Wales golf, the Aberconwy Trophy, similar to the Clwyd Championship, is played over seventy two holes using two golf courses. The third event, the Harlech Gold Cross is naturally played only on that links course.

Conwy and Maesdu are the chosen courses for this event and have enjoyed merit award status just as does the Clwyd and the Gold Cross. With weather blustery across the Conwy links, Jason Shufflebotham of Prestatyn golf club handed in a 70 for the morning round followed by a 72 for a 142 total on the first day. Alyn Torrence of the Plassey was one of three players close behind in the morning with 74’s, the nearest that anyone got to Jason’s score, with Rod Fieldhouse of Wrexham lurking immediately behind with a 75.

Jason’s afternoon 72 was equalled by Rod, but Alyn slid to an 81 which belied his good striking on the day.

With the move across the Conway estuary to Maesdu, expectations were high as the weather improved as the day progressed. Jason’s morning concluded with a 76 with Rod gaining three strokes on him with a 73 whereas Alyn recovered his composure to card a 74 but the best morning round went to Mark Phillips of Prestatyn with a 70.

With all to play for over the closing eighteen holes, Jason managed a windswept 74 to Rod’s 73 with Alyn coming alive with an excellent 69, a score only equalled by Oliver Baker of Ludlow throughout the day.

The final results indicated a one stroke win for Jason on 292 with Rod on 293 and Lee Jones of Conwy in third place on 296. Torrence finished on 298 with the certain thought that his 81 at Conwy had scuppered his chances despite otherwise playing excellent golf.

Jason has now finished seventh in the Clwyd against Alyn’s second equal place with Billy Mills of Ludlow, all accumulated points going towards the Order of Merit for 2011.

The selection process for the Home Internationals now kicks into gear with Nigel Edwards and his committee at the Golf Union of Wales offices in Newport looking to select the team to travel to County Sligo, Ireland, in August.

Nearer home, and standards that most of us can better identify with, Wrexham golf club hosted events last week which included the Ladies’ GUW and Coronation medals competition. The silver division went to Janet Brand with 86 – 14 – 72 from second placed Carole Jones who handed in 91 – 19 – 72.

The Bronze division was won by Lucy Jones with 96 – 28 – 69 followed by Andrea Vaughan Smith on 91 – 21 – 70.

Now Lucy is still in the junior section of the club and gained recognition by winning the Welsh final of Wee Wonders when just an eight year old, and then travelled to St Andrews for the national final where she preformed admirably. Her score of net 68 was sufficient to win the Coronation medal from the twenty four ladies who contested the event.

Just this last Tuesday, Lady Captain, Mrs. Janet Brunyee held her Lady Captain’s Day when sixty two ladies played in the event. The competition proper resulted in a win for Mrs. Bea Evans who handed in 39 Stableford points, just beating Mrs. Marlene Willetts on the back nine holes.

The more mature ladies played the back nine holes only which resulted in a win for Mrs. Mary K Jones with 17 points from Mrs. Dot Bostock on 16.

The Silver division went to Marlene as a result of her 239 points followed by jean Jones with 35 and Helen Milner on 35 also.

The Bronze division was won by Pat Purdy with 38 followed by Mary Clarke on 34 and Angela Miller on the same numbers.

The junior girls played a putting competition which was won by Ellie waters and the eighteen holes by Lucy Jones with a net 71.

The Junior medal took place last Sunday with a win for Robert Keenan on 95 – 28 – 67 followed by Lewis McKenzie on 89 – 20 – 69. The division one winner was Matthew Waters with 82 – 13 – 69, Robert playing of course in the second division.

Becky Darlington scored 109 – 43 – 66 to win that division from Roberts with Lucy again featuring with her score of 99- 28 – 71.

The June midweek medal for men witnessed a win in the first division for Mike Hammer with 72 – 7 – 65. He in turn was followed by Chris Marsden on 72 – 3 – 69 and then Andrew Ward with 74 – 5 – 69.

The second division featured a win for Cliff Hopley on 74 – 9 – 65 followed by Paul Harry on 77 – 10 – 67 and then Tony Brunyee who handed in 80 – 12 – 68.

Steve McKevitt continued his run of good golf by winning the third division with 79 – 13 – 66, a score replicated by Martin Davies who handed in 84 – 18 – 66, and then Darren Wood with 83 – 15 – 68.

Division four went to Ben Bignall who was in the winning team in the recently held Eisteddfod Am Am. On this occasion he scored 85 – 23 – 62 for the lowest net score of the day and a handicap reduction of three strokes. Second came Glyn Hughes with 88 – 21 – 67 followed in turn by Frank Maddocks on 88 – 21 – 67 also.

Malcolm Delaney, Vice captain of the Vale of Llangollen golf club held his Vice captain’s Day last week when no less than one hundred and seventy nine players took to the golf course. Winners of his individual Stableford were Andrew Martindale, 41 points; Emyr Wyn Jones with 41 points and Adam Roberts, also with 41 points. The nearly men this week were Alex Mansley on 40 and fifth place Andrew Swarsbrick on the same number.

Clays golf club played their Senior Monthly medal through two divisions, the first division going to David Lambert with 79 – 13 – 66 from second placed Andrew Mitchell on 83 – 15 – 68 and then Don Wraight with 80 – 10 – 70.

The second division was won by Neil Sanger on 89 – 22 – 67 from Frank Carroll on 90 – 22 – 68 and then Phil Hughes with his return of 94 – 23 – 71.

On Saturday, June 24^th, the Spring Quarterly medal Championships took place in which Seniors, gents, ladies and juniors were invited to draw for partners and compete.

Colin Brand handed in net 65 to win the day with Alan Rogers second on 68 and then club Captain Reg Peacock and Jordan Pearson on 69’s. The medal presentation was followed by the presentation of the Winter League winners.

 Winner of the Saturday league was Ernie Williams with Gareth Parry runner up, and the Sunday league winner was Paul Fell with vice captain Kev. Jones in the runner up position.

Last Saturday was the playing of the club monthly medal for June which was organized through three divisions. Division one winner was David Wright with 70 – 5 – 65 from second placed Stephen Hart on 77 – 10 – 67 and then Iwan Bonds with 78 – 10 – 68.

Michael Eaton took the second division with 75 – 12 – 63 from Bill Kelleher who scored 77 – 13 – 64 and then Terrance Anthony Bull with 79 – 15 – 64. The third group went the way of Robert Jarvis with 84 – 20 – 64 followed by Colin Brand on 83 – 18 – 65 and Phil Matthias on 87 – 21 – 66.

The Sunday Shop Stableford was won this week by Colin Rawlinson who handed in 37 points to ease a victory over David Parry who carded the same numbers. Michael Evans was in third place with 35.

The Junior monthly medal was won by James Falcus on 88 – 29 – 59. He enjoyed victory by four strokes over Hannah Pirouet Jones on 95 – 32 – 63 and then Thomas Matthews with 81 – 17- 64.