UK Senior Golf Association
Charlie Banks and Simon Dymoke tame the wind and gales at Royal St Davids this week
Most of us arrived in Harlech on a gorgeous sunny, spring afternoon and what a stunning place it is. The course itself is in a beautiful setting and a wonderful test of golf (with a par of 69 and SSS of 73). A practice round on Sunday was enjoyed by many, starting in very benign conditions........ and then the weather came back - with a severe soaking for some at the back end of the practice times.
Round one with 94 competitors was a challenge with pretty tough wind conditions, as we come to expect with links golf. Just one competitor managed to play to the SSS; Brian Rigby, and a further 12 managed to score in the 70's (the css went to 75). New member, Charles Banks was a convincing second on 75, with four competitors on 77; Simon Dymoke, Nick Grimmit, Mike Ready and new UKSGA Secretary John Hemphrey.
On day one the talk was already of the weather forecast for day two; rain and winds up to 50 mph!
And when Tuesday dawned - well it almost didn't - it started
with heavy rain and fierce winds. Course Manager Rhys and his team did an amazing job of keeping the course playable and play started on time. However regrettably there were a significant number of competitors who fell by the wayside (!) and only just over half of Monday's competitors actually started on day two.
On a strong recommendation from the Course Manager, Rhys and Club Manager(Gareth Lewis), day two was played from the yellows. But without a doubt the Welsh dragon roared and when the first groups came off the course they were absolutely soaked through and exhausted from tackling the winds. Well done to all of those who undertook the challenge.
The leaders from day one had a rather more agreeable round - the rain let off somewhat but even so the winds were still pretty fierce and despite playing the yellow course only two competitors managed scores under 80.
The first round leader had regrettably had to withdraw but there was a strong finish by new member, Charles Banks (Stanton-on-the-Wolds)who took the gold medal and managed to birdie the 18th finishing on 152 (75 + 77). His second round score was equalled by the silver medal winner, Simon Dymoke (The Wiltshire)- 154 (77 + 77). Bronze was awarded to Nigel Phillips of Sussex National on 158 (78 + 80).
Mike (Steady) Ready went away with the Seniors prize on 160 (77 + 83), Tony Patterson took the Super Seniors with 166 (84 + 82), Neil Hughes took Masters on 80 + 85 and the handicap award went to Paul Knight with net 77 + 78 = 155.
Our thanks to Club Captain Mr Edwin Jones for officiating at prize giving, to him and his members for giving up their great golf course for two days and also to Gareth, Rhys and their teams for looking after us so well during our visit.
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