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?Wrexham with a further eight player's in 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.
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 were presented by the Captain, John D. Williams.