THE Captain’s Charity Day at Wenvoe Castle Golf Club is one of the big events in the busy calendar but this year again exceeded expectations with over 180 entries from golf clubs throughout the region taking in a fun golf day but with overall aim of raising funds for the captain’s nominated local charity Wooden Spoon.

The Wooden Spoon was founded in 1983 and since then has been making a difference to the lives of disadvantaged children and young people. Supported by our volunteer committees and their great fundraising ideas, we make sure that all the money raised stays in the local community to fund local projects.

The overnight rain gave club captain Ken Howells a sleepless night but it soon gave way to excellent weather and the well-drained course was in superb condition. The special event also included an impromptu display by the Red Arrows which added to the great atmosphere throughout the day.

The event was boosted by the generous sponsorship by Club Choice Ireland and Treacy’s Hotel Spa and Leisure Centre who provided the three main prizes.

During the course of the round players took on challenge after challenge with the opportunity to pick up a prize for nearest the pin at the three par 3 holes, target golf on the 12th fairway and finish with nearest the pin with the second stroke on the testing 18th hole. This exciting finish was watched by the ever increasing audience on the club’s panoramic patio raising ironic applause as the approach shot slid past the ‘nearest’ mark.

Thanks to the generosity of local businesses and club members sponsors there were some excellent prizes on offer and this extended to the raffle which was very well supported.

The final positions were so close and the first three places had to be determined on count back:

Winners - Pat Regan and Stuart Cleverly, 45pts (24pts on back 9) - 2 nights B&B, 2 rounds of golf and Return Ferry (incl. car)

Runners Up - Mark Weaver and Dave Thomson, 45pts, (21pts on back 9) - 2 nights B&B, 2 rounds of golf and Return Ferry (foot passengers)

3rd Place - Craig Miller and Terry O’Grady, 45pts, (19pts on back 9) - 1 night B&B, 1 round of golf and Return Ferry (foot passengers)

4th Place - Mike Sutton and Gareth Owen, (Neath) 44pts – Voucher 4 ball better ball at Carmarthen Haverfordwest and Newport Links Golf Clubs plus accommodation in country cottage located in the Preseli mountains.

5th Place - P. Torkington and R. Hutchings, (Tredegar and Rhymney) 43pts, (22pts on back 9) – Voucher for 2 ball at Celtic Manor Resort (either Roman Road or Montgomery courses)

6th Brian Morris and Seamus Gately, 43pts, (21pts on back 9) - £50 Voucher each

7th Rob Picton and Steve Nicholls, 43pts, (19pts on back 9) - £25 Voucher each

Every competitor had the opportunity to go home in a brand new car for a ‘hole in one’ and some came extremely close but took the consolation of a prize for being nearest the pin.

Nearest the Pin on 2nd hole – Pip Smith, 1.72m

Nearest the Pin on 9th hole – Billy Harrington, 50cm

Nearest the Pin on 15th hole – Pat Regan, 1.25m

Nearest the Pin in 2 shots on 18th hole – Pat Regan, 21cm

Winner of Putting Challenge – Rob Campbell,

Winner of Chipping Challenge – Mark Gallivan after a draw involving Barbara Beedham and Mike Froud

Club captain Ken Howells was clearly delighted with the support he had received on the day and gave particular thanks to the sponsors. He was grateful to everyone who had entered a team in the competition and those who had given so generously throughout the day. The day had certainly exceeded his expectations and the funds raised would make a significant contribution to the work of the Wooden Spoon Charity

The captain also thanked the head green keeper and his team for their efforts in presenting the course in superb condition especially considering the overnight rain. He expressed his appreciation of the service provided the staff throughout the day particularly Nicola Sims (Club Secretary), Simon Gatheridge (Steward) and the catering and bar staff.

Special mention was made of the efforts throughout the day of the club professional Jason Harris and the club members helping at registration and as starters on the first tee.

Larry Byrne on behalf of the main sponsors complimented the club on the organisation on the day and looked forward looking forward to further involvement in supporting competitions.

A truly remarkable day and the real winners were the Wooden Spoon with a significant boost to their funds.

Well done Wenvoe Castle more of the same next year.