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 part in a fun golf day but with the overall aim of raising funds for the club captain’s nominated charities - Prostate Cancer UK and Ty Cariad Africa, a UK charity which exists to raise funds to support the work in helping orphans and vulnerable children in sub-Saharan Africa.

The rain over the previous days gave way to excellent weather and the well-drained course was in superb condition.

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 three holes, 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.

Team Prize

Winners - 131 points - Chris Tatt, Steve Grinter, Neil Peake and Justin Bell

Runners-up - 129 points – Stan Rosser, Mike Lawrence, Paul Barrett and David Kempson

Third place - 127 points – Rhys Williams, Matthew Gill, Dominic Ham and Richard Bond (Brynhill)

Putting Competition –

Joint winners – nine putts Richard Morgan (Fairwood Park) and Rob Campbell

Chipping Competition –

Joint winners - Paul Power and C Powell

Nearest the Pin -

Second shot – 18th hole – Gordon Macpherson

Par three – second hole – Carol Doyle (Ullesthorpe Golf Club)

Par three - ninth hole – Jeff Plevey

Par three – 15th hole – Jane Lotte

Longest drive

(Lady) – Jane Lotte

(Men) – Rhys Williams

Club captain Chris Jones was clearly delighted with the support he had received on the day and gave particular thanks to the various 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 two charities.

The captain also thanked the head green keeper and his team for their efforts in presenting the course in superb condition especially considering the previous rain.

He expressed his appreciation of the service provided by 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, as starters on the first tee and at the half-way house.

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