Winter League at Wenvoe Castle

THE Winter League at Wenvoe Castle Golf Club is one of the most challenging competitions in the golfing calendar with players competing throughout the wettest and coldest months of the year.

This year was played during the highest rainfall and even snow falling in March.

Nevertheless the Winter League attracted over 50 entries initially into two divisions with the top four teams in each division going through to the knock out stages all normally completed from October through to March.

However this year the exceptional rainfall meant that the later stages stretched well into spring and the finals eventually took place in mid-April.

The competition progressed with teams of two players of competing in two divisions and those finishing in the top four places in each division going through to the Winter Final knock out stages.

For those not quite reaching the final stages they were able to play in a separate knock out competition for the Neil Peake Trophy now held annual in memory of young club member, Neil Peake, who was a regular competitor in the Winter League.

The Winter League Final was contested between Dean Rowlands and his partner Gary Tutssell against Mark Collier.

His partner Rhys was unable to play because of a previous engagement booked months ago and a casualty of the extended period of the competition.

The game was a very close contest with Mark playing particularly well to stay in contention but eventually Dean and Gary overcame the stubborn resistance to win in the closing stages by 3&2.

The Neil Peake Memorial Plate was contested by Dave Letchford and his partner Lloyd Bolt against Chris Chalmers playing on his own with partner John Davies unable to compete because of prior commitments.

The match was an even contest until the later stages when Dave and Lloyd overcame a plucky performance by Chris and they proved to be worthy winners by 4&2.

Referees Joff Williams and Ken Howells complimented all players on the high standard in both matches played in such an excellent spirit and great sportsmanship throughout.

Club vice captain Mike Chick, organiser of the competition with club members Andrew Canning and Joff Williams, thanked all players who took part in such challenging conditions throughout the winter months and made it into such a successful event.

Meanwhile, Wenvoe Castle Golf Club captain Dr Kota Dayananda maintained the long held tradition of nominating a particular charity and during his year as club captain held a series of fund raising activities and to be donated to a worthy cause.

Dr Dayananda chose the Stroke Association of Wales as his nominated charity and recently representatives of the Charity and CRISPA (Cardiff Royal Infirmary together with Dr Shetty, Stroke Physician at the University Hospital of Wales were invited to a presentation at the Golf Club.

Dr Dayananda was proud to announce that the members of the golf club had raised a total of £4139.00.

He was grateful for the overwhelming response and gave his sincere thanks to everyone who had supported the charity.

Dr Shetty was invited to present a cheque to CRISP and Dr Dayananda had the privilege to present a cheque to The Stoke Association of Wales on behalf of Wenvoe Castle Golf club.