STRANGE DAYS...... As 14 loyal members and guests headed into Wales for yet another wonderfully organised tour little did we realise, strange events were to unfold.........

• Our organiser Simon Haines was unable to attend due to work commitments....

• The skies were blue and the sun shone.....

• Neville played some ‘ordinary’ golf not his normal tour supremacy....

• Beefy had a drink after 20:00.....

• ..............And we drank in The Star Wars bar!

Day One:

We arrive at the picturesque Llandrindod Wells Golf Club, greeted by blue skies, and settle in for a hearty breakfast and the traditional team draw. A Vice Captains briefing was made by Matt to acquaint us all with the entertainment ahead.  As we were in the throes of a World Cup of Twenty20 Cricket teams were drawn to represent England, South Africa, West Indies and India.

England	Juan Mendez!!	Paul Kelly	Brian Marshall	Daily Guest
South Africa	Matt Sailles	Neville Green	Russell Byrd	Roy Amphlett
India	Dave Brierley	Andy Capp	Les Stallard	Daily Guest
West Indies	Chris Clarke	Curtley Wilson	Pete Dodd	John Kelly

 

South Africa were duly installed as hot favourites and labelled “The Dream Team”. Off to the hills, literally as hole one featured a short very uphill par 4. The views were stunning, the weather truly Mediterranean and the course a challenge. As we headed back into the Clubhouse to be greeted by a wake for a past (and passed) Captain, tales of woe began to emerge already. Scoring was generally good but balls straying into the first cut were tough to play and the greens were interesting. No surprises with the early scoring; Beefy 36 pts, Chris Clarke (pie munching guest) 32 pts, Juan Mendez 31 pts.

Couple of beers, back to the hotel, check in and see the standards arranged by Hainesy Boy. Quell surprise, all very good, clean tidy, good bars, and Doddy said the “Presidential Suite” wasn’t too bad. Team’s scores were revealed, as we tucked into huge portions of traditional bar food, and some competitive Pool and Darts, the latter seeing Amphlett limp to bed with a pocketful of pound coins. India set the pace on day one with 121 points aided by 30 pts from guest Gupta Sailles.

 

Day Two:

A stunning drive across the hills towards Brecon Beacons and the truly magnificent Cradoc Golf Club. A quick glimpse at the quality of the practice green confirmed why this was awarded “Best Course in Wales” and there are more than a few good ones. This was a great test of golf with tree lined fairways uphill’s, downhill’s, doglegs both ways, short 4’s long 4’s and again breathtaking views. The podium was tightly packed with Pete Dodd 36 pts, edging out Les Stallard 36 pts and Roy Amphlett 35 pts. Remember all these scores are off ¾ handicap allowance, lots of alcohol and little sleep (apparently, as the scribe went to bed early!). Team scores were again led by India with 121 pts (again Gupta Sailles guesting)

We were so impressed we took the opportunity to jump start some buggies and go out for some more holes. A dash back to the hotel and back to Cradoc for PK (forgot his shoes), and into the smallest Curry House in Builth, or was it the biggest, no...... just The Only Curry House in the village. The stock of cold beers soon disappeared, to be followed by warm, then not so warm. Into town and admission to the Star Wars bar. .....honest you had to have a glass eye or three legs, or some other natural affliction to gain entry. Obviously we were all welcome being the chiselled good looking types. Back to the Hotel and into the Bar becoming a glue pot. For the final day the top 8 golfers were separated by only 6 pts.

Day Three:

Two minute drive to Builth Wells Golf Club, and for the 3^rd day running blue skies and temperatures deep into the 20’s. The traditional reverse order draw, duffers at the rear leaders out last, so everyone playing with people who have shown similar form and the probability if you beat your group you shoot up the rankings. Strange days though, what are Amphlett, Dodd, and Capp doing in the second last group? The ‘Drinkers’ have made last day, first group, duffers their own on previous tours. Not today, and believe me there had been some late night drinking. These 3 tee’d off and dragged themselves up the 1^st looking as though they’d be lucky to complete 2 holes. A glimpse at “The Elite” last group, Brierley, Sailles, Mendez, Stallard, who would emerge as Tour Champion..?? To be brutally honest Builth was a little disappointing compared to previous visits and was unfortunately in the shadow of Cradoc.

As all weary golfers made it back to the clubhouse, ordered food and soft drinks, Chairman did the final calculations. Scores were read out and Matt Sailles top scoring in the elite group was thought to have won. Not so, .......................from the depths of the drunken trio, Andy Capp secured Tour Champion with a rock solid 36 pts. The Elite 4 hanging their heads in shame having been overtaken from the drunken rabble.

A great tour again, good accommodation, fantastic price, great courses, great weather and strange events..... Thanks again Simon for your work putting this together but also thanks to this fantastic group of blokes who could have a good time anywhere.

 

 

	Llandrindod	Cradoc	Builth	Total
Andy Capp	28	31	36	95
Les Stallard	27	36	30	93
Matt Sailles	30	29	33	92
Dave Brierley	36	25	26	87
Roy Amphlett	22	35	29	86
Juan Mendez	31	28	22	81
Neville Green	29	22	30	81
Pete Dodd	23	36	20	79
Paul Kelly	23	26	29	78
Russ Byrd	25	29	22	76
Chris Clarke	32	26	NR	58
Brian Marshall	19	17	18	54
Phil Wilson	24	NR	25	49
John Kelly	13	17	8	38

 

	Llandrindod	Cradoc	Builth	Total
India	121	121	121	363
South Africa	106	115	114	335
West Indies	92	114	117	323
England	104	99	98	301