'They are dragons, Khaleesi. They can never be tamed…'

Red Dragons Sherwood & Klaris with the St. David's Cup

Dragons, daffodils and … leeks

Thursday 23rd of Feb dawned nippy, to say the least, for the 58 players who were all set to compete for the fabulous trophy prize - the St. David’s Cup - in celebration of the Welsh National Day on the 1st of March. The format was Greensome Strokeplay, and the male contingent marched bravely off to play from the white tees, (a few knees were knocking a little at the prospect), while ladies played off the usual reds.

The overcast skies and bitter wind persisted throughout the first 9 holes but the sun eventually started to ‘leek’ through the clouds, coinciding for many with the delights of the Halfway House, as usual beautifully attended by our very own, rather shivery, Daffodils, Louise Haigh and Jan Forbes. Thank you, girls – you always brighten up our golf comps! The Halfway House, including a warming tipple of Welsh whiskey, was sponsored on this occasion by the lovely Angela Pendlebury on behalf of Utility Warehouse, UK. Many thanks, Angela!

Considering the Strokeplay format can unnerve players at times, the overall scores were actually pretty impressive, with many playing to par or just over.

In the Men's Category, a total of 10 Men’s teams participated. Two prizes were up for grabs.

Second place was awarded to Gareth Woolnough and Ged Errington with minus 4 (nett 68).

The motto in Wales is "The red dragon will lead the way" ("Y ddraig goch ddyry cychwyn") and indeed, with a very impressive score of minus 9 (63 nett ), Gary Sherwood & Michel Klaris did exactly that, winning both the Men's Category and the overall prize! Gary and Michel proudly picked up the magnificent St. David's trophy from HDA Members' Committee Chairman, Peter Whitehead.

A total of 18 Teams competed in the Mixed & Ladies' Category, and 3 Prizes were awarded.

In 3rd Place - with minus 1 (nett 71) (LH) were Andy Mitchell & Heather Janney. Coming a close second with minus 2 (nett 70) we had Graham & Barbara Wilson. Well done to both teams! However, the first prize was picked up by another formidable pairing -Tam Henderson and Angela Pendlebury, who came in with a great score of minus 5 (nett 67). Congratulations.

Well played, everyone! (In Welsh Chwarae da, pawb!)

Now ….the Leeks

Members will be glad to know that the many bunkers that HDA offers are slightly less sandy after the competition, as the Mclanders/Brady pairing dedicated their (17-over) round to emptying most of them (much to the hilarity of their playing partners, Angus & Martin Hay). Bunker in Welsh, by the way, is byncer., Many bunkers in Welsh is llawer o bynceri and ‘ I can’t get out of this flippin' bunker' is Ni allaf fynd allan o'r byncer fflippin hwn ... 'Nuff said!

We are very much looking forward to seeing you all for the next big Members' Boarded Competition at HDA - St. Patrick's Day - sponsored by Samuel García of STV - to be held on the 21st of March this year. the format is Texas Scramble so get your teams in!