Though the traditional coach trip was missed it made a very pleasant change to stay at a single venue hotel / golf complex, with all of 100 yards walk to the first tee. The Vale Hotel was excellent, with large modern and well furnished rooms. The staff were excellent and the whole experience was appreciated by all.

The first day saw us play the Welsh National, apparently the longest course in Wales being over 6600 off the yellows and 7433 of the championship tees. The course was good track with a variety of holes, though the greens were slower than Orsett. Mark Keen won the day with 33 points and Rob Slaughter runner up with 32.

The second day saw us play the Lakes where apparently water comes in to play on twelve holes, though these could be relatively easily negotiated in the main. The course was tighter and slightly quirky but a decent “second course” track. Andy Day won the day on 33 points and Mark Keen coming in second with 31.

The last day saw us return to the National.  Whether it was pure tiredness, alcohol or just a case of being beaten up,  but the leaders all had something of a collective “mare”, with an overdose of Crumble all round,.  This allowed the Steady Eddie’s to come through the field. Dennis Mayes won the day on 31 points and John Maulkerson and Mike Hepting tied second with 30.

That resulted in a tour win for John Maulkerson (at last) with 84 points,  the runner up being Dennis with 81 and tied third with 80 being Ash Mahmood and Mark Keen.

In the team game Tony’s Terriers  never gave up their first day lead and reversing last years defeat by wining 20 points to 16 over  Norman’s Numpties