PERIL BALL COMPETITION RESULT FROM MIKDE HEALEY

The kitty competition was a little down on numbers today, largely because at least a dozen seniors were out on the course contesting their knockout rounds. It mattered not - 23 members played in today's Peril Ball (with one fourball carrying a ghost player). So what is Peril Ball? - It would appear, a bit like Marmite - some liked the format and others didn't but the majority carried the day and it will remain in the calendar. A bit like Yellow Ball but stiffer penalties and a chance for the team to redeem itself over the last two holes. The forecast rain did not materialise after teeing at 9.00am and sunny, but very windy conditions prevailed. We worked out that 108 points would be par for today's format but only one fourball managed to pass that figure. Read on for the two prize winning groups: Peril Ball Result: First: Barry Evans, Ken Tieszen, Bob Brown and Alan Pocklington - 111 points Second: Brian Beaton, Tom McGrady, Mike Turner and Mick Carnell - 99 points (2 other groups made mid-nineties) Well done to all who took part and it might run again later in the year. Information: Next week there is a match away at Northop on Tuesday and all team members playing should have received an e-mail from Malcolm. There will likely be somewhere between 12 and 20 more seniors back at Clays for a kitty comp. (to be decided) which Stewart is running. Thursday is the June medal and most of the entries have already been placed in ig. Don is completing the draw tomorrow (Friday) so if you wish to be play and haven't yet entered, please do so asap. Both days next week - Hayley is in Majorca all week, leaving Mark junior in charge, so there will only be sandwiches, pies, pasties and drinks available. Sign up sheets - tally board Tuesday and reception Thursday. All enjoy the week - make sure the team beats Northop and good luck to all entering the medal.

WELSH GREENSOMES QUALIFIER MAY 28TH 2024. REPORT FROM MIKE HEALEY

Seniors - The postponed practice round scheduled for today became the Qualifier for the finals in September at Holyhead Golf Club. We have simply run out of dates to fit in any more events that might end up being postponed. Apart from being a qualifier, we had extra pairings playing the same format and all were included in a kitty competition. The qualifiers had their handicaps checked and all players were given their set number of strokes from the handicap ruling - 60% of lowest handicap and 40% of highest handicap combined. The draw was then made from three different tees and set times. All of this was posted just after 8 o'clock this morning. I have to report that I am somewhat disappointed that we had four no-shows on the day, throwing the draw at that point into total disarray, after all of the organisation that had gone on beforehand. The very least that the organisers might expect is a courtesy phone call regarding illness and I believe there are numerous contact numbers, least of all in reception at Clays. It is particularly important when you have already signed up for events, either on the board or through ig. The competition - 7 extra seniors showed up ad hoc and were slotted into pairings quite easily but that was expected to happen. Fortunately two pairings teamed up, but not until they had started playing. Can I thank both of those pairs for sensible golf thinking and all other participants who took on different partners to enter the competition. 4 pairs simply entered the kitty competition and a further 11 pairs threw their hats into the qualifier (15 pairs in total). We set off in drizzle but it would appear that nobody received a soaking and short sleeves were on show towards the end, with the temperature reaching 19 degs. The scoring was not as high as expected but there were some worthy winners. The winners below will go on to represent Clays at Holyhead GC on Thursday 5th September and we wish them all the best in the finals. The second pairing become first reserves for the same event and must make provision in their diaries. Welsh Greensomes: First: Andy Mitchell and David Mole Jones - 38 points (Qualifiers for finals in September) Second: Alan Pocklington and Peter Lord - 36 points (Reserves) Third: Damian Atkin and Stewart Poole - 34 points (c/b) Fourth: Alan Barnsdale and Mike Healey - 34 points (c/b)

SENIORS OPEN LLANDUDNO RESULT COURTESY OF DON WRAIGHT

The following report came in from the Senior Open in Llandudno, courtesy of Don Wraight: 12 brave souls drove in awful conditions to North Wales Golf Club in Llandudno today. Wind and driving rain met us at the course but the officials were adamant that the competition would go ahead, even with three holes closed. (Shades of Maesddu cancelling a couple of years ago!) Off we set but by the 8th/9th holes, four groups called it a day, sodden. A further group gave up on the 10th hole after a golf trolley had broken, leaving the remaining, totally mad, pairing from Clays to soldier on. One of them even played in shorts and they returned a card with 27 points on it. Well done Damian Atkin and Jon Falcus. I hope they all managed to dry out quickly, warm up with hot chocolate and return home safely. At least they got a modicum of golf. Well done guys.

CAPTAINS NEWSLETTER MAY 2024

Captain's Newsletter: May 2024 Lady captain Shan Stapley and I would like to welcome all members new and old to our first newsletter. firstly I would like to thank the outgoing captains Sue and Micheal for there great work over the past year, on the theme of great work I would also like to say a huge thankyou to Mark and all of the green staff and also volunteers who have worked tirelessly once the weather has permitted to get the white tees back out and the course in a fantastic shape so quickly after the terribly wet winter we have all endured. Competitions finally the white tees are back out and competition are coming thick and fast, the first honours board trophy of the year was won by Kev Scaife with a Nett 6. The May medal was won by Alan Barnsdale with a Nett 66. the Welsh team handicap championships qualifiers have also been held so congratulations to those who have qualified to play in that. The first DGU match of the year is being held away at Denbigh on the 19th of May so good luck to the team. there are many more great competitions coming up over the next few months so keep an eye out on IG and get booked in and support the club. Ladies report May I thank Mark and his team, with a little help from Seniors too, for managing to open all 18 holes for the start of our May competitions. For the Ladies it was a big shock playing 18 rather than our comfortable winter rounds of 13 holes. Nine ladies joined the first competition on May 1st, and many were shocked with a reduction of shots following the new regulations. Congratulations go to Bev Hood, 34 pts with Gill Williams and Angela Thomas williams with 29 pts. Gill taking runner up spot on countback. The following Wednesday, saw the first medal of the year, those who took part only played preferred lies on fairways so that this competition could be a qualifier. Eight ladies signed up in beautiful weather, but the competition was tough and slow going. Congratulations to Bev Hood, 76 nett with runner up Angela Thomas Williams, 80 nett. Jane Evans was the only lady to enter the medal on Saturday 4th May coming in with an impressive 71 nett. On Friday May 3rd, Pauline Peacock, Lizzie Hart, Bev Hood, Shan Stapley and Gill Williams represented Clays Ladies in our first NWLCS match of the year. It was away in St Deiniol, Bangor, the views were spectacular the course in excellent condition, although very challenging. The flag was rarely seen from the tee box and often rocky outcrops, beautiful gorse bushes and steep sided inclines, both up and down added to the drama. Clays ladies tried hard but lost 3 1/2 to 1 1/2. Angela Thomas Williams and Jane Evans continued their campaign in the Daily Mail Foursomes Ladies Competition beating Chester, however in the last competition against Plassey they lost on the 18th hole. I would like to thank Jane and Angela for representing Clays in such a tough national competition. Another big thank you to our hardworking President and former Captain Mick who have transformed the area for the new Portaloo. The area has been flattened, tidied up, fenced and painted, with a new toilet installed at the beginning of May. A code for the lock will be shared with lady members and members who may need to use it because of medical reasons. The providers will clean and replenish supplies weekly. And finally from me… I would like to echo what is said in the Lady captains report and say a big thank you to Trig and Micheal for there hard work around the new toilet area. And most of all enjoy your golf! Kind Regards, Patrick McHugh

INDIVIDUAL STABLEFORD RESULTS VIA MIKE HEALEY

Seniors - Before today's result - 4 bits of information. Firstly, it was my pleasure today to present the May divisional medal winners with inscribed coasters (brilliantly manufactured by Mike Hollings). Div. 1 - Dave Palferman, Div. 2 - Tony Harcombe and Div. 3 - Paul Cheetham. Secondly, members have been asking about the senior red polo shirts for matches. Don has put an advert sheet up on the board and is taking orders for said items (£15.00 each - see Don). Malcolm is now short of one player for the match against Northop (away) Tuesday 4th June. Please get in touch with him if you are interested in playing. There has been some confusion over the forthcoming Welsh Greensomes - It will be played next Tuesday - 28th May and it will be run as a kitty comp in conjunction with the qualifier for the final in September. It will no longer be a practice round! If you wish to contest this competition, each pair must pay the Welsh fee of £5.00 and must be available to represent the club on Thursday 5th September at Holyhead Golf Club. If you only wish to play in the Greensomes for kitty comp purposes, that is also fine but you will play behind the qualifiers - normal £1.00 contribution. Today's competition - No fewer than 38 seniors turned up today for an Individual Stableford competition. The intention was to make it a qualifier and they WILL be arriving any day soon. Unfortunately the bunkers were all GUR, which put the brakes on the planning. Still, the course was in good condition and the weather warm and pleasant - what more could we ask for? Despite the high number of participants for the kitty comp, there were also other groups out for senior knockout rounds both individual and pairs. Good luck to all players in those competitions. There were 7 winners today - all with very good scores at the top and involving countback: Individual Stableford Results: First: Andy Mitchell - 38 points (c/b) Second: Peter Lord - 38 points (c/b) Third: Peter Taylor - 38 points (c/b) Fourth: Dave Mole Jones - 37 points Fifth: Bob Jarvis - 36 points Sixth: Richard Collier - 35 points (c/b) Seventh: Alan Barnsdale - 35 points (c/b)

POST FROM STUART MILES

Seniors, as much as I have missed your company and the golf the last few weeks, I think looking at the state of those who played in the kitty comp coming in, other than the 2 ball who got in before the monsoon and those who played in the knockout's, I will wait till a sunny day, if there are going to be any. With 12 players out playing their knockout competitions there were still 22 seniors who put their tallies up for the kitty comp of pairs better ball. A big thankyou to Fred who organised the draw. Before I list the results a couple of items I've been asked to bring to your attention. Firstly Malcolm has asked to say there are places available for the inter club match on the 11th June at home to Holywell. If you are available please put your name on the sheet on the notice board or see Tom who is in charge of this match. The other item is regarding polo shirts, Don has sourced a supplier, the shirts are in red and are available in all the usual sizes. The shirt will have Clays Golf Club, with Seniors below this embroidered on the shirt. The price is a very reasonable £15.00. Don will put a list up on the notice board, if you're interested could you please put your name down together with your size required by the 30th May and give Don your £15.00. Thank you. Today's results, once I managed to dry the cards out and check them before they disintegrated. 1st Peter Taylor / Barry Evans 38 points. 2nd Paul Cheetham / Eric Thwaites 37 points. 3rd Dave. A. Jones. / Mike Turner 32 points. Hope everyone has dried out. Cheers Stuart

GEMINI TROPHY RESULTS FROM MIKE HEALEY. MAY 14TH 2025

The Gemini Trophy has come round once again! A unique competition in that two medal scores are added together - there are not many of those about. There was a lot of rain on Sunday, continuous overnight rain on Monday and a half expectation that there might be hole closures. It wasn't the case as the course held up very well. There were odd small pools here and there, the traditionally wetter holes held up also and preferred lies were the saviour on the day. All that said, the forecast rain on the day did not materialize and short sleeves came out in the warmth. Scoring was not as good as in previous years and there was only a single two recorded in the ballsweep by Richard Collier on the fifth hole. (He very nearly added a second on the 12th but we are not reporting that one.) Well done to everybody taking part, especially the pairs involved in a veritable battle at the top of the final scores. All results finalised in ig but read on for the top three winning scores: Gemini Trophy Result: First: Ernie Williams and Paul Wallace - Jones - 142 nett (c/b) Second: David Mole Jones and Andrew Mitchell - 142 nett (c/b) Third: Mick McHugh and Chris Trig Jones - 146 nett

Old Padeswood match and Arscott results via Mike Healey

Personally, I have thoroughly enjoyed a brilliant day in our match against local rivals Old Padeswood. We played an am/am at their place a couple of weeks ago but this time we played matchplay with our eight pairs. The result was an overwhelming win to Clays - 8-0 and all credit to the home team. I have to say that the teams getting on with each other so well, we could be considering am/am fixtures in the future. The course is looking so much better and the weather was a generous 21 degs, so what more could we ask from an inter-club match or even just a game of golf. All arrived back in good time and enjoyed refreshments in the sun before ascending for the two course meal that was arranged upstairs. Thank you to Hayley for an excellent meal and a big thank you to Malcolm for the entire organisation of the event. There were no twos recorded and the raffle ticket draw for wine bottles went to Peter Fraser and Jim Fenn (Captain of the OP). The opposition could not believe that we had 16 players to oppose them as well as 24 members out at Arscott for their Senior Open. I asked for the latter results to add to this report and right on cue, Tony Harcobe rang them in. The Clays results are below but the full Arscott positions are still to come. All in all a great day all round. Arscott Results: First: Richard Collier and Dave Palferman - 43 points Second: Daian Atkin andErnie Williams - 39 points (c/b) Third:Mike Hollings and Eric Thwaites - 39 points (c/b) I have already reported the Clays kitty comp. winners from the Senior Arscott Open last Thursday but the final positions have since arrived via Brian Beaton and it would appear that Richard Collier and Dave Palferman were second overall, so well done to them. Dave A Jones also won a prize for Nearest the Tiger Line and there were 11 players in total, scoring twos in the ballsweep, of which three of them belonged to Clays: Alan Bottomley on the 1st, Mike Jordan on the 3rd and Richard Collier on the 17th. Congratulations to all our winners on the day and a good day had by all it has been reported.

TANGO AND MEDAL RESULT FROM MIKE HEALEY

Seniors - I am starting with a quick report about last week's medal. The result is in ig for all to see but it is good to see one's name in lights as we don't all have the ig app. May Medal Result: Division 1: David Palferman - 37 points, Ernie Williams - 34 points, Andy Mitchell - 33 points. Division 2: Tony Harcombe - 28 points, Stuart Leyland - 27 points (c/b), Barry Dare - 27 points (c/b). Division 3: Paul Cheetham - 41 points, Peter taylor - 31 points, Alan Pocklington - 30 points. Well done all competitors. Before today's result, a few reminders - Malcolm has posted the starting line up for our match with Old Padeswood at home on Thursday. If you cannot make it, do let him know (we have reserves). He has also posted sign up sheets for the forthcoming matches versus Northop and Holywell. Do sign up on the noticeboard if you wish to play in these matches. Good luck to the 24 seniors who travel to Arscott this Thursday for their senior Open - we hope you all play well. Next Tuesday is scheduled for our Gemini Trophy - this is played in pairs, as the name suggests and you need to enter via the ig app. Don will most likely make the draw towards the end of this week. Finally, there is a sign up sheet on the noticeboard for the Welsh Greensomes pairs. The qualifier will take place next month but we are having a practice round beforehand (Tuesday 28th May). Today's golf - Tango. Some members were confused by the name, probably because we have rarely played this before. 1,2,3 and 4 to count - very simple. 36 seniors were in the hat and again with three tees to start from, all got away relatively spritely. The pace however, was not too great today and the later groups were somewhat tardy. We are still on preferred lies in the general area and the greens probably need a little more work before coming up to scratch. All in all, the course has shown a vast improvement and it was a pleasant day for a round of golf. Teams of four contested three prizes: Tango Result: First: Andy itchell, Brian Beaton, Tom Blackshaw and Tony Vesty - 90 points Second: Mike Hollings, Peter Taylor, Paul Cheetham and Graham Wright - 85 points Third: Mike Drake Keith Hawthorn, Steve Monk and Graham Bryne - 84 points (Quite a bit of prize money was uncollected - safe in kitty box!)

9x3 plus 9x2. April 30th 2024, Report via Mike Healey.

Today's Results - 36 seniors (another perfect number) arrived for today's kitty comp (9 x 3) plus (9 x 2). We were all pleased with the course being fully open, tiring as it was and also warned about greenstaff working on sanding the greens, following tining. It was great to get 3 starting tees back in the frame and at the end of the day there was very little hold up. All 9 groups arrived back in the clubhouse in reasonable time with 4 of the 9 cards returning good scores over 90 points. We all remained dry and returned for the 3 prizes on offer - read on for winners: (9 x 3) plus (9 x 2) Results: First: Reg Peacock, Chris Blazdell, Peter Taylor and Tom Blackshaw - 96 points Second: Don Wraight, Nigel Davies, Alan Barnsdale and Mike Parks - 93 points Third: Steve Graham, Wyn Jenkins, Mike Drake and Ian Ketland - 92 points Sadly the fourth group with 91 points just missed out on prizes.