SOUTHERNDOWN
THE opening salvo in the Hardy Annuals winter series at Southerndown was accompanied by some low numbers.
The competition is spread over five monthly events with the final contest due to be staged in April.
Adam Yeates swept to victory on the back of an exceptional 42 Stableford points courtesy of a birdie on hole 13 and 13 pars.
He had one point to spare over Jonathan Vernon (15 pars, two bogeys and a home hole blob) while the card of thirdplaced Michael Phillips was worthy of mention.
In handing in a card worth 40 points, he shot an eagle on hole six; got a two on 14 along with further birdies on the second and 13th greens and matched par on eight occasions.
On the day, an incredible 14 competitors went under the card with fourth-placed David Huw James also getting 40 points.
On the 39-point mark came Jason Evans and Jack Hayes (both carded twos on hole 10) while a further point back came Jon Jones, Steve Hurley (two on hole five) and Allan Jenkins.
Five players then completed their rounds with 37 points – BJ Hawkins, Colin Tapsfield, Glenn Hughes, MG Mitchell and Daniel Roderick.
But the annual Turkey Trot competition has been placed on ice following wintry conditions last Sunday out on the golf course.
As some greens had game before the traditional Christmas break, and they start the inward 11 fixtures with a home game on Saturday against Cardiff Metropolitan University C.
Once again Timmy Hodges proved an artful dodger up top and on three occasions pickpocketed the Yate defence.
Bridgend Town Cricket Club star Pedro Pearce was another three-goal hero for the high-flying Ravens.
And it almost goes without saying the other goal was crafted by the club’s man for all seasons – the one and only David Knight.
But while the glamour boys in attack once more grabbed the headlines, this landslide victory over Yate was down to every player giving it their best shot.
Bridgend are enjoying a become waterlogged, a course inspection was made at 9am and a decision was made to play the competition on Saturday week.
New tee-off times are on the club notice-board.