LBGC Centenary Book - Flipbook - Page 35
Langland Centenary Book
15/2/05
6:11 pm
Page 35
For the first time in a number years a new cup was presented
to the Club in 1974. Donated by Alcoa G.B. Ltd., and naturally
called the Alcoa Cup, it was played for as four ball competition
and followed by a buffet and social evening which the Company
also sponsored.The Club was most grateful to Alcoa and the
popularity of the competition and what followed in the evening
grew year by year until, for various reasons it ceased in 1994.
During 1974 the Glamorgan Junior Championship was played
at Langland and won by Hugh Evans.The Uniroyal Welsh
Professional Championship was also played at Langland and
won by D. Ridley, then an assistant tournament professional at
St. Pierre Golf Club, who set a record score of 69 in the final
round.This competition was unfortunately marked by dreadful
weather and this, combined with some interesting pin
placements, caused a number of high scores, Indeed the only
“birdie” on the now par 4 sixth hole was from a full blown
pitch with a nine iron!
The improved standard of golf within the Club, of which has
already been written, was most evident in the 1975 season.
Chris Last started in fine style tieing for second place in the
Welsh Stroke Play Championships, winning the Glamorgan
Championship and being selected to play for Wales in the
Home Internationals. Hugh Evans could not retain his Junior
title as he was over age but he compensated for the loss of the
title by gaining, in partnership with Phil Cobley, the Glamorgan
Foursomes Championship, which they won fittingly at the
Glamorganshire Golf Club. A Glamorgan County Junior League
was commenced at this time and our juniors won it at the first
attempt, carrying all before them in tremendous style.The rest
of the members entered competitions in ever increasing
numbers and the handicaps committee almost had to work
overtime in reducing handicaps. Following the precedent set
when Bob Pressdee became an International, Chris Last
was elected a Honorary Member at the Annual General
Meeting held in November 1975, in recognition of his
International status.
Tents on course
As you can imagine, the amount of golf now being played and
the sheer number of members and visitors put a tremendous
strain on both the course and the Clubhouse.The course,
despite an unusually dry summer, fared better than the
Clubhouse which was often bursting at the seams. At a Board
meeting in January 1976 it was decided to start on the long
awaited extension and as planning permission had already been
granted, work began almost immediately. Again it was Ken
Phillips who bore the brunt of the work, and right well he
did it too.
Gareth Edwards - Pro Am 1976
It was as well that we had made the decision, for the newly
elected Captain, Frank Parker, aided by that well know
entertainer Ryan Davies, who was a Club member, suggested
that a Pro/Am competition followed by a concert be held in
the Autumn.The proceeds from this dual event to go to local
charities. Planning duly went ahead and our minor efforts and
knowledge gained at the Ostreme pageants were brought into
use. As someone once said, the day went well and it was a
great success, raising more than £1200 for charity. One other
thing that should be mentioned, though, is that Frank Parker,
leading off the competition as Captain and surrounded by a
milling crowd of competitors, spectators and autograph hunters
was sufficiently nerveless to hit his tee shot on the first green,
which is more than most of the members could do even
without crowds. Perhaps it should be explained that the
autograph hunters were after celebrities like Ryan Davies,
Barry John, Gareth Edwards and other notables, not Frank!
As previously recorded, Hugh Evans and Chris Last reached the
finals of the Victory Foursomes Competition in 1976 and Hugh
was selected to play for Wales thus becoming the third former
junior member to achieve International status. Following the
established precedent, he was elected as an Honorary Member
of the Club.The Junior team again won their group of the
Junior County League and the Langland success continued.
Mention should be made that in1976 Welsh International John
Roger Jones moved to Swansea and chose to join our Club. In
1977 he also played for Wales and won the Glamorgan County
Championship. A feather in the cap for Langland. Bob Pressdee
was made a Welsh Selector and our First team were runnersup in the Glamorgan League. Hugh Evans was Club Champion
for the third year running. So all in all 1977 was a good year for
honours in the Club. In spite of the vagaries of the weather, the
Course at this time of the year was considered to be in good
condition.Two important decisions were made during the year,
firstly to redesign the 18th hole and secondly to plant many
more trees in selected areas.
During the year the Steward and his wife, Mr. and Mrs.Thomas,
departed and were replaced Mr. and Mrs. Bob Wabey. It was
decided to improve the kitchen and provide the new couple
with updated equipment.
History was made with the formation of an Entertainments
Sub-Committee.The Board had begun to realise that organised
entertainment for members at selected times, for example
Monthly Draw nights, boosted trade at the Bar and helped our
income generally.The Club finances were in a satisfactory state
but with talk of development in the air an appeal was made for
members loans to assist in funding. More of this later.
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