LBGC Centenary Book - Flipbook - Page 37
Langland Centenary Book
15/2/05
6:11 pm
Page 37
with more members retiring early, and they were given
permission to design their own tie for ceremonial occasions.
Clive Dunne, of Dad’s Army fame on TV, was given courtesy of
the Course during his Pantomime run at the Grand Theatre
but the Board in their wisdom refused permission for a Hot
Air Balloon to land on the Course. You can imagine the
comments made by members about the latter.
The golfing side of the Club reached even greater heights in
1979 with Hugh Evans selected as a reserve for the Great
Britain and Ireland Walker Cup Team and although not required
to play it was an honour indeed. John Roger Jones played for
Wales in the Amateur HomeTeam Internationals and also won
both the Glamorgan and the Carmarthen County
Championships. Hugh Evans was victorious in the prestigious
Duncan Putter played at Southerndown. Bob Pressdee
continued as non-playing Captain of the Welsh teams.The Club
won the Victory Shield Foursomes for the second year running.
On the domestic front the Club Champion was Phil Balfry, who
with Phil Cobley, represented the County. A year to be proud
of and we were just that.
The Course continued to be maintained in a good condition
under the leadership of Greenkeeper Ken Payne with the only
problem being a disruptive period of heavy snow, fortunately
infrequent at Langland. Plans to replace the sand in all bunkers
was put on hold due to the prohibitive cost of the type of sand
required. During the year the 6th Green, one of the most difficult
to read on the Course, was taken up and relaid thus removing
the two tier effect.The hole remains a most difficult par four.
The Lounge area was refurbished to the satisfaction of most
members and the outside of the Clubhouse repainted. Other
necessary work carried out was the moving of the Junior’s
changing room to the end of the Greenkeeper’s building and the
purchase of a large wooden shed to house members’ trolleys.
Our finances remained in a precarious position due almost
entirely to the amount of essential work carried out on the
Clubhouse in particular. Once again the subject of Squash
Courts raised its head with the sport in general experiencing a
popularity boom nationwide. Fortunately, thanks to our Board,
not at Langland. Plans were prepared to rearrange the kitchen
and add equipment, all at a cost of £1000, this to create greater
efficiency. It was also decided to investigate the feasibility and
cost of relocating the beer cellar. Subscriptions for men were
increased to £80 and for Ladies to £55 with Green fees
at £4.50.
Frank Parker was elected as Chairman of the Board in 1979
and under his leadership several interesting decisions were
made during his first year. For example all new members were
given a Club tie and a copy of David Billings book ‘The First
Seventy Five Years - A history of Langland Bay Golf Club’,
advertising was allowed on the new score cards to allay costs
and polo neck sweaters were allowed under jackets for all
Club functions. It was also decided to increase the rentals for
the tents seasonally erected near to the 17th fairway to £15.
This was the start of a decline in the use of these tents,
enjoyed by families for many years, due mainly to an increase
in vandalism and the need for additional space for members
to practice.
The bungalow at the rear of the Clubhouse was finally
demolished and a survey of the site made with regard to future
development.This to involve building on to the back of the
Clubhouse with a new snooker room, games room, Juniors’
room and a beer cellar, all at a cost of £10,000. After some
debate the Board decided to put this on hold for the present
but did agree to extend the Professional’s shop.
Michael Bonallack was the main speaker at the Men’s Dinner
which was again held at the Caswell Bay Hotel and very well
attended. Not only did Mr. Bonallack refuse to charge a fee but
he adamantly insisted on paying his own bill at the Caswell Bay
Hotel. He said at the time “It is a pleasure to give something
back to the game which has given me so much”. A fitting end
to the seventies.
Max Faulkner, Pro Am 1978
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