Mel Neale Pembrokeshire Cup is played for by junior golfers

 Mel Neale was a well-respected and much-loved captain at Trefloyne Golf Club, Penally, and over the years he was also a very popular member of other local golf clubs.

And to reflect that, Mel’s daughter, Joan Thomas of Millforge Garage in Pembroke Dock, has donated the new Mel Neale Pembrokeshire Cup.

Open to juniors across Pembrokeshire

The competition will be played annually at Trefloyne, open to juniors with handicaps from all Pembrokeshire golf clubs, with invitations going out to junior organisers across the county.

So, on September 15, local youngsters from Trefloyne, Haverfordwest and Milford Haven gathered at Trefloyne, excited to compete in the inaugural event.

Sadly, the dreadful weather dampened their excitement a bit, but all the entrants – and their caddies and followers – deserve huge credit for sticking with it and battling the elements, especially towards the end of the round.

A great day for Haverfordwest Golf Club's Will Davies - the competition's overall winner, who also got nearest the pin. He is pictured with Mel Neale's daughter, Joan Thomas. (Image: Graham Willcocls)

Afterwards there were smiles and laughter as the cards were checked in the warmth of the clubhouse. When the counting was done and the checks were made, Joan presented the prizes.

Haverfordwest Golf Club's Will Davies was the 2024 overall winner of the Mel Neale Pembrokeshire Cup and, not surprisingly, won the boys’ section medal.

And to top it all off and make a real day of it, Will had nearest the pin as well!

Girls' runner-up, Kayla Arthur and boys' runner-up, Josh Richards, with Mel's daughter, Joan Thomas. (Image: Graham Willcocks)

Trefloyne’s Josh Richards took the runner-up’s spot, keeping his good run of form going.

Laci Reynolds – a member at Trefloyne and Milford Haven – took top place in the girls’ competition, with Kayla Arthur from Trefloyne right behind her.