The Dyfed Golf Championships were recently played over the testing West Wales links at Ashburnham Golf Club, Burry Port.

With one of the best turnouts for many years, 58 players tested their skills around this wonderful stretch of Welsh coast.

With the course in beautiful condition and the greens running firm and fast, it was Alan Jones from South Pembs Golf Club who led the way with a 74 in the first round. One stroke back was Ashburnham member, Devlin Leach, with a 75.

During the second round, the wind picked up, making for an even sterner test of shot making and imagination.

Dai Thomas, of Carmarthen, posted the early clubhouse lead. After his opening round of 80, he came in with a one under par 71, giving him a total of 151.

On the 17th tee, Alan found out that he needed two pars to tie the score. After a good tee shot, he leaked his second shot right, towards the lateral water hazard. He must have felt like it was his day as his ball finished the wrong side of the hazard, but he was able to stand on small bridge to play his ball. The shot facing him seemed almost impossible - 50 yards, out of the rough, over a bunker, where the pin was tucked. He managed to pop the ball up and over the bunker, with the ball coming to rest two feet from the flag.

With a birdie opportunity agonisingly missing the cup on the 18th, Alan and Dai ventured into a play-off. On the tough par three 16th, Alan chose to play first and struck a sweet eight-iron to 14 feet. Dai missed the green and failed to make his par. This meant that Alan, who has represented the Dyfed golf team for 30 years, claimed his third Dyfed title at the age of 48.