THE 2014 competitive golfing year is almost over and the Monmouthshire Golf Club's Men's Club Champion for the seventh time is Simon Lewis. 

Lewis began his golf at the Monmouthshire as a junior and represented the county at junior and senior level. He still plays league golf occasionally and over the years has won all the competitions held at the club. 

His first club championship was in 1986, then 1987, 1989, 1996, 2005, 2013 and this year beat Greg Harris in the final.

The Monmouthshire also have the Gwent Seniors' Strokeplay Champion in their midst – Nigel Miles won his title at Raglan Parc recently. 

All the men's league teams finished the season about half way in their leagues but the ladies teams struggled this year and have both been demoted.

There has been a month of jollity in the club commencing with the Ladies Away Day to Puckrup Hall.  Some members made it a two day jaunt to help the Vice Captain, Sian John celebrate her birthday. 

This was followed by the trip organised by Club Steward Cecil Rowlands, who took a group of 16 to Patshull Park. 

Again a really good sociable weekend with teams playing their own versions of the Ryder Cup which just happened to be on at the same time. 

The final excursion was undertaken by the ladies to the Vale golf resort to celebrate Dawn Irving's hen night – we're told that the standard of golf was only surpassed by the standard of 'hair-dos' which were very colourful indeed. 

More entertainment is planned for the run up to Christmas.  Firstly we have a quiz night on October 24, more teams are always welcome. 

They have a 'Dining Night' on November 8, with the Seniors Presentation evening being held on November 19. 

There will be a Christmas Carol evening on December 17 from 7.30pm which everyone is invited to attend. 

On a golfing note the Cock of the North competition started last weekend and will continue throughout the winter months.  There is also the New2Golf programme which is about to start – anyone who would like to attend this excellent value training opportunity should contact the Managing Secretary at the golf club who may be able to enrol a few more participants. (01873 852606.)