GREAT fun combined with serious sport made it a day to remember at the Gwent Business Golf Championship 2002 at the St Pierre Old Course in Chepstow.

Title-holders Davlan Construction conceded this year to Acorn Recruitment, who scored 91, the same as second-placed Mid Glam Packaging.

First and second places were decided on countback.

Third was a team captained by Argus editor Gerry Keighley with 88 and fourth was Golf Brands with 85.

Mark Simpson, of Huxley Associates, which had four teams in the Stableford competition, picked up both prizes for the longest drive and nearest the pin.

The ladies team, captained by South Wales Golfer senior controller Pat Bees, received a special prize for being the only female one present.

Among the players taking part were Celtic Manor captain Dennis Jones, immediate past captain Roy Enos and vice-captain Shirley Pearson; and Kath Shepherd, past ladies' captain of Peterstone.

The event, which attracted 24 teams with four players each, continues to be one of the most popular of its kind, presenting networking opportunities for business and an evening meal and awards ceremony.

This year, popular comedian Owen Money took part as one of Gerry Keighley's team members and also provided the post-match entertainment.

With his huge store of golf jokes and his witty repartee, he made sure that fun on the course carried through to the evening celebrations.

Michele Hosken and Lindsey Holley, of the South Wales Argus, were the hardworking hosts for the day, which was organised by the Argus marketing department with Pat Bees and sponsored by Business Argus.

"Everyone had a fantastic time, the weather was great and the course was in fine condition," Pat Bees said.

* Pictured: Mike Mahoney, captain of the winning Acorn team, with the trophy after the presentation by Gerry Keighley, editor of the South Wales Argus