THE first monthly medal of the Glamorganshire Golf Club's new season was played on Saturday and, despite more good weather, the course proved extremely difficult for most players, with the standard scratch being 73.

With an encouraging field of 156 players, Paul Rice was the eventual winner, returning a fine nett score of 68. Tim Hughes was second, two shots back, with a nett 70, on countback from John Letton.

In the twos competition, there were 16 twos counting, giving seven balls per share.

Result: P Rice, 95-27-68; T Hughes, 96-26-70 (back nine); J Letton, 83-13-70.

The next monthly medal will be on Saturday, April 12.