NONE of the events taking place at the Royal St George course at Sandwich over the weekend could divert attention from the result of the 2003 Gwent Business Golf Championship.

In one of the most open competitions for years, 2001 winners Davlan Construction, of Newport, regained the Business Argus Trophy after its year in the safekeeping of Acorn Recruitment & Training.

The venue was the Marriott St Pierre Old Course, Chepstow, and the championship was an 18-hole Stableford competition.

Seventeen teams contested the event, including two from the Argus. One of these, captained by Pat Bees, was the only ladies team in the championship.

Competitors were challenged by ever-changing weather which included heavy showers and periods of intense sunshine.

Some consolation was afforded to the Acorn team when one of its players, Nik Watkins, won the prize for the longest drive.

Lyndon Thomas, of Cardiff county council, won a prize for scoring the only hole-in-one of the day.

Runner up to Davlan was B&C Foundry, of Bedwas House, Cardiff. Newport Solicitors Harding Evans came third with Newport plumbing and heating specialists Roy Enos fourth.

A three-course meal was served to accompany the evening prize-giving event with entertainment provided by comedian Rod Woodward. Ladies team captain Pat Bees said: "It was a really super day which everyone enjoyed. We can't wait for next year."

* Pictured: The Devlan team, from left, Kevin Cook, John Davidson, Philip Rees and Jonathan Davidson