Exciting Finish to Captain’s Day

Galgorm Castle Golf Club held its annual Captain’s Day and the captain Mr. Neil Fitzsimmons was in attendance throughout the day meeting and

wishing the golfers an enjoyable round of golf as they teed off. Also there was a bonus of a ‘goodie’ bag for the golfers which was much appreciated. The golf itself provided many tense and exciting moments especially at the finish with only two points separating ten golfers. The water and trees had their usual say in the outcome of events. At the halfway stage fifteen handicapper Joseph Barr and ten handicapper Darren McLaughlin were two points ahead David McAleese who in turn was one point ahead of a quartet of players – Jackson Minford (16), Willie Park (6), Stephen O’Loughlin (21) and Peter Connon (21) – with William Wilson (17) breathing down their necks a point behind. He was being followed by John Henry (10), Willard Simpson (16) and David Hayes (13) two further points behind with Paul Warren (19) another point in arrears. Through fourteen the field was closing up. O’Loughlin and McAleese had moved into a narrow one point lead from Minford, Barr and Park with McLaughlin and Connon another point behind, Wilson was a further point behind and Henry, Hayes and Warren were a point behind Wilson with Simpson trailing by another point. Over Beechers and through the Grove with two holes to play and there was a quadruple tie between McAleese, Minford, O’Loughlin and an improving Connon who parred fifteen and sixteen. These four were a point ahead of Barr, McLaughlin and Wilson who parred fifteen and sixteen. Henry and Hayes were another point behind followed by Park, Simpson (closing in with two pars) and Warren. Only three points separating these players and only two holes left. Connon threw away his chances of victory when he bogeyed seventeen and ‘dinged’ the last. Minford finished with two bogeys and was joined by Barr who finished par, bogey but with a better back nine Minford won the Captain’s Prize with Barr as runner-up. McAleese finished double bogey, bogey and won the Seniors. McLaughlin finished bogey, par to finish first in the Low Section and the remaining seven players all finished level. Henry (bogey, par) with a better back nine just pipped Park (par, par) for second place.In the Middle Section Wilson (double bogey, bogey), Simpson (par, bogey) and Hayes (bogey, par) finished together and on countback Simpson squeezed into first place with Hayes (better back nine) second. In the High Section with Connon throwing away his chances it left Warren and O’Loughlin playing for the places. Warren finished the stronger with par, bogey which enabled him to draw level with O’Loughlin (two double bogeys)and with a better back nine Wareen came out in first place with O’Loughlin in second spot.

An excellent lunch was enjoyed by all.

The head greenkeeper and his staff are to be congratulated on the good condition of the course.

Results – Captain’s Prize – Jackson Minford 40 pts (bb9) – Runner-up –

Joseph Barr 40 pts. – Gross- Colin Kinghan 35 gross pts – Low Section – 1st. Darren McLaughlin 39 pts – 2nd. John Paul Henry 38 pts (bb9) – Middle Section 1st. Willard Simpson 38 pts – 2nd. David Hayes 38 pts (bb9) – High Section – 1st. Paul Warren 38 pts (bb9) – 2nd. Stephen O’Loughlin 38 pts. – Best Front Nine – Wilfred Morrison 22 pts. – Best Back Nine – Robert Barkley 23 pts – Captain’s Prize for Ladies – Susan McCarroll – Captain’s Prize for Ladies Low – Denise McCosh – Captain’s Prize for Ladies High –Linda McKay – Seniors – David McAleese 39 pts – Committee Prize – Trevor Todd 37 pts – Past Captains – Dennis McCarroll 36 pts – Visitors – Alyn McKee 30 pts – Putting Competition – Jonathan McNeill 8 under par – Nearest Pin @ 14 – Gordon McIlroy – Longest Drive @ 18 – James Hamill.

 

Small Wins McCarroll McConnell Stableford

Galgorm Castle Golf Club was the setting for the McCarroll McConnell sponsored Stableford. At halfway Kenny Small (14) held a one point advantage over Ian Henry (18) with Robert Topping (16) and James McAuley (15) at two point intervals respectively behind. Through fourteen Small still held his slender one point lead over Henry with Topping another point down and McAuley a further point adrift. There was no change in the order through sixteen. Small finished bogey, par to win by one point from McAuley (bogey, par) and Henry (bogey, bogey) who finished together but with a better back nine J.McAuley took the runner’s up spot. Henry won the Division 3 and Topping (par, bogey) who finished a further point behind won the Seniors.In Division 1 at the turn Mal Bellew (7) was one point ahead of Leonard Craig (12) with Henry Cubitt (12), David Keys (10) and Chris Cooke (10) at one point intervals respectively behind. Through thirteen only two points separated these five golfers with Bellew still one point ahead of Craig. A furthwer point behind Keys and Cooke had moved up to join Cubitt. Bellew surrendered his advantage after sixteen to Craig when he ‘dinged’ fifteen to fall one point behind. Cubitt parred sixteen to join Bellew followed by Cooke and Keys another point away. Craig managed to hold on to his lead when he finished with two pars for a one point win from Bellew (par, par). Cubitt (bogey, bogey), Keys (par, bogey) and Cooke (bogey, par) all finished level but third position went to Cooke (better back nine). In Division 2 at the turn Derrick McClelland (16) and David Millar (14) were one point ahead of Raymond Lynn (16) and David Kilpatrick (14) with George Watt (15) and Des Cousley (13) another two points back. With four holes to play Kilpatrick had moved up to join Millar at the front by one point ahead of McClelland who was one point clear of Cousley. Watt and Lynn who had stumbled with a ‘ding’ on thirteen were another point away. In a storming finish only two points separated the first six players. McClelland regained the lead over the closing holes (two bogeys) to win by one point from Millar (bogey, par) with the remaining four players finishing together. In a driving finish Kilpatrick (bogey, bogey), Cousley (bogey, bogey), and Lynn (bogey, par) were joined by an improving Watt (bogey, par) and by the closest of margins Watt with a better back three was placed third. As mentioned earlier Ian Henry won Division 3. He was clear by four points of his nearest challenger at the finish. At halfway Henry was two points ahead of James Rea (27) with Gary Hood (19) and vice-captain Austin McGillian (18) close up one and two points further behind. Approaching fourteen Henry was still ahead of Rea by two points with McGillian and Hood trailing by another two points. With two holes left to play Henry had his lead cut to one point by Rea with McGillian and Hood another two and three points down. ‘Dings’ by Rea on eighteen and McGillian on seventeen left the way clear for Henry who took advantage with a two bogey finish for first place. Rea held on for second place one point ahead of McGillian who bogeyed the last and Hood (bogey, double bogey) who finished level but with a better back nine McGillian finished in third place.

Results – Overall Winner – Kenny Small (14) 42 pts – Runner-up – James

McAuley (15) 41 pts (bb9) – Division 1 – 1st. Leonard Craig (12) 39 pts – 2nd. Malachy Bellew (7) 38 pts – 3rd. Chris Cooke (36 pts (bb9) – Division 2 – 1st. Derrick McClelland (16) 39 pts – 2nd. David Millar (14) 38 pts – 3rd. George Watt (15) 37 pts (bb3) – Division 3 – 1st. David I Henry (18) 41 pts – 2nd. James Rea (27) 37 pts – 3rd. Austin McGillian (18) 36 pts (bb9) – Gross – Liam Reilly jnr (0) 35 gross pts – Seniors –Robert Topping (16) 40 pts.

Two’s were recorded by – R.Beckington. I.Stewart, D.Watterson (x2), D.Black, M.Brown, J.McFarland, W.McVeigh, D.Murray, A.Proctor, R.Topping,

A.Workman, K.Andrews, D.Chappell and D.Cousley.

 

Belfast & District Cup

Galgorm Castle Golf Club were drawn against Donaghadee in the Third Round of the Belfast & District Cup.The first leg was played at Donaghadee and Galgorm suffered a heavy 5-2 defeat. First match out was Paul Christie against C.Lynall. Christie never really got going and lost 5 and 4. The second match between Paul Houston and his opponent A.Vorner was a close affair right up to the seventeenth where Houston lost 2 and 1. Steven Penney brought a glimmer of hope to Galgorm when he halved his match with A.Small. Johnny Rodgers and Liam Reilly jnr also lost heavily to N.Boyd and G.Boyd respectively by 5 and 4. At this stage Galgorm Castle were trailing by ½ to 4 ½ with the outlook very bleak. Ben Churchill gave Galgorm a valuable win when in a very tense finish he beat M.Weathall 1 up. Dave Kernohan and J.McBurney halved their match to leave Galgorm with a three match deficit to overturn at home if they were to make any further progress in the Cup.

The second leg took place at Galgorm Castle Golf Club and in the opening match Dave Kernohan gave the home side a good start when he won his match against Donaghadee’s A.Jernez 4 and 2. Ben Churchill was the next out against G.Boyd and he kept up the good work with a 4 and 3 win. Things were going well at this stage and the rest of the team were gaining momentum. A setback occurred when Liam Reilly jnr lost 4 and 3 to N.Boyd leaving Galgorm still two matches behind overall. Next up Steven Penney had a rather facile victory over A.Small by 8 and 7. Johnny McNeill lost 4 and 3 to R.Gordon. Johnny Rodgers kept home hopes alive when he won his match 3 and 2 against J.McBurney. Everything now depended on the last match between Paul Houston and N.Jenkins. After a close front nine Houston edged in front for a 3 and 2 win to make the second leg result 5 – 2 in favour of Galgorm Castle and the overall result Galgorm Castle 7 Donaghadee 7. With the scores level over the two legs this meant a play-off was required to decide the winner. Dave Kernohan was Galgorm’s selected player and he won the play-off sending Galgorm into the next round (fourth round).The victory for Galgorm, an unseeded team, in their first year in the Belfast & District Cup was excellent after overcoming a huge deficit. Galgorm Castle Golf Club will now become a seeded team next year.Congratulations to Gary Henry and his team and wishing them all the best for the remaining rounds of the competition.

 

Quinn wins Harry Dunlop Stableford

With weather conditions in their favour and the course in good condition golfers set out expectantly for that elusive win in the Harry Dunlop sponsored Stableford played at Galgorm Castle Golf Club.At the halfway stage twenty one handicapper Tony Quinn held a tasty four point lead over James Mairs (12), Peter Daly (9), Trevor Dawson (11) and Steven Penney (3) with Stephen Brown (10) another point behind. Through twelve Quinn’s lead had been reduced to two points by Daly with the help of a birdie on ten. Dawson and Mairs were another point away with Penney a further point down and two points ahead of Brown. After Beechers Quinn with the help of two pars had opened up his four point lead again from Mairs. Daly and Dawson were in close attendance another point away followed by Penney and Brown at one point intervals respectively behind. Quinn finished bogey, ‘ding’, bogey and opened the door if any of the chasing pack could take advantage. Dawson was the nearest to challenge when he finished with three pars but failed by one point to catch Quinn who was the Overall Winner with Dawson Runner-up. Mairs (bogey, par, bogey) and Daly (bogey, par, par) finished together but with a better back six Mairs took first place in Division 1 with Daly in second. There was a keen struggle for third place between Penney (par, birdie, par) and Brown (par, birdie, bogey) and both players level but with a better back nine Brown finished third.At the halfway stage in Division 2 Gareth Beckington (14) had a comfortable three point lead from David Millar (14) followed by David McAleese (17) and Aidan McNeill (14) at one point intervals respectively behind. After thirteen Beckington’s lead had vanishe(two ‘dings’ at eleven and thirteen) and he now found himself along with McAleese one point behind the new leader Millar. McNeill was a further point behind. Through sixteen Millar had increased his lead to three points over Beckington who was a point ahead of McNeill and McAleese. Millar came home with two bogeys to win by two points from McAleese (bogey, par), Beckington (par, bogey) and McNeill (two pars) who all finished level. McNeill with a better back nine finished second with McAleese (better back nine) third. After the outward half in Division 3 Geoff. Bell (19) held a three point advantage over Roy McDowell (19) with Bill Hawthorne (26) another point away. After fifteen Bell led by one point from McDowell with Hawthorne four further points behind. However things changed over the closing three holes when Bell ‘dinged’ sixteen and eighteen leaving the chasing pair to fight out the finish. Hawthorne surged home with bogey, par, bogey to join McDowell (bogey, bogey, double bogey) and with a better back nine Hawthorne took first place with McDowell second.Results – Overall Winner - Tony Quinn (21) 43 pts – Runner-up – Trevor Dawson (11) 42 pts. – Division 1 – 1st. James Mairs (12) 41 pts (bb6) – 2nd. Peter Daly (9) 41 pts 3rd. Stephen Brown (10) 34pts (bb9) – Division 2. 1st. David Millar (14) 40 pts – 2nd. Aidan McNeill (14) 38 pts (bb9) – 3rd. David McAleese (17) 38 pts (bb9) – Division 3 – 1st. Bill Hawthorne (26) 37 pts (bb9) – 2nd. Roy McDowell (19) 37 pts – 3rd. Geoff Bell (19) 36 pts – Gross – David Kernohan (+3) 40 gross pts – Seniors – Wilson McVeigh (7) 38 pts (bb9).

 

Clydeport June Medal Goes To Brown

Thirteen handicapper Michael Brown led at the halfway stage in the Clydeport sponsored June Medal played at Galgorm Castle Golf Club by one shot from James Mairs (14), Sean McCormick (5), Willie Park (7) and Graham Simms (15). He was never headed from this point and in fact

increased his lead to four shots at the finish over James Mairs. Through fourteen he had a commanding three shot lead over Mairs with Jackson Minford (18) another two shots behind. His lead was never threatened over the closing holes as he ran out the Overall Winner from Mairs (runner-up) with Minford finishing another shot behind. In Division 1 only one shot separated seven golfers at the finish. At the halfway stage Sean McCormick (5) and Willie Park (7) were setting the pace two shots ahead of Michael Reid (5) and Andy Workman (12) with Gavin Rodgers (9) and Mark Hamilton (11) a further shot behind. Gary Duffin (12) was another shot adrift. Through fourteen McCormick was leading by one shot from Reid with Workman, Park and Hamilton another shot behind. They were followed by Rodgers and Duffin down by another shot. With two to play Reid, Workman and an ever improving Hamilton had moved into a one shot lead from long time leader McCormick who was joined by Park and Rodgers. Duffin was another shot behind waiting for an opportunity. Rodgers finished strongly with par, birdie to join Reid (two pars) at the finish and with a better back nine Rodgers nosed in front to take first place with Reid second. This left five players to fight for the third place and they all finished together. Hamilton (par, bogey), Workman (par, bogey), McCormick (two pars), Park (two pars) and Duffin with a birdie, par finish joined them and with a better back nine claimed third place.At the turn in Division 2 Graham Simms (15) led by one shot from Raymond Lynn (16) with Willard Simpson (16) and John Hunt (13) another shot behind. Alan Knox (17) was another three shots behind at this stage. After thirteen there was a three way tie between Simms, Lynn and an improving Simpson. Through sixteen Simpson and Lynn had moved

into a one shot advantage over Hunt with Knox joining a slipping Simms another shot adrift. Simpson (two bogeys) and Lynn (two bogeys) finished together and with a better back nine Simpson finished in first place. Lynn won the Seniors leaving Knox, Hunt and Simms playing for the minor positions. Knox finished in second place when he parred seventeen and bogeyed eighteen. Hunt (two bogeys) and Simms (double bogey, par) finished level but with a better back nine Hunt took third place.

The Division 3 was a runaway win for Jackson Minford. Playing off eighteen he came home five shots clear of the rest. At halfway Stephen O’Loughlin (21) was one shot ahead of Ivan Graham (23) who in turn was one shot ahead of Minford and Ian Rosborough (18). Through fourteen Minford was leading with Graham, Rosborough and O’Loughlin at one shot intervals respectively behind. Minford had increased his lead to five shots over the other three through sixteen .Graham and Rosborough damaged their chances of victory when they ran into bogey

trouble at Beechers and the Grove. O’Loughlin was also five shots adrift .Minford finished birdie, bogey to maintain his five shot advantage. I.Graham recovered with a par, bogey finish to take second place. Rosborough (two bogeys) and O’Loughlin (double bogey, par) finished together but with a better back nine Rosborough claimed third position.

Results – Overall Winner – Michael Brown (13) 60 – Runner-up – James Mairs (14) 64 – Low Division – 1st. Gavin Rodgers (9) 69 (bb9) – 2nd. Michael Reid (5) 69 – 3rd. Gary Duffin (12) 70 (bb9) – Division 2 – 1st. Willard Simpson (16) 71 (bb9) – 2nd. Alan Knox (17) 72 – 3rd. John Hunt (17) 72 – Division 3 – 1st. Jackson Minford (18) 65 – 2nd. Ivan Graham (23) 70 – 3rd. Ian Rosborough (18) 72 (bb9) – Gross – Steven Penney (3) 74 – Seniors – Raymond Lynn (16) 71.Ladies and Gents Open Stableford

Results –

Overall Winner – N.Greer (10) (Gracehill) – 42 (bb9) – 2nd. David T.Henry (26) 42 – 3rd. Mervyn Greer (6) (Bushfoot) 40 – 4th. William Hewitson (5) (Castlerock) 39 (bb3) Gross – Michael Reid (5) 35 (bb6) – Ladies – Ann McGuckin (17) 41.

 

Close Finish To TOC Group Stableford

At the halfway stage in the TOC Group sponsored Stableford played at Galgorm Castle Golf Club John McCarry (10) held a one point advantage from Alan McClements (11) who had a one point lead over Wilson McVeigh (8) and Gary Kenna (9). Hugh Moore (10) and Ivan Alexander (17) were another point down followed by Paul Houston (5) who was a further point away. Through fourteen only two points separated these leading seven golfers. McVeigh had moved up to take a one point lead from four players hot on his heels waiting for a slip with another two a further point behind. A point behind McVeigh came McCarry, Kenna (‘ding’ at fourteen), McClements and Alexander with Houston and Moore close behind. With two to play McCarry and McClements had moved up threateningly to join McVeigh at the head of affairs with Kenna one point down. Moore and Alexander were another point away with Houston another point behind. Alexander finished with two pars but was unable to catch McCarry (bogey, birdie) and McVeigh (bogey, birdie) who finished together a point ahead, and with a better back nine McVeigh was the Overall Winner with McCarry Runner-up. McClements (double bogey, par), Kenna (bogey, par), Moore (two pars) and Houston (par, birdie) finished together and with a better back nine P.Houston took first place in Division 1 with Moore (better back nine) second and Kenna (better back nine) third. In Division 2 at the turn Robert Topping (16) was a clear twi points ahead of Ivan Alexander (17), Philip Galloway (15) and David Black (14) with Aiden McNeill (15) another point behind. William Lennox (17) was another point behind with Philip Smyth (13) and Willard Simpson (17) a further point away. Through thirteen Alexander was leading by one point from Smyth, Black, Lennox (‘ding’ on thirteen) and Topping who ran into bogey trouble. McNeill was a point away followed by Simpson and Galloway who faltered at eleven and twelve with bogeys. After sixteen and with two to play Alexander was still leading by one point from Smyth with McNeill and Black chasing a further point down. They were followed by Simpson and Topping another point away with Galloway and Lennox behind by another point. Three ‘dings’ at sixteen by Galloway, Black and Lennox was making it easier for the front runners. Alexander came home birdie, par for first place two points ahead of McNeill (bogey, birdie) in second and Smyth (par, bogey) third. Simpson (bogey, par), Galloway (two pars), Black (bogey, par), Lennox (bogey, birdie) and Topping (bogey, par) all finished together a further point out of the placings.

After the front nine in Division 3 David Chappell (19) held a three point advantage over a quartet of golfers – Raymond Steele (20), Asa McGillian (19), Roy McDowell (18) and Owen Henry (20) with Alan Collie (19) close on their heels a point behind. Through fourteen Chappell was still leading but Steele and McGillian had closed the gap to one point with McDowell, Henry and Collie at one point intervals respectively behind. ‘Dings’ at sixteen by Chappell and McGillian allowed Steele to draw level with Chappell in the lead with McGillian, McDowell and Henry two points behind and Collie another point away. Chappell (two bogeys) and Steele (two bogeys) finished together but with a better back nine Steele finished in first place with Chappell second. McGillian finished (par, bogey) to take third place with McDowell (bogey, double bogey), Henry (double bogey, bogey) and Collie (double bogey, par) finishing together another point behind the placings.

Results – Overall Winner – Wilson McVeigh (8) 41 pts (bb9) – Runner-up

– John McCarry (10) 41 pts – Division 1 – 1st. Paul Houston (5) 39 pts (bb9) – 2nd. Hugh Moore (10) 39 pts (bb9) – 3rd. Gary Kenna (9) 39 pts (bb9) – Division 2 - 1st.Ivan Alexander (17) 40 pts – 2nd. Aiden McNeill (15) 38 pts – 3rd. Philip Smyth (13) 37 pts – Division 3 – 1st. Raymond Steele (20) 38 pts (bb9) – 2nd. David Chappell (19) 38 pts – 3rd. Asa McGillian (19) 37 pts – Gross - Ben Churchill (+2) 42 gross pts – Seniors – William Lennox (17) 36 pts.

Charity Day

Galgorm Castle Golf Club held a Charity Day and barbeque with all proceeds going to the Friends of the Cancer Centre at Belfast City Hospital.

In Division 1 at the turn John Rodgers (10) and Gary McWilliams were one point ahead of David A.McAleese (5) and Mark Dunlop (6) with Simon Kennedy (6) another point away. Through twelve Rodgers had moved into a three point lead from McAleese and Dunlop with Kennedy and McWilliams another point down. The field closed up through fifteen with McAleese a point ahead of Dunlop and McWilliams followed by Kennedy and Rodgers another point behind. Kennedy (three pars), Rodgers (p0ar, double bogey, birdie), McWilliams (bogey, bogey, par) and Dunlop (par, bogey, par) all finished level but McAleese with a par, bogey, birdie finish claimed first place one point ahead of Kennedy (better back nine) in second and Dunlop (better back nine) third.

At halfway in Division 2 Kenny Andrews (16) was two points ahead of William McGaughey (17) with David Bamford (14) and John Hunt (13) another one and two points respectively behind. Through thirteen the lead had changed with McGaughey moving into a two point advantage over Andrews. Another point behind came Bamford and Hunt. Through sixteen McGaughey had moved into a practical unassailable four point lead from Hunt. Bamford and Andrews ‘dinged’ sixteen and fourteen respectively and fell another point behind. McGaughey finished with two bogeys to win by four points from Bamford who finished with two pars. Hunt (two bogeys) and Andrews (two bogeys) finished together but with a better back nine Hunt took third place.

In Division 3 Twenty five handicapper Kevin Duffin set the pace and after the front nine held a commanding four point lead from Noel McAlynn (21) who was followed by Harkness McCaughan (18) and William Wilson (18) at one point intervals respectively. After twelve Duffins lead had been significantly reduced to one point by McAlynn due mainly to a ‘ding’ by Duffin on ten and a par on twelve by McAlynn. Two points further adrift came McCaughan with Wilson trailing by another four points due to a ‘ding’ at eleven. With two to play only three points separated the players. Duffin was making it hard for himself when he ‘dinged’ fourteen but he was stll very much in contention only one point behind McAlynn. Wilson came with a run of par, birdie, bogey, par to join McCaughan and were another two points down. McAlynn finished with a double bogey and a par to win by one point from Duffin (double bogey, bogey) with Wilson (bogey, par) and McCaughan (bogey, par) finishing level but with a better back nine Wilson took third place.

Results – Division 1 – 1st. David A.McAleese (5) 41 pts – 2nd. Simon

Kennedy (6) 39 pts (bb9) – 3rd.Mark Dunlop (6) 39 pts (bb9) – Division 2 – 1st. William McGaughey (17) 42 pts – 2nd. David Bamford (14) 38 pts – 3rd. John Hunt (13) 37 pts (bb9) – Division 3 – 1st. Noel McAlynn (21) 40 pts – 2nd. Kevin Duffin (25) 39 pts – 3rd. William Wilson (18) 39 pts (bb9) – Gross – David Kernohan (+3) 40 gross pts. – Seniors – Eric Boyce (24) 37 pts. David A.McAleese, William McGaughey and Noel McAlynn qualified for entry to Europro Pro Am.

Ulster Fourball

Galgorm Castle travelled to Kirkistown in the Second Round First Leg and came away having lost 3-2. However it is hoped that this one match can be made up in the home leg. In the first match Kenny Balmer and Neil Ramsbottom were two down to A & R Thompson after five. They fought back to be all square at the turn but after losing four of the next six holes they went down 4/3. Next match out saw Bernie Frayne and Ralph Clarke take a commanding three hole lead through five and were two up at the turn against J.McKeag and M. Caughey. They went on to level the match with a 4/3 victory. Robert McCormick and David Henry were two down at half way in their match with C.McMullan and G.Mitchell but finished all square. Chris Warwick and Glen Millar were all square after five with G.McGreevy and C. Arthurs but were one down at the turn. However they fought back to finish all square. In the last match Alan Knox and Jonathan McCart started poorly and went three down after five. They fell another hole behind through nine. They fought back but eventually lost out 2/1 to make the final score Kirkistown 3 Galgorm 2.

Senior Cup

The Senior Cup team consisting of David Kernohan, Liam Reilly jnr, Jonathan McNeill, Steven Penney and Ben Churchill qualified for the First Round. With scores of 76, 80, 78, 79 and 76 respectively they finished in second place with a total of 309. Dunmurry finished first with 301 with Moyola third on 312. Galgorm Castle now play Moyola at The Hilton.

Pierce Purcell

The Pierce Purcell team qualified in second place with 323 points for the First Round and will play Royal Portrush at Cushendall. Cushendall qualified in first place with 320 points; Royal Portrush were third also on 323 points with Ballycastle next on 326 points.The home team were represented by Sammy Graham/Jimmy Mairs; David Bamford/Des Cousley; Philip Galloway/James Smyth; Denis McCarroll/Gary Crabbe and David Martin/Graham/Simms.

 

Jimmy Bruen

Galgorm Castle qualified for the Second Round with a 3 ½ to 1 ½ home victory over Cairndhu. Daly and Carroll lost the opening match 2/1. Lennox and Taylor levelled the match at 1-1 with a 3/2 win. Barkley and McLaughlin won rather easily 6/5. Mailey and Foster halved and in the final match Dunlop and Killough won 3/2.

Irish Mixed Foursomes

Galgorm Castle qualified in first position with 298 points followed by Ballycastle 298 ½ , Kilrea 301 and Royal Portrush 302.The qualifying round was played at Greenacres. The pairings representing the home side were David Kernohan/Julie Ann Kyle (76 points); Liam Reilly jnr/Angela Graham (77 points); Paul Christie/Pauline Thom (78 points); Phil Hanlon/Bernie Daly (80 points) and Mark and Kerry Dunlop (73 points).

The team now meet Royal Portrush at Greenacres.

 

Here’s hoping that all teams do well in their respective competitions.

 

Clarke Contracts Stableford

At the halfway stage in the Clarke Contracts sponsored Stableford played at Galgorm Castle Golf Club high handicapper Stephen McCooke playing off twenty eight held a one point advantage from Keith Barkley (9) with David Halliday (9) hot on his heels another point behind followed by Alan Coulter (15) a further two points adrift. Through fourteen Barkley led by one point from McCooke and Halliday with Coulter another three points down. After sixteen McCooke had fought his way back to lead by one point from Halliday with Barkley and Coulter at one point intervals respectively behind. McCooke threw his chance of overall victory away when he failed to score up the last to leave the door open for the other three golfers in contention. K.Barkley came home bogey, par, Coulter (par, bogey) and S.McCooke (double bogey, ‘ding’) to finish level but Halliday with a bogey, par finish took the Overall prize by one point with Coulter (better back nine) runner-up. There was consolation however for Barkley and McCooke (see later) There were close and exciting finishes to all three Divisions. In Division 1 at the turn Ricki Simpson (8) led Stephen Brown (10) by one point with Keith Barkley (9) another point behind and Billy Cull (7) two further points away. After thirteen Barkley moved ahead with a par on ten and a birdie at thirteen. Brown was one point behind with Simpson losing out with a ‘ding’ on ten another point away. Cull who was not making any inroads on the leaders was still another two points adrift. The front runners were closing up through fifteen making for a close finish. Barkley still clung onto the lead after unceremoniously failing at Beechers by one point from Simpson (birdie at sixteen) with Cull closing (two pars and a birdie) to join Brown another point behind. Two points separating them with two holes to play. Brown was the first to falter when he bogeyed the last. Cull finished strongly with two pars to join Simpson (par, bogey) but Barkley with a bogey, par finish held on by one point for first place. Cull with a better back nine claimed second place with Simpson third. The closest finish of the day occurred in Division 2 where Jonathan McCart (17) held a commanding three point advantage from Joseph Barr (16) and Paul Sittlington (14) with Brian Watt (15) another point behind. Through fourteen McCart still had a three point lead from Barr with Sittlington and Watt another point away. With two to play McCart’s lead had been cut to one point byBarr and Sittlington mainly because of two double bogeys by the leader at fifteen and sixteen. Watt was another point behind. McCart finished with another double bogey and a bogey, Sittlington (par, bogey), Barr (two bogeys) and Watt (par, bogey). The four golfers finished level but with a better back nine Watt took first place, Barr with a better back six finished second with Sittlington (better back nine) third. In Division 3 at the turn William Wilson (19) led a chasing pack of three – Stephen McCooke (28), Malcolm Sharpe (19) and Ivan Graham (24) - by one point. Through thirteen which McCooke and Wilson ‘dinged’ I.Graham took advantage to move into a two point lead from Sharpe and McCooke with Wilson another two points behind. Three holes further on and with two to play McCooke with three pars had taken a three point lead over Graham who ran into bogey trouble and Sharpe with Wilson a further point away. McCooke finished double bogey, ‘ding’ but held on to win by one point from Wilson (bogey, par). Graham and Sharpe both hit more bogey trouble but finished level another point behind and with a better back six Sharpe took third place.

David Kernohan (-3) won the Gross and David Martin (13) took the Seniors.

Results – Overall Winner – David Halliday (9) 41 pts – Runner-up – Alan Coulter (15) 40 pts (bb9) – Division 1 – 1st. Keith Barkley (9) 40 pts – 2nd. Billy Cull (7) 39 pts (bb9) – 3rd. Ricki Simpson (8) 39 pts. – Division 2 – 1at. Brian Watt (15) 39 pts (bb9) – 2nd. Joe Barr (16) 39 pts (bb6) – 3rd. Paul Sittlington (14) 39 pts (bb9) – Division 3. – 1st. Stephen McCooke (28) 40 pts – 2nd. William Wilson (19) 39 pts – 3rd. Mal Sharpe (19) 38 pts (bb6) – Gross – David Kernohan (-3) 37 gross pts – Seniors – David Martin (13) 38 pts.

Two’s were recorded by – D.Halliday, L.Reilly jnr (x2), G.Henry, H.Graham, S.Logan, S.Mailey, P.McAleese, J.McNeill, A.Moore, P.Sittlington, S.Stirling, B. Killough, S. MacDonald, D.McCarroll, P. McDonald, A.Wallace and K.Barkley.

 

Kenna takes 19th Hole Trophy Versus-Par

The 19th Hole Trophy Versus-Par played at Galgorm Castle Golf Club turned into a three player affair between Gary Kenna (11), Sammy Graham (17) and Jonathan McCart (19). At halfway Graham who was six up led Kenna and McCart by one hole. Through twelve McCart with the help of two pars and a bogey moved into a one hole advantage over Graham and Kenny. With three to play Graham and Kenna were still tied together and had taken a two hole lead over McCart. From this point on it was a match between the pair. Kenna moved into a one hole lead when he parred sixteen to a bogey from Graham. He maintained this advantage through seventeen and Graham fought back up eighteen to draw level with Kenna but with a better back nine K~enna took the honours with Graham in the runner-up position. In Division 1 at the turn Billy Cull (8) was three up followed by Simon Nicholl (7) a hole behind. John McCarley (12) was level with Paul Hughes (10) one down. After twelve Nicholl had joined Cull who bogeyed twelve with Hughes two holes down followed by McCarley. Cull was leading by one hole through fifteen when Nicholl bogeyed fourteen with Hughes and McCarley still chasing a further two and three holes behind respectively. The leaders were level coming to the last but a bogey by Nicholl let in Cull who parred for a one hole victory. Hughes and McCarley finished three up but with a better back nine Hughes claimed third place. McCarley however took the Seniors prize. In Division 2 Raymond Ardis (16) was leading by one hole from David Bamford (15) with George Watt (15), David Millar (16) and Henry Cubitt (13) at one hole intervals down respectively. Through thirteen Ardis lead Bamford and Watt by three holes with Cubitt another hole down. Millar was level pat at this stage. Through sixteen Ardis had picked up another hole. Cubitt who won fourteen, fifteen and sixteen joined Watt two holes behind Ardis. They were followed by Bamford one hole behind with Millar another hole down. Watt parred the last hole to join Ardis who missed his chance when he double bogeyed and with a better back nine Watt took first place. Bamford went another hole up on seventeen which was enough to see him finish third. Millar came with a late run to join Hughes, unfortunately a hole behind the placings. Division 3 saw Jonathan McCart (19) storm into an early lead and was five up at the turn followed by James Rea (28) two up, Ross Bennett (23) level and Patrick Reid (18) another hole behind. McCart continued to lead thjrough fourteen by two holes from Rea with Bennett another hole down. Reid was a further three holes behind. Through seventeen McCart’s lead had been cut to one hole by Bennett who gained two holes at sixteen and seventeen. Rea was another hole down and Reid after a run of three pars was only another hole behind. McCart failed to score at the last but Bennett (double bogey) and Rea were unable to take advantage leaving McCart the winner. Bennett finished one hole behind and claimed second place. A bogey at the last enabled Reid to draw level with Rea who lost the eighteenth and with a better back nine Reid finished in third position. The Gross prize was won by David Kernohan (-3).

Results – Overall Winner – Gary Kenna (11) 9up (bb9) – Runner-up – Samuel Graham (17) 9up – Division 1 – 1st. Billy Cull (8) 5up – 2nd. Simon Nicholl (7) 4up – 3rd. Paul Hughes (10) 3up – Division 2 – 1st. George Watt (15) 5up (bb9) – 2nd. Raymond Ardis (16) 5up – 3rd. David Bamford (15) 4up – Division 3 – 1st. Jonathan McCart (19) 5 up – 2nd. Ross Bennett (23) 4up – 3rd. Patrick Reid (18) 3up (bb9) – Gross – David Kernohan (-3) 5up gross – Seniors – John McCarley (12) 3up.

 

Ladies and Gents Open Stableford

Results were as follows – Overall Winner – Trevor Monaghan (18) 46 pts – 2nd. Neil Fitzsimmons (15) 41 pts – 3rd. J.Woods (13) (Belvoir Park) 39 pts (bb9) – Gross – Stephen Coulter (3) 35 pts gross –

Ladies – Caroline Speers (23) 35 pts.

Two’s were recorded by – S.Penney, H.McKeague, L.Robinson, W.Simpson

and D.Chappell.

 

Ace Fixings Stableford

There was a good turn out of golfers for the Ace Fixings sponsored Stableford played at Galgorm Castle Golf Club. A trio of golfers were vying for the lead at the halfway mark. David A.McAleese (6), James McKendry (15) and Garry Robinson (16) led John Davis (13) by one point. Through twelve McAleese with a run of birdie, par, birdie had opened up a three point cushion from Davis and McKendry with Robinson a further point behind. After fifteen McAleese was still ahead although his lead had been cut to two points by Robinson (3 pars) and Davis. McKendry was another point back. Robinson finished bogey, bogey, par with McKendry (3 pars) and Davis (3 pars) all level. McAleese came home birdie, bogey, birdie to win by two points from Davis (better back nine) in the runner-up position. In Division 1 at the turn Andy Bradford (7) was ahead of David Kernohan (-3) and Paddy Coleman (9) by one point. Trevor Alexander (9) and Mark Dunlop (7) were another two points down followed by Billy McDowell (5) a further point away. Through twelve the front runners had closed up with Kernohan and Coleman sharing the lead by one point from McDowell, Dunlop, Bradford (slipped up with a ‘ding’ at eleven) and Alexander. With three to play there was still little between the players. McDowell (par, birdie, par) forged into the lead by one point from Dunlop, Bradford (3 pars) and Coleman, with Kernohan and Alexander a further point behind. In a tense and exciting finish Kernohan (par, par, birdie), Alexander (par, bogey, par) and Coleman (double bogey, par, par) finished together but unfortunately one point behind the placed players. Kernohan had the consolation of taking the Gross. Bradford (par, par, bogey), McDowell (par, bogey, par) and Dunlop (par, bogey, par) also finished level and with a better back nine McDowell took first place with Dunlop (better back nine) in second and Bradford (par, par, bogey) third. In Division 2 at halfway Neil Fitzsimmons (16) held a slender one point lead from James McKendry (15) and Garry Robinson (16) with Gary Crabbe (14) another point behind. Through thirteen Fitzsimmons was still leading by one point from McKendry with Robinson and Crabbe at one point intervals respectively behind. With two to play the leadership had changed with McKendry and Robinson taking a one point lead from Fitzsimmons who ‘dinged’ fifteen and Crabbe close up another point away. Fitzsimmons finished with two bogeys and took the Seniors prize. McKendry and Robinson had an exciting last two holes but a two par finish by McKendry gave him a one point victory from Robinson who finished bogey, par. Crabbe (bogey, par) finished in third place. In Division 3 Stephen O’Loughlin (22) was two points ahead of Roy McDowell (21) and William Lennox (19) with Noel McAlynn (22) three points down. O’Loughlin still held a one point advantage from McDowell through fourteen where McAlynn had a ‘ding’ to fall another two points behind. Lennox was another three points away as a result of ‘dings’ on 12 and 14). After seventeen McDowell had moved into a one point lead from O’Loughlin with a fast improving Lennox joining McAlynn another three points down. McDowell’s slip at the last with a double bogey allowed O’Loughlin (par) to take advantage and come home for victory by one point. McAlynn (par) and Lennox (par) finished level and with a better back nine McAlynn finished third.

Results – Overall Winner – David A.McAleese (6) 44 pts – Runner-up

John Davis (13) 42 pts (bb9) – Division 1 – 1st. Billy McDowell 40 pts (bb9) – 2nd. Mark Dunlop (7) 40 pts (bb9) – 3rd. Andy Bradford (7) 40 pts – Division 2 – 1st. James McKendry (15) 42 pts – 2nd. Garry Robinson (16) 41 pts – 3rd. Gary Crabbe (14) 38 pts – Division 3 – 1st. Stephen O’Loughlin (22) 40 pts – 2nd. Roy McDowell (21) 39 pts – 3rd. Noel McAlynn (22) 37 pts (bb9). – Gross – David Kernohan (-3) 42 gross pts – Seniors – Neil Fitzsimmons (16) 39 pts.

 

Ulster Fourball

Galgorm Castle travelled to Helen’s Bay for the second leg needing only a half point for overall victory after their 5-0 win at home. Victory came after Glen Millar and Chris Warwick won comfortably against Jim Wilson and Alan Coyle by 7 and 6. They went two up after the fourth and had a commanding 5 hole advantage at half way. However they were not faring as well in the other matches when they were called in at halfway. Jack Douglas and Robin Deane were 3 down to David Saligari and Mark Wilson. Alan Knox and Jonathan McCart were 1 up against Peter Martin and Jim Houston. Ivan McCappin and George Simpson were 4 down to Ray Crawford and Tom Wilson and Raymond McDyer and Garth Wilson were 2 down to Gordon Patton and Hugo Frew. However the team did a good job over the two legs. The final score was Galgorm Castle 8 Helen’s Bay 2. Features of the match were Chris Warwick’s birdie at the first hole which he birdied next time round and a two at the par three 4th. Congratulations to the team and their manager Bill Craig.

 

Fred Daly

Galgorm Castle Juniors having lost the away leg to Rockmount by 5 ½ - 1 ½ the home leg was always going to be extremely difficult as a victory by 6 – 1 or better was required. In the first leg Michael Reid was one up coming to the last. However his shot to the green spun back off and his opponent putted a difficult put to half the match. Patrick Bamber won the only match with a comfortable 3 and 1 victory. Jordan Hood, Chris Dalrymple, David Stirling, Robbie Sutherland and Scott Johnston all lost by 3 holes.In the home leg Jamie Sutherland who was unavailable for the first leg recorded an excellent 8 and 6 win and was two under for the holes played. Michael Reid had a well earned 4 and 2 win against 4 handicap opponent. These early victories were halted when Jordan Hood lost by one hole when his opponent sank a tricky three foot put. Patrick Bamber lost 3 and 1, Robbie Sutherland lost 2 and 1 and Scott Johnston lost 4 and 2. The tie now being over David Stirling in the last match was determined to finish his match and was one up with one to play. He won the last hole with a par to record a win. Having lost the away leg five and a half to one and a half, and losing the home leg four and three the final result was Galgorm Castle 4 and ½ Rockmount 9 and ½. The team hope to do much better in the Plate Competition.

 

Wilson wins JTI

The Stableford Competition played at Galgorm Castle Golf Club was sponsored bt JTI. And at the halfway stage twenty two handicapper William Wilson held a one point advantage over David Bamford (15) with Mark Dunlop (7) another point away and David Murray (7) another two points down. Through thirteen Wilson had increased his lead to three points over Bamford with Dunlop and Murray at one point intervals respectively behind. With two to play Dunlop had closed the gap with the help of a birdie on sixteen to within one point of the leader (Wilson). Murray and Bamford were a further two points down hoping the two front runners would slip up over the closing holes – not so – Wilson and Dunlop fought out the closing two holes. Both players were level after seventeen and all depended on the last hole. Each player parred the last to leave Wilson the Overall Winner by one point (due to his shot advantage) from Dunlop in the runner-up position. In Division 1 at halfway Mark Hamilton (12) had a slender one point lead over Michael Alexander (6), Roy Bell (12) and David Martin (12) with David Murray (7) and Alan McClements (11) another point behind. Through fifteen Martin had taken a two point lead over Murray, McClements and Bell with Alexander and Hamilton three points behind Martin. McClements (par, double bogey, par), Alexander (birdie, bogey, par), Bell (bogey, bogey, par), Hamilton (par, par, bogey) and Martin (bogey, ‘ding’, par) all finished level but Murray took first place by two points when he finished with three pars. McClements with a better back nine finished second with Alexander (better back six) third. Hamilton and Martin ‘dings’ at twelve and seventeen respectively proved to be very costly at the finish. Division 2 saw David Bamford (15) take a one point lead at halfway over Neil Ramsbottom (18) followed closely by Michael Nesbitt (15) and Raymond Ardis (17) a point behind. Through fourteen Bamford and Nesbitt were one point ahead of Ardis and Ramsbottom. ‘Dings’ were proving costly to Bamford (14th), Nesbitt (12th) and Ramsbottom who took two (13th & 14th). After sixteen Bamford and Ardis led Nesbitt by one point who in turn was one point ahead of Ramsbottom. Ramsbottom (2 pars), Ardis (par, double bogey) and Nesbitt (par, bogey) finished level but Bamford with a par, bogey finish took first place by one point from Nesbitt (last hole) in second place and Ardis (better back nine) third. In Division 3 bogeys played an important role at the finish. At halfway David Henry (26) had a narrow one point lead over Ivan McCappin (21), Owen Henry (21) and George McDowell (19) with Jonathan McCart (19) another point down. After thirteen O.Henry had taken a one point lead over McCappin (‘ding’ on twelve) with McDowell and D.Henry (‘ding’ at eleven) another point down. McCart found himself another two points down (‘dinged’ eleven and thirteen). Through sixteen O.Henry still held a one point lead but from McDowell with D.Henry and McCappin(another ‘ding’ at sixteen) a further point away and McCart a further two points down. D.Henry ran into bogey trouble over the closing holes, McDowell (bogey, ‘ding’) and McCart (bogey, par) finished together one point behind O.Henry (double bogey, ‘ding’) and McCappin (2 bogeys). With a better back six McCappin pipped O.Henry for first place with McCart (better back nine) third.

Reg. McDowell (15) won the Seniors and David Kernohan (-3) won the Gross.

Results – Overall Winner – William Wilson (22) 42 pts – Runner-up – Mark Dunlop (7) 41 pts – Division 1 –1st. David Murray (7) 39 pts – 2nd. Alan McClements (11) 37 pts (bb9) – 3rd. Michael Alexander (6) 37 pts (bb6) – Division 2 – 1st. David Bamford (15) 39 pts – 2nd. Michael Nesbitt (15) 38 pts (last hole) – 3rd. Raymond Ardis (17) 38 pts (bb9) –Division 3 – 1st. Ivan McCappin (21) 36 pts (bb6) – 2nd. Owen Henry (21) 36 pts – 3rd. Jonathan McCart (19) 35 pts (bb9) – Gross – David Kernohan (-3) 36 pts (gross) – Seniors – Reginald McDowell (15) 38 pts.

 

McCooke in Spar Galgorm

The Spar Galgorm sponsored Stableford was played at Galgorm Castle Golf Club and provided some exciting finishes. At the halfway point George McCooke (13) and Alan Knox (18) were battling for the leadership one point ahead of David Stirling (9) who was one point ahead of William Wilson (22), Garrett Bell (5) and Sean McCormick (5). After fourteen McCooke had a two point advantage over Knox with Wilson, Bell, McCormick and Stirling another point behind. Through the Grove Knox had moved up to challenge McCooke for the leadship. McCooke took a double bogey on sixteen which Knox took advantage of. Stirling moved into third position a point behind with Wilson and Bell another point away. Wilson (bogey, par), Knox (bogey, double bogey), Bell (2 pars), McCormick (par, birdie) and Stirling (bogey, par) all finished level but McCooke with a birdie, ‘ding’ finish came home one point clear of the field for overall victory. Wilson (bb1) finished in the runner-up position. In Division 2 at the turn Knox had a clear two point lead over Albert Smyth (13) and Andrew A.Moore (18) with Neil Ramsbottom another point away. Through twelve Moore had reduced Knox’s lead to one point with Smyth and Ramsbottom three and four points respectively further behind. Moore joined Knox through Beechers and led Smyth by three points with Ramsbottom another point down. A birdie at the Grove enabled Ramsbottom to jump into contention and close the gap to two points with two holes to play. Moore was one point behind Knox with Smyth level with Ramsbottom. Moore (bogey, double bogey), Ramsbottom (two bogeys) and Smyth (bogey, par) finished level and were left to scramble for the minor placings as Knox with a bogey, double bogey finished in first place. Ramsbottom with a better back nine took second place with Smyth (better back six) third. In Division 1 at halfway Stirling held a one point advantage from Bell, McCormick and peter Kearney (12) Stirling blotted his scorecsrd at thirteen with a ‘ding’ as did Kearney at eleven. After thirteen S. McCormick was leading by one point from Bell with Stirling and Kearney at one point intervals respectively behind. With two holes to play Stirling with a run of birdie, par, par was leading Bell by one point with McCormick slipping back with a bogey, par, bogey another point away where he was joined by an improving Kearney (two pars and a bogey). Stirling (bogey, par), McCormick (par, birdie) and Bell (two pars) finished level one point ahead of Kearney (bogey, birdie). First place went to Bell (better back six) with McCormick (better back nine) second and Stirling third. In Division 3 David Nelson (19) finished two points clear of Cyril Reid (19) (better back six) in second with Stephen McCooke (28) in third.

Liam Reilly jnr (0) won the Gross prize and the Seniors was won by Des

Cousley by a point from Neville Neill and James Mairs.

Results – Overall Winner – George McCooke (13) 41 pts – Runner-up –

William Wilson (22) 40 pts (bb1) – Division 1 – 1st. Garrett Bell (5) 40 pts (bb6) – 2nd. Sean McCormick 40 pts (bb9) –3rd. David Stirling (9) 40 pts – Division 2. - 1st. Alan Knox (18) 40 pts – 2nd. Neil Ramsbottom (18) 39 pts (bb9) – 3rd. A.J.Smyth (13) 39 pts (bb6) – Division 3 –1st. David Nelson (19) 37 pts – 2nd . Cyril Reid (25) 35 pts (bb6) – 3rd. Stephen McCooke (28) 35 pts -Gross – Liam Reilly jnr (0) 39 gross pts – Seniors – Des Cousley (13) 38 pts.

 

Ulster Fourball

Galgorm Castle entertained Helen’s Bay in the First Leg and won rather convincingly by 5-0. In the opening match Robin Deane and Jack Douglas set off at a brisk pace against Robert Anderson and Jim Houston and were two up after five. They continued their winning ways and were four up at the turn. They held on to this advantage and eventually won 4 and 3. George Simpson and Ivan McCappin were all square with Gordon Patton and Hugo Frew at halfway. Play continued to be close before the home pair finally won 1 up. In the third match Raymond McDyer and Garth Wilson went one up after five against Jim Wilson and Alan Coyle and increased their lead to three up at the turn finally winning 2 up. Glen Millar and Chris Warwick took an early two hole lead against Alan Thompson and David Saligari and they were still 2 up at the turn. Play was fairly after halfway and the home pairing ran out 4 and 3 winners. The last match saw the Alan Knox/Jonathan McCart pairing leading Peter Martin and Ken Craig by 2 holes after five. They maintained this lead until the turn and in a hard struggle over the back nine they held on to win 1 up.

We wish them luck in the away leg and this 5-0 lead gives them a good chance of progressing to the next round.

 

Robinson takes April Medal

The April Medal saw the introduction of three divisions for the first time and all three provided exciting finishes with countback needed in all three to decide the winners. At the halfway stage in the April Medal played at Galgorm Castle Golf Club the club Captain Neil Fitzsimmons (16) held a slender one shot lead from Jonathan McCart (19) and Bernie Frayne (19) with Garry Robinson (16), Michael Alexander (6) and Stephen O’Loughlin (22) in close attendance another shot away. Through fourteen the Captain was joined by Frayne in the lead with Robinson, Des Beckington (9) and M.Alexander challenging a shot away. A further shot behind Gary Boyd (10), David Watterson (8) and Colin Kinghan (2) were making their presence felt and joined McCart. With two to play Frayne was leading by one shot from Robinson who was another shot ahead of Fitzsimmons and McCart. Another shot down came Boyd,Watterson, Beckington, Alexander, Kinghan and new entrant Philip Smyth (13). Also making a late bid for glory came David Stirling (9), David I.Henry (17) and Albert J.Smyth (13) another shot down. Frayne threw his chance for overall victory when he double bogeyed the last two holes and so did McCart when he bogeyed the final two holes. This left Robinson and Fitzsimmons on their own and they were level with one to play. Overall victory went to Robinson at the last hole when he finished with a par to a bogey from Fitzsimmons. In Division I at the halfway M.Alexander led by one shot from D. Beckington who held a one shot advantage over Watterson and Kinghan with Boyd and Stirling another one and two shots respectively behind. Through thirteen Beckington joined Alexander a shot ahead of Boyd, Watterson and Kinghan with Stirling another two shots adrift.With two to play Stirling with the help of a bogey, birdie and a par moved into a one shot lead ahead of Boyd, Watterson, Beckington, Alexander and Kinghan. An exciting finish was in prospect over the closing two holes and so it turned out when all six players finished level. Alexander finished par, bogey, Beckington par, bogey and Watterson par, bogey.Kinghan (two pars) won the Gross prize. With a better back nine Stirling (two pars) finished runner-up and Boyd (bogey, par) took first place with a better back nine.P.Smyth and Ivan Alexander (17) led Division 2 at the turn one shot ahead of D.I.Henry with A.J. Smyth a further shot behind. Through twelve Henry and P.Smyth were leading Alexander by one shot who was another shot ahead of A.Smyth. After Beechers Henry and P.Smyth were still ahead by one shot from Alexander who was joined by A.Smyth. A.Smyth (two bogeys) and Alexander (par, bogey) faded over the closing holes leaving I.Henry and P.Smyth to contest the finish. Smyth came home par, bogey and I.Henry also finished par, bogey but with a better back nine Henry took first place. Alexander had the consolation of winning the Seniors. In Division 3 at halfway J.McCart and Frayne were ahead by one shot from O’Loughlin with Hugh Mussen (22) four shots behind and Sam MacDonald (19) another two shots away. Playing steady golf Frayne had forged three shots ahead of McCart through twelve with O’Loughlin another two shots behind. Then came Mussen and MacDonald another two and three shots in arrear. With two to play Frayne held a two shot advantage over McCart with MacDonald and Mussen three shots further away and O’Loughlin who ran into bogey trouble another shot away. MacDonald, Mussen and O’Loughlin finished level but out of contention three shots behind McCart (par, bogey) and Frayne (ran into bogey trouble, see earlier) and with a better back nine McCart claimed first place.

Results – Overall Winner – Garry Robinson (16) 66 – Runner-up – Neil

Fitzsimmons (16) 67 – Division 1 – Winner – Gary Boyd (10) 69 (bb9) – Runner-up – David Stirling (9) 69 – Division 2 – Winner – Ian Henry (17) 69 (bb9) – Runner-up – Philip Smyth (13) 69 –Division 3 – Winner – Jonathan McCart (19) 68 (bb9) – Runner-up – Bernie Frayne (19) 68 – Gross – Colin Kinghan (2) 69 – Seniors – Ivan Alexander (17) 71

Two’s were recorded by – L.Foster, T. Alexander, R.Ardis, M.Burton, P.Galloway, G.Henry, B.Killough, N.McSlynn, G. Robinson, G.Boyd, P.Christie, L.Craig, G.Hood, G.Jackson, R.Lennox, D.McAleer, M<.McAuley, M.Lamont, J.McCarry and A.McCart.

 

 

Ladies and Gents Open Stableford

Results of the above competition held at Galgorm Castle Golf Club were as follows – Overall Winner – Andrew Chan (17) (Rockmount) 39 pts (bb9) – 2nd. Caroline Speers (23) 39 pts – 3rd. George McKeague (11) (Moyola) 38 pts (bb9) – Gross – Kevin Toner (5) (Moyola)

 

Ladies and Gents Open Stableford

Overall Winner – Trevor Monaghan (18) 47 pts – 2nd. James Mairs (14) 38 pts – Gross – Steven Penney (3) 29 pts - Ladies – Kerry Dunlop (17)

32 pts

Two’s – S.Penney, C.Taylor(Carrickfergus), S.Briers (Carrickfergus)

and Philip Galloway

 

Team Classic

In the Team Classic Competition at Galgorm Castle Golf Club at the halfway stage the 4-Man Team of Lyle Foster, Stephen Mailey, Keith Barkley and Robert Barkley held a one point advantage from John Hunt, Harkness McCaughan, Paul Hughes and David F.Hamilton who were two points clear of the team consisting of Gary Crabbe, Raymond Steele, Adrian McCart and Jonathan McCart. Andy Bradford, David Stirling, David Stirling jnr and Desmond Beckington were a further three points down. After the twelfth the team of Crabbe, Steele, A & J.McCart had moved up into a two point lead from Foster, Mailey, K & R.Barkley with Hunt, McCaughan, Hughes and Hamilton another three points behind.They were being pressed by Bradford, Stirling, Stirling jnr and D.Beckington a point behind.Through fifteen the positions remained the same but the leaders had increased their lead to five points.Crabbe, Steele, A & J.McCart picked up another twelve points over the closing three holes for a comfortable four point victory from Foster, Mailey, K & R.Barkley in second place. Hunt’s team still held a one point advantage over Bradford’s team with two to play but the positions were about to change down seventeen when Bradford, Stirling, Stirling jnr and Beckington recorded six points to four points from Hunt, McCaughan, Hughes and Hamilton to lead by one point in third position. The positions remained the same up the last when both teams picked up four points each.

Results – Winner’s – (Gary Crabbe, Raymond Steele, Adrian McCart, Jonathan McCart) – Runner’s Up – (Lyle Foster, Stephen Mailey, Keith Barkley, Robert Barkley) – 3rd Place – (Andy Bradford, David Stirling, David Stirling jnr, Desmond Beckington)

Two’s were recorded by – A.McGillian, S.Bashford, N.Smith, S.McLaughlin, T.Alexander, C.Kinghan, D.Henry, M.Burton, S.Logan, D.Stirling jnr, G.Crabbe, R.Steele, G.Henry, S.Bashford, D.Watterson, D.McIlroy, R.Ardis, G.Boyd, J.McNeill, N.Khan and D.Keys.

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Winter Sweep

At the halfway stage in the Low Section of the Winter Sweep held at Galgorm Castle Golf Club Jonathan McNeill had a two point advantage over Lyle Foster with Jonathan Rodgers and Colin Steel another point behind. Approaching thirteen McNeill still had a two point lead from Foster who was joined by Steel with Rodgers still a further point behind. Through Beechers and with three holes to play McNeill still led by two points from Steel with Foster stalling at Beechers with a bogey, another two popints adrift. Rodgers was still lying handy in fourth position another point away but unable to move up closer to the leaders. McNeill held onto his two point lead for victory when he came home with three pars. Rodgers with a magnificent late run of three birdies joined Foster (three pars) at the finish and with a better back nine Rodgers claimed second place with Foster third. Steel (two pars and a bogey) finished another point behind. George Watt and Alan Knox were vying for the lead at the turn in the High Section but were being hard pressed by a trio of players – William Wilson, Ivan McCappin and Joseph Barr – one point behind. Wilson started the back nine with a run of a birdie and two pars to lead after thirteen by one point from Watt who in turn was two points ahead of Barr with McCappin and Knox (let down by bogey trouble on eleven and twelve) at one point intervals respectively behind. Approaching three out Wilson was joined by Watt with McCappin moving into third position three points behind. Barr and Knox were another point astray. Wilson and Watt were still level on points at the finish but with a better back nine Wilson finished in first place with Watt second. In the race for third place McCappin finished par, bogey, Barr (two bogeys) and Knox (par, double bogey), leaving McCappin third two points behind Watt and two points clear of Barr and Knox.

Results – Low Section – 1st. Jonathan McNeill 43 pts – 2nd. Jonathan Rodgers 41 pts (bb9) – 3rd. Lyle Foster 41 pts. - High Section – 1st. William Wilson 43 pts (bb9) – 2nd. George Watt 43 pts – 3rd. Ivan McCappin 41 pts. – Gross - David Kernohan 42 pts gross.

Congratulations to James A.Logan who joined the ‘1’ club when he holed his tee shot on the par three fourteenth.

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Eclectic

At the finish of the Eclectic Competition the results were as follows

1. D.Kernohan 53.1 – 2. L.Reilly (jnr) 58.0 – 3. C.McAnally 58.9 – 4.

C.Kinghan 59.2 – 5. P.Hanlon 59.4 – 6. D.Martin 59.5 – 7. M.Alexander

59.7 – 8. D.Hamilton 60.4 - 9.W.McVeigh 60.4 – 10. P.Christie 60.7

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Committee

The new committee for the year 2010-2011 is -

Captain – N.Fitzsimmons

Vice-Captain – A.McGillian

Past Captain – D.McCarroll

President – D.Cousley

Hon. Secretary – I.Graham

Hon. Treasurer – H.McCaughern

Hon. Match Secretary – P.Christie

Hon. Handicapping Secretary – M.Alexander Hon.

Junior Convenor – R.Lynn

Committee – J.Carruthers – M.Dunlop – I.Henry – A.McWilliams – J.Mairs -T.Todd.

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Winter Sweep

The Winter Sweep continued at Galgorm Castle Golf Club and at halfway in the Low Section Darren McLaughlin held a one point lead over Keith Barkley, Paul Christie and John Carruthers. David Martin and Mark Hamilton were another two and three points respectively behind. Through thirteen McLaughlin was still holding a one point advantage over Christie with Martin and Barkley another point behind, followed by Hamilton and Carruthers at one point intervals. What a finish was in prospect with two to play when all six golfers were level. McLaughlin through away his advantage when he failed to score at the Devils Elbow. Carruthers missed his chance of victory when he ‘dinged’ the last after a par down the Lowlands and McLaughlin didn’t help himself either when he double bogeyed seventeen. This left Christie, Martin, Hamilton and Barkley to fight out the finish and it turned out to be a very exciting finish. Christie finished par, bogey, Martin par, bogey, Hamilton bogey, par and Barkleybogey par. This left them level and with a better back nineM.Hamilton was the winner with Martin (better back nine) taking second place and Barkley (better back six) third. Carruthers and McLaughlin were one point behind the placings.In the High Section at the turn there was a four way tie between David McAleese (17), Raymond Steele, Noel McAlynn and Jim Millar. Following this quartet came Malachy Kyne three points down with John Hill another point away. After the twelfth Millar led by one point from McAleese with McAlynn another point behind. Three points further behind came Kyne, Steele and Hill. With three holes to play and the field closing in, Millar still held a one point advantage from McAleese, Steele and McAlynn. Hill and Kyne were a further one and two points respectively behind. Millar lost his chance for victory when he failed to score in the Lowlands. McAleese finished double bogey, par, bogey to win by one point. There was a close battle for the placings when Steele (double bogey, bogey, bogey) and McAlynn (bogey, bogey, double bogey) finished together. This allowed Kyne with a par and two bogeys to join them in a very close finish and with a better back nine Kyne took second place with Steele (better back six) third. Hill (double bogey, bogey, bogey) finished along with Millar one point outside of the placings.

Congratulations to David F.Hamilton who hit the magic “1” when he holed his tee shot at the par three twelfth.

Results – Low Section – 1st. Mark Hamilton 39 pts (bb9) – 2nd. David

Martin 39 pts (bb9) – 3rd. Keith Barkley 39 pts (bb6) – High Section – 1st. David McAleese 40 pts – 2nd. Malachy Kyne 39 pts (bb9) – 3rd. Raymond Steele 39 pts (bb6) – Gross – David Kernohan 41 pts gross.

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Winter Sweep

The Winter Sweep continued at Galgorm Castle Golf Club and at the halfway stage in the Low Section there was a triple tie at the head of the field between Alan McClements, Campbell McAnally and James Brian McAuley. Colin Kinghan was pushing them one point behind with Mark Hamilton another two points behind. Through twelve McClements with the help of three pars had moved two points clear of McAnally, McAuley and Kinghan (three pars). Hamilton was a further two points down. Through Beechers McClements still had a two point lead from Kinghan with McAnally and McAuley dropping another point behind. Hamilton with three pars joined McAnally and McAuley and with three holes left to play three points separated these five golfers. McAnally made a strong bid for victory when he finished par, birdie, par but McClements held on to first place when he finished bogey, par, par for a one point win. This left McAuley, Kinghan and Hamilton in a three way battle for the remaining place. McAuley finished with three pars, Kingham made two pars and a birdie with Hamilton making three pars leaving all three tied and on countback Hamilton claimed third place with a better back nine. In the High Section twenty eight handicapper Stephen McCooke with four pars and three birdies on the front nine held a commanding five point lead over James Rea, Samuel Graham and John McGeough who were two points in front of Noel McAlynn with Cyril Reid another five points down. Three holes further on Rea with the help of two bogeys and a par had reduced McCooke’s lead to three points. Then came McGeough, McAlynn and Graham at one point intervals respectively with Reid still behind by another three points but making inroads. Through fifteen the leader had increased his lead to four points and was looking unassailable. Rea, McAlynn and McGeough came next one point ahead of Graham with Reid two more points away. McCooke finished bogey, double bogey, bogey to win by three points from Rea (par, double bogey, bogey) with McAlynn (two bogeys and a par) in third place. Graham (par and two bogeys), McGeough (bogey, double bogey, par) and a strong finishing Reid (three pars) all finished one point behind the placings. David Kernohan won the gross and his card included ten pars and seven birdies.

Results – Low Section – 1st. Alan McClements 44 pts – 2nd. Campbell

McAnally 43 pts – 3rd. Mark Hamilton 42 pts (bb9) – High Section – 1st. Stephen McCooke 48 pts – 2nd. James Rea 45pts – 3rd. Noel McAlynn 44 pts. – Gross - David Kernohan 42 pts gross.

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Eclectic

Week 4 of the Eclectic sees David Martin, Michael Alexander and Jonathan McCart enter the top twelve list. Biggest mover was Gary Henry up from twelfth to third and Campbell McAnally up four places.

Placings – 1. D.Kernohan – 2. C.McAnally –3. G.Henry – 4. C.Kinghan – 5. Jonathan McNeill – 6. M.Hamilton – 7. D.Martin – 8. M.Alexander – 9. J. McCart – 10. L.Reilly (jnr) – 11.G. Jackson – 12. S.Penney.

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Weekly Sweep

In the Winter Sweep played at Galgorm Castle Golf Club Wilson McVeigh led the Low Section at the halfway point by two points from John McCarry with Phil Hanlon in clise attendance another point away and he was followed by George McAuley two points further behind. Through thirteen McVeigh was joi8ned by McCarry with Hanlon moving up to within one point of the leaders. McAuley was another two points behind. With one to play McVeigh held a one point advantage over Hanlon with McCarry and McAuley a further two points behind. McVeigh finished with a par to hold off Hanlon who also finished with a par by one point. McCarry (birdie) took third place with G.McAuley (par) just out of the placings.In the High Section at the turn Neil Fitzsimmons led Aidan McNeill and Glenn Millar by two points followed by George McDowell and Raymond Ardis another point away.Trevor Monaghan and James Rea were at one point intervals respectively further behind. After twelve McNeill had joined Fitzsimmons in the lead and they were being hard pressed by a trio of golfers – an improving Monaghan; Ardis and Millar) – one point behind. Rea and McDowell were at one point intervals respectively behind. Approaching Beechers and with two holes to play Monaghan continued his forward momentum and joined McNeill in the lead with Fitzsimmons and Millar one point away followed by McDowell and Rea another point adrift. Ardis was a further point behind. Monaghan finished with two pars to win by one point from McNeill (par, bogey) and leave the remainig five players to scramble for the remaining place. McDowell (par, bogey); Rea (bogey, bogey); Ardis (par, par) and Glenn Millar (bogey, bogey) all finished level but Fitzsimmons who double bogeyed the penultimate hole swooped late with a ‘birdie’ to clinch the third place by one point. David Kernohan won the Gross.

Results – Low Section – 1st.Wilson McVeigh 34 pts – 2nd. Phil Hanlon

33 pts – 3rd. John McCarry 32 pts – High Section –1st.Trevor Monaghan 33 pts – 2nd. Aidan McNeill 32 pts – 3rd. Neil Fitzsimmons 31 pts. – Gross David Kernohan 28 pts gross.

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Eclectic

After three weeks of the Eclectic the leading contenders are – 1. D.Kernohan – 2. A.McNeill – 3. P.Hanlon – 4. C.Kinghan – 5. G.Watt – 6. C.McAnally – 7. L.Reilly jnr – 8. M.Hamilton – 9. S. McCormick – 10. C. Steel – 11. G. McWilliams – 12. G.Henry.

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Weekly Sweep

The Weekly Sweep continued at Galgorm Castle Golf Club and at the halfway stage in the Low Section Campbell McAnally and Colin Steel were two points ahead of George McCooke with Philip Galloway another point behind. With three holes to play McAnally had moved into a two point lead, with the help of four pars, from Steel with McCooke a further point back and Galloway trailing by another two points. Over the closing holes McAnally finished with a par, birdie, bogey for a clear four point victory. There was a close finish for the remaining two places between Steel, McCooke and Galloway. Steel finished bogey, par, par; McCooke (par, bogey, par) and Galloway (three pars) and with a better back six Galloway took second place with McCooke (better back six) in third position. In the High Section William Kennedy was out in front by one point from George McDowell by one point with Stephen McCooke three points further adrift. Through twelve Kennedy still led by one point from McDowell with McCooke down by another four points. With two to play McDowell had overtaken Kennedy (double bogey, birdie) and led by two points with the help of a birdie and par. S.McCooke had closed the gap by one point. G. McDowell held onto his two point lead as he finished with two pars for victory. McCooke tried valiantly to catch Kennedy when he finished par, birdie but Kennedy (two pars) held on for second place one point ahead of McCooke. In a close finish for the Gross, Liam Reilly jnr just pipped David Kernohan with a better back nine. Reilly’s card included one bogey, one birdie and all the rest pars. Kernohan’s card included two ‘dings’ which did not help him in his quest for victory.

Results – Low Section – 1st. Campbell McAnally 36 pts – 2nd. Philip Galloway 32 pts (bb6) – 3rd. George McCooke 32 pts (bb6) – High Section – 1st. George McDowell 39 pts – 2nd. William Kennedy 37 pts – 3rd. Stephen McCooke 36 pts.

Two’s were recorded by – J.Hamill (x2), S.Penney, G.Henry, G.McWilliams (x2), W.Park, H.Stafford, G.Bell, P.Galloway, S.Graham, P. McDonald, W.Kennedy, D.Kilpatrick, D.Kernohan, Reg.McDowell, F.McKelvey and P.Smyth.

John McCarley had a ‘hole-in-one’.

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Weekly Sweep

Colin Kinghan held a two point lead at the halfway stage in the weekly sweep held at Galgorm Castle Golf Club. He was followed in the Low Section by Dave Kernohan who was another point ahead of Phil Hanlon and Chris Cooke. A further point down came Alistair Murray and Gary Henry with Liam Reilly jnr and Gary Jackson two and four points behind respectively. Through twelve Kinghan still led Kernohan by one point with Henry moving up to challenge another point away. Reilly jnr, Murray and Cooke were hot on Henry’s heels one point down. Hanlon dropped back as a result of a ‘ding’ on eleven and was joined by Jackson. These two players were another point down. Through the Devils Elbow and with two to play Kinghan had increased his lead to two points. Cooke with a birdie on thirteen followed by a par and G.Henry with two pars moved up to join Kernohan in joint second. Then came Reilly jnr, Hanlon, Jackson and Murray another point behind. After leading from halfway Kinghan finished with two pars but this was not sufficient to hold on for victory as Kernohan upped his game over these closing two holes to finish with an eagle two and a birdie to win the Low Section by one point. The other six golfers were battling for the remaining place. Jackson (two pars), Murray (par, bogey), Cooke (bogey, par) and G.Henry (two pars) all finished together but Hanlon finished with a birdie and a par to take third place. Reilly jnr won the Gross with 32 pts gross. In the High Section at the turn William Lennox was two points ahead of Ivan Graham who was one point ahead of David Millar with Alistair McKervill another two points in arrear. With three holes to play Lennox was still two points ahead but Graham was joined by Millar and an ever improving McKervill. Lennox held his two point lead to the finish when he came home with a par and two bogeys. Millar moved into second place with a bogey, birdie, par finish. McKervill (par, bogey, par) and Graham (bogey, par, par) finished together but with a better back half McKervill claimed the third place.

Results – Low Section – 1st. David Kernohan 35 pts – 2nd. Colin Kinghan 34 pts – 3rd. Phillip Hanlon 33 pts – High Section – 1st. William Lennox 35 pts – 2nd. David Millar 33 pts – 3rd. Alistair McKervill 32 pts (bb7) – Gross – Liam Reilly jnr 32 pts Gross.

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Winter League and Sweep

The Winter League sponsored by McAllister’s Butchers Spar Galgorm and

Broughshane was completed at Galgorm Castle Golf Club. In the team event the expected exciting finish did not really materialise as Team 14 which had been leading Team 4 by two points gained another 4 points in the final week to increase their lead for a comfortable victory by six points. Team 1 finished in third position a further 19 points behind. Alan Knox won the Individual competition by 5 points from his nearest rival. In a close battle for second place David Halliday finished 1 point ahead of David Watterson with Neil Fitzsimmons taking fourth place another 2 points behind.

Team Event – 1st. Team 14 (P.Christie, D.Watterson, D.Cousley, G.McAuley, H. McCaughan, S.MacDonald and S. O’Loughlin – 2nd. Team 4 – Jordan Hood, J.McCarry, D. Martin, N. Fitzsimmons, G.Simpson, P. Warren and R.McDyer) – 3rd. Team 1 (M.Alexander, D.Halliday, S.McLaughlin, D.Black, T. Monaghan, R.Clarke and John Hood).

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Sweep

In the sweep sponsored by McAllister’s Butchers Spar Galgorm and Broughshane at the halfway stage in the Low Section there was a right ‘ding dong’ battle for the leadership at the head of the field between Alan McClements, Mark Dunlop, Willie Park and Leonard Craig. They were one point ahead of Stephen McLaughlin with Michael McAuley and Douglas Thom another point behind. Through twelve McClements had moved into a one point lead over Dunlop with Park and Craig slipping slightly another point away. A further point behind came McLaughlin, McAuley and Thom. With two holes to play Dunlop with the help of a ‘birdie’ on thirteen had joined McClements in the lead. They were two points ahead of McLaughlin and Park who were followed by Craig and Thom a further point down. McAuley was another point behind. McClements continued his run of pars to finish two points clear of McLaughlin who finished with two pars. Dunlop bogeyed the last but managed to hold onto third place one point ahead of a fast finishing M.McAuley (two pars), Park (two pars), Craig (par, bogey) and Thom (par, bogey). In the High Section Ralph Clarke led by one point from Gary Robinson with Mal Kyne and Harry Graham a further two points down. With three holes to play Graham had moved up into a one point lead from Robinson and Kyne with Clarke dropping down another point behind as he ‘dinged’ the eleventh which was to prove costly. Robinson upped his game over the closing three holes – par, birdie, birdie to finish three points clear of the second placed player. Kyne with two pars and a bogey finished second, one point ahead of Graham (bogey, birdie, double bogey) and Clarke (two pars and abogey) and with a better back nine Graham took third place.

Results – Low Section – 1st. Alan McClements 36 pts – 2nd. Stephen

McLaughlin 34 pts – 3rd. Mark Dunlop 33 pts. – High Section – 1st. Gary Robinson 35 pts – 2nd. Mal Kyne 32 pts – 3rd. Harry Graham 31 pts (bb9) – Gross – Dave Kernoghan 32 pts gross.

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Winter League and Sweep

The Winter League and Sweep sponsored by McAllister’s Butchers Spar Galgorm and Broughshane continued at Galgorm Castle Golf Club. After a lay-off of three Saturdays due to the heavy falls of snow and frost it. was good to see the green, green grass of the fairways. The main talking point being that it was good to get out on the course again. At halfway in the Low Section Neil McVeigh held a two point advantage over Leonard Craig, Steven Penney and Mark Hamilton with Chris Cooke and Dave Kernoghan another two points behind. Through twelve McVeigh was still leading but only by one point from Penney and Hamilton. Craig came next another point behind. Cooke (birdies at eleven and twelve)and Kernoghan (eagle at ten and birdies on eleven and twelve) were still in arrear but they had closed the gap on the leader to three points. After fourteen and with two holes to play McVeigh led by two points from Craig with Cooke, Kernoghan and Penney a further two points away with Hamilton falling another point down (the result of a double bogey and a bogey on thirteen and fourteen respectively). A par, bogey over the closing two holes enabled L.Craig to draw level with N.McVeigh (double bogey, bogey) and with a better back nine take first place with McVeigh second. There was a scramble for third place between the remaining four players. Two points down Kernoghan (birdie, par), Penney (par, birdie), Cooke (two pars) and Hamilton (two pars) finished level and with a better back nine Cooke took third place. In the High Section Alan Collie and Jonathan McCart led by two points from Bernie Frayne and Wilfred Morrison. Derrick McClelland and Neil Fitzsimmons were at one point intervals respectively further behind. After the Maple and with three holes to play Collie was on his own, one point in front of Morrison with Frayne and McCart a further point behind. McClelland and Fitzsimmons were three points further adrift. Collie finished par, bogey, double bogey and was passed up the last by both Morrison (two pars and a bogey) and Frayne (birdie, par, bogey) who finished level and with a better back nine Morrison finished in first place with Frayne second. Morrison held onto third place two points ahead of McClelland (par, par, double bogey), McCart (three bogeys) and Fitzsimmons (three pars) who finished together.

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Winter League

What a final Saturday lies ahead to the Winter League. A nail biting finish is expected and may be worth travelling miles to see. Only two points separate the top two teams and adding to the friendly rivalry will be that the past captain (Paul Christie) is on one team and the vice-captain on the other team.

Team 14 (P.Christie, D.Watterson, D.Cousley, G.McAuley, H.McCaughan, S.

MacDonald and S.O’Loughlin) lead Team 4 (Jordan Hood, J.McCarry, D.Martin, N.Fitzsimmons, G.Simpson, P.Warren and R.McDyer) by two points with Team 10 (M.Bellew, A.Workman, J.Hunt, D.McCarroll, R.Foster, B.Frayne and S.Black) twenty three points further behind. Another seven points behind come Team 1(M.Alexander, D.Halliday, S.McLaughlin, D.Black, T.Monaghan, R.Clarke and John Hood) and Team 7 (C.Steele, D.McLaughlin, D.Thom, M.Brown, B. Armstrong, Asa McGillian and R.Speers). Team 11 (B.McDowell, C.Cooke, P. Galloway, T.Todd, A.Knox, P.O’Loughlin

and W.Peacock) are close on their heels one point away.

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Weekly Sweep

The Winter League and Weekly Sweep sponsored by McAllister’s Butchers Spar Galgorm and Broughshane continued at Galgorm Castle Golf Club.

In the Low Section James Mairs led Colin Steele by one point at the halfway stage with Henry Cubitt another point behind. Gary Duffin was another point away followed by George McAuley and Lyle Foster . Mairs continued to lead throughout the back half and finished three points clear of the field. With three holes to play Mairs held a one point advantage over Cubitt and Steele with Duffin still lying fourth one point further behind and waiting for a slip from the front runners. McAuley and Foster were another point behind. Mairs parred fourteen to hold onto his one point lead from Steele who also took a par. Duffin also parred fourteen and drew level with Cubitt who bogeyed the hole. McAuley and Foster were making no inroads and were another point away. Mairs ‘birdied’ Beechers to open up a three point advantage over Cubitt (par), Duffin (par) and Steele (par). McAuley and Foster also parred Beechers to remain a further point behind. Mairs parred the last to hold onto his three point lead and victory. The race was on for the placings. Cubitt (par) and G.Duffin (par) finished level but with a better back six Cubitt claimed second place with Duffin third. Steele, G.McAuley and Foster all parred the last to finish level, unfortunately one point behind the placed players.

In the High Section there was another three point winner. Through the halfway mark John Hood was three points clear of Alan Knox who was followed by George Simpson and A.Robinson at one point intervals respectively.Through the Maple hood’s lead had increased to four points from Knox and Robinson with Simpson a further point behind. With three holes to play Hood’s lead looked unassailable and so it proved when he finished ‘birdie’, par, bogey for victory by three points from Knox who finished with a birdie and two pars. There was a close finish for the remaining place between Simpson and Robinson. Both players were level after Beechers so it was all down to the last hole. Robinson bogeyed and Simpson parred to take the third place.

Results – Low Section – 1st. James Mairs 35 pts – 2nd. Henry Cubitt 32 pts (bb6) – 3rd. Gary Duffin 32 pts. – High Section – 1st. John Hood 38 pts – 2nd. Alan Knox 35 pts – 3rd.George Simpson 32 pts. – Gross – Dave Kernoghan 30pts gross.

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Weekly Sweep

There was a close and nail biting finish in the Low Section in the McAllister’s Butchers Spar Galgorm and Broughshane sponsored Weekly Sweep played at Galgorm Castle Golf Club. Three golfers – Gary Henry, Stephen Mailey and David Watterson all finished with the same number of points. At the turn Watterson led Henry and Mailey by one point. Through the Maple and with three holes to play there was still only one point between them with Watterson and Mailey one point ahead of G. Henry. Mailey faltered slightly when he bogeyed fourteen but recovered to finish with two pars. Watterson finished level with Mailey when he finished with three pars. Henry parred fourteen and birdied fifteen before finishing with a par to join Watterson and Mailey. With a better back nine G.Henry took first place with Mailey (better back six) second and Watterson third. In the High Section at the halfway stage M.Penny held a one point advantage over John Hill and Robin Topping with Shane Duffin another point behind. Then came William Lennox and Andrew A.Moore a further point adrift. Through The Maple Lennox had moved into a two point lead from the rest who were tied together. Lennox continued to dominate and finished bogey, par birdie to come home three points clear in this section. Topping (birdie, par, double bogey), Hill (par, par, bogey), Penny (bogey, par, par), Moore (par, par, bogey) and S.Duffin (bogey, par, par)all finished together and with a better back three Duffin finished second with Moore (better back nine) third.Liam Reilly jnr. won the Gross with 29 pts. Gross.

Results – Low Section – 1st. Gary Henry 32 pts (bb9) – 2nd. Stephen Mailey 32 pts (bb6) – 3rd. David Watterson 32 pts (bb9). – High Section –1st. William Lennox 35 pts – 2nd. Shane Duffin 32 pts (bb3) – 3rd. Andrew Moore 32 pts (bb9) – Gross – Liam Reilly jnr. 29 pts.

Two’s were recorded by – D.Beckington, T.Carroll (x2), W.Cull, S.Duffin, B.Frayne, C.Irvine, B.Killough, G.Lynn, A.McFarlane, D.Millar, D.Nesbitt, L.Reilly jnr, K.Small, R.Topping and D.Watterson

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The McAllister’s Butchers Spar Galgorm and Broughshane sponsored Winter League and Sweep continued after a two week weather break at Galgorm Castle Golf Club. At the halfwat stage in the Low Section Hugh Moore was one point ahead of Ossie Smyth with Lyle Foster and David Martin another point behind. Phil Hanlon was two further points adrift at this point. With three holes to plat Foster had moved up to dispute the lead with Moore. Hanlon too had moved up into a challenging position and was making his presence felt, one point off the pace, with the help of two pars and two birdies. Smyth and Martin were another two points away. Moore parred Beechers to forge ahead by one point from Forster (bogey) who was joined by Hanlon (par). Martin with the help of four pars was only another point away with Smyth a further point behind. Moore bogeyed the last to leave a half chance for Foster which he gratefully accepted when he finished with a birdie to win by one point. Hanlon finished in third place with a [par at the last. Smyth (par) and Martin (bogey) finished another point behind.In the High Section at the turn Ashley Doole held a one point advantage over Bill McKigney and J.A. Logan followed by Andy A.Moore and Trevor Monaghan two more points away. Hugh Mussen was a further point behind. Through the Maple and with three holes left to play McKigney had a commanding four point lead. Doole who had been chasing McKigney found himself four points down when he ‘dinged’ thirteen where he was joined by Moore and Monaghan. Logan was dropping back and he was joined by Mussen another point away. McKigney bogeyed the Devils Elbow and ‘fell’ at Beechers allowing Doole (two pars) to join him in the lead with one hole to play. Monaghan (two bogeys), Moore (par, double bogey), Logan (bogey, par) and Mussen (bogey, par) were all level two points behind the leaders; leaving an exciting finish for third place. McKigney and Doole bogeyed the last to finish together but with a better back nine McKigney took first place with Doole second. The other four, Monaghan (bogey), Moore (bogey), Logan (bogey) and Mussen (bogey) finished two points further behind and with a better back nine Mussen finished in third place.Liam Reilly jnr. won the Gross.

Results – Low Section – 1st. Lyle Foster 33 pts – 2nd. Hugh Moore 32 pts – 3rd. Phil Hanlon 31 pts. – High Section – 1st. Bill McKigney 32 pts (bb9) – 2nd. Ashley Doole 32 pts – 3rd. Hugh Mussen 30 pts (bb9). –Gross – Liam Reilly jnr. 31 pts

Two’s were recorded by – R.Barkley, R.Beggs, R.Bell, P.Christie, P.Hanlon, K.Hood, P.Houston, J.Hunt, Rod Lennox, I.McCappin, J.McCart, R.McDowell, D.McLaughlin, J.McNeill, G.Robinson and B.Warwick.