Alan’s fitness drive bares fruit with a victory on the course

SATURDAY 7TH MARCH
By Tommy Fee
Published 12th Mar 2015, 16:53 BST
Norman Robb, winner of the Saturday Sweep, pictured with his playing partners, Anthony Murray and Ian Craven at Banbridge Golf Club.Norman Robb, winner of the Saturday Sweep, pictured with his playing partners, Anthony Murray and Ian Craven at Banbridge Golf Club.
Norman Robb, winner of the Saturday Sweep, pictured with his playing partners, Anthony Murray and Ian Craven at Banbridge Golf Club.

Alan McGowan went on a strenuous fitness course over the winter months. It was aimed at improving his strength, stamina and flexibility. It’s early days but it seems to have paid dividends. Alan was hitting the ball long and straight. That, combined with a good putting stroke, carried him to victory.

Winner: Alan McGowan (15) 33 pts

Section 0-12

Banbridge golfer Cathal McNiff has been playing golf for 41 years and he got his first hole in one in the Saturday Sweep recently.Banbridge golfer Cathal McNiff has been playing golf for 41 years and he got his first hole in one in the Saturday Sweep recently.
Banbridge golfer Cathal McNiff has been playing golf for 41 years and he got his first hole in one in the Saturday Sweep recently.

1st- Jim Cochrane (12) 32 pts

2nd- Seamus Rooney (9) 31 pts

Section 13-17

1st- Alan Caughey (13) 31 pts

2nd- Dermot Dawson (16) 31 pts

Section 18+

1st- Alan Herron (25) 32 pts

2nd- John Canning (21) 30 pts

Best Gross: Rory Madeley (4) 27 gross pts

Best Senior: Dennis Watt (17) 31 pts

THURSDAY 5TH MARCH

This sweep turned out to be a nice little earner for both John Poots and Sam Wilkinson. These two legends of the local game not only took first and second prizes but they also shared the twos.

1st- John Poots (16) 29 pts

2nd- Sam Wilkinson (24) 26 pts

SUNDAY 1ST MARCH

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Robert Clydesdale played the nine holes of the Sunday Sweep in only two over par. For a 17 handicapper, this was sensational golf. His nett 29.5 is the best winning score so far this year.

Kenny Arlow was best last year with a nett 28.5. The all-time record stands at nett 27. Both Cathal McAnarney and Ronnie Halliday did this in 2010.

Sean McGreevey and Norman Robb shared a lucrative twos pot.

1st- Robert Clydesdale (17) Nett 29.5

2nd- Norman Robb (25) Nett 29.5

SATURDAY 28TH FEBRUARY

Norman Robb is a relative newcomer to golf. His first love, up until now, was football and he made quite a name for himself as manager of Rathfriland Swifts. Off a 25 handicap, Norman could win big time. The handicap convener will be keeping a sharp eye on his progress.

The “shot of the day” in this competition was hit by Cathal McNiff. He has been playing golf for 41 years and he got his first hole in one.

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At the tricky par three 12th hole, Cathal hit a delightful wedge which landed a few feet past the flag and spun back into the hole. He was over the moon and rightly so.

Winner: Norman Robb (25) 34 pts

Section 0-12

1st- John McDowell (12) 33 pts

2nd- Malcolm Hanna (12) 32 pts

Section 13-17

1st- Joe Glass (13) 34 pts

2nd- Garth McDonald (16) 33 pts

Section 18+

1st- Robert Canning (20) 30 pts

2nd- Mervyn Waddell (18) 30 pts

Best Gross: Rory Madeley (4) 29 gross pts

Best Senior: Philip Mallon (10) 31 pts