Ballycastle Golf Club Competition Report

Playing off thirteen, Gerard opened with a birdie at the first and had a superb one over par back nine which proved crucial as he only narrowly beat David Higgins on count-back after the fifteen handicapper also recorded a nett 65 in the Rathlin Cup. A brilliant back nine from eighteen handicapper Ronnie Mitchell propelled him into third place on nett 66, ten handicapper Shay Paul Duffin finished fourth, also with a nett score of 66 and Ryan Brewster picked up the stableford prize for his total of 43 points. The top two in the gross competition both shot fantastic sub par scores on Saturday with Patrick Dallat carding seven birdies in his round of 67 and Francis McGinn making four birdies as he completed the course in 69 strokes.

Paul McCloskey was in fine form on Sunday as the twenty-four handicapper claimed first place in the Ballycastle Challenge Cup with a nett 65. Paul had a tremendous outward half which included a birdie at the first and he kept his composure superbly over the closing holes to seal his maiden cup victory by a three stroke margin. Four golfers recorded nett 68’s on Sunday with Peter Dowds in second and Sean McCormick in third ahead of Liam Gallagher and Neil McMaster on count-back. Allan McCook won the stableford prize ahead of James McNeill after both recorded 40 points and Patrick Dallat was once again the gross prize winner, this time with a one under par 70.

Michael Dallat jnr duly wrapped up the Winchester Bowl gross title over the weekend as he finished with a total of 179 points for the twelve events. Francis McGinn finished in second position on 159 points and Patrick Dallat jnr was third with 158 points. All the qualifying events for the Club Championship have now been completed with the top twenty on the Winchester leader-board successfully earning a place in the line-up for the 36 hole Shangarry Cup on Saturday 11th August. Those members 21st, 22nd and 23rd in the Winchester standings may still gain a place in the Club Championship if there are any withdrawals over the next couple of weeks. The Shangarry Plate also takes place on Saturday 11th August and all members can take part in this 18 hole nett competition.

Five events remain in the Golfer of the Year competition: the August Medal, Peter Lamont Trophy, Atlantic Cup, September Medal and Brass Putter. With twelve competitions completed, Mel Carleton leads the way on 86 points followed by Michael Dallat on 80 points, Patrick Dallat on 78 points and Rory Gallagher on 67 points.

Patrick Coyles carded 43 points to win Wednesday’s open stableford competition with the second prize going to Sean McCullough for his score of 42 points which included an impressive 24 points on the back nine alone. James McLister finished in third place on 42 points with Conleth McCaughan and Cecil Watson in fourth and fifth positions after they both recorded 40 points.

Robin McHugh holds his Captain’s Day at Ballycastle next Saturday with the presentation of prizes taking place in the clubhouse at 10.30pm. As ever there are a plethora of prizes up for grabs on the day and members are asked to put a contact number on their card so that they can be informed if they are one of the winners. Anyone unable to attend the Captain’s Day presentation will forfeit their prize.