Davy defeats large field for Rathmore President's Day

With 110 entries a close finish would have been likely but a certain Davy Smith proved this wrong by returning a great score of 44 points from his six handicap.

Winning by three points Davy carded a couple of birdies on his way out to help himself to 22 points. Even with a bogey four at eighteen his threes at the par fours of thirteen and sixteen added another 22 for his total of 44.

Seven handicap Nigel Cooke came second with his contribution of 41 points. Nigel had a couple of bogeys on the front nine but still recorded 20 points. Two fours at the tenth and thirteenth, par fives, helped him along to 21 points for the return journey and kept him in second on countback.

This pushed Jon Neely into third place with his 41 points. A bad blank at the last hole did not help his back nine score. Simon Carruthers was the third 41 pointer. A blistering start of four birdies in succession saw 22 points on his card for the front half. All this and an eagle start to the back nine promised much but a six at the thirteenth and a four at fifteen limited the back nine to 19 points and fourth spot. The unfortunate Alan Ball was part of Simon’s opposition on Sunday and Simon was paired with the winner David Smith - Alan’s clubs, bag and shoes are currently on e-bay!

Eighteen handicap Blair Cameron, as well as being named after two prime ministers, took the fifth place with his 40 points. This included a birdie two at fifteen.

Best gross went inevitably to Wayne Telford, now playing off +5. Wayne matched par on the front nine and beat it by two coming back to card a 68.

Sid Carruthers and Robin Peacock took the nines prizes with 22 each. David Small travelled from Ballymena to win the Visitor’s Prize with 38 points and Stephen Murdock won the Putting Cup with 32.

Next week will see the Dougie Mair Cup contested.