Gary McCartney ends his season in style

THE final 18 holes competition was played last Saturday at Banbridge Golf Club.

It was a very mild day and it was hard to believe that the summer season was almost over. After this, we can look forward to temporary greens, forward tees, playing from mats, preferred lies everywhere, balls lost in the leaves, frozen greens and woollen hats.

Never worry, the next summer season is only four months away.

Back to last Saturday when 140 players tried to end their season on a high.

The calculated standard scratch score was nett 67 or 38 stableford points. Six players equalled the CSS and twelve managed to break it.

The sizzling six with 38 points were Aidan Lavery (18), Conor Campbell (6), Paul Cochrane (13), Colm McGreevey (21), John Crothers (12) and Declan Barry (8).

Forty points is always a great score even though it seldom wins a prize. Seven super players had 40 points on Saturday namely Alan Dale (10), Mark Cordner (14), Brendan Meade (17), Kieran McGreevey (19), Rory Madeley (5), Brian Mulholland (11) and Michael Robinson (10).

Brian Mulholland has his heart set on winning a senior prize and he thought that he had done enough this time out. But, lo and behold, Brendan Meade pipped him at the post. Brian will have to wait until next season to achieve his ambition. Brendan is very happy that his season has ended with such a high.

Cathal McAnarney (20) had his best round of the year, 41 points, and he took the fourth nett prize.

What a year it has been for Shane Bell (6 now 5)! He won the champion of champions award recently and he won the best gross here with a one over par 70. Shane started the season playing off an 8 handicap and he has brought that down to five. That takes some doing!

Fergie Cosgrove (13) also had 41 points and that was good enough for third place. Fergie plays every Saturday with three very highly regarded golfers, Kenny Jones, Willie Dickson and Michael Robinson. They have obviously inspired Fergie to great heights.

Ivan Rushe (12) was the runner-up with 42 points, the equivalent of a nett 63. It was a brilliant round but, on this occasion, just not good enough to win.

That's because Gary McCartney (12 now 10) came home with 44 points. Gary shot a fabulous 73 gross, nett 61. Gary has been in great form all year. He won the IPGA tankard back in March and he has been a key member of more than one of the club teams. And this win on the final day is just the icing on the cake.

So that's it for the 2010 summer season. A review of the year will appear in the Leader at a later date. It has been a highly enjoyable year and that's how it should be.