Dr Gordon triumphs at Prehen

Jack had a fantastic day for golf but it was also one of the trickiest winds experienced for some time at the City of Derry course.

At the end of the day it was Dr Ian Gordon (42) who treated the golfing gods best and was rewarded with a fine 42 point tally to take first place.

Three handicapper Kevin Quigg compiled the best gross of the day and a fine 41 points to lift second prize and was the committee prize leader!

Eddie Burton (6) knocked on the door again but found his 41 points beaten on BOT over the back nine. John Morrow (18), one of Prehen's dedicated volunteer competition starters, was rewarded for his hard work with a superb 41 points that gave him fourth spot.

Pierce Purcell Captain Eamon Maxwell (19) proved that he can put together a good score as well as a good team when he compiled 39 points and lifted the fifth prize.

The last committee prize when to Membership Convenor Jim O'Hagan whose 38 point total was the envy of his council colleagues!

The Ladies Committee members also played for the Vice-Captain's Prize and in that titanic contest Naoimh Quigg triumphed with Vivienne Houston grabbing the runners-up spot.

The Vice-captain was delighted that so many of the club's behind the scenes workers featured in his prize list and thanked everyone for their continuing effort.

While with a gusting wind, fast greens and tricky pin positions it was always going to be difficult to score at Prehen on Sunday.

Brian McClelland (14) proved that he was up to the task with a nett 70 for 37 points and top spot. Some superb iron play was the backbone of Brian's performance but he backed it up with a brilliant putting touch.

For all that Brian still needed a break of tie over the back nine to defend his prize against the challenge of the ever consistent Wyn Donnell (11) whose putting touch is renowned throughout the North West.

On this occasion Brian 21 points over the back nine was enough to ensure victory. Jim McDaid (17) showed a welcome return to form when his 36 points lifted third spot but Jim will regret the ugly blank at the last hole which knocked him out of contention.

Graham Hepburn (6) lifted the gross prize with a credible 29 point total.

Competitions continue at City of Derry this week with the Thursday Open, the Clooney Hall Classic (Open Teams of 4 any combination) on Saturday and Sunday's competition sees Derry's Male and Female golfers play for long awaited Rathowen Cup Open.

Times can be booked as usual online at www.cityofderrygoldclub.com or by phoning head Professional Sam Smallwoods on 71311496.

Meanwhile last Thursday was a fabulous day for golf at Prehen and it was always going to take a steady performance to triumph.

On the day the man with the custom swing, Raymond Phelan (14), didn't find the greens too taxing and took the top prize. He did, however need a break of tie over the back 6 holes to edge out the big-hitting, ever-improving Brian Mulgrew (19) who finished with the same score.

Mark O'Doherty (5) grabbed third spot with a fine 39 points but he also needed a break of tie to edge him above a chasing cohort. Ernie Heywood (1) took the best gross prize and Stephen Cassidy (10), Foyle Golf Club found the greens to his liking and his 36 was enough to lift the Best Visitor prize.

With the fine weather and the course in such great condition it has been decided to extend the Thursday Opens until September 9th. Visitors are reminded that they can book online at www.cityofderrygolfclub.com or by phoning Sam Smallwoods on 71311496.

While the Presention Night for City of Derry juveniles will take place in The Council Room on Saturday, September 18, at 7pm. All members of the juvenile branch are asked to attend.