Eagle-eyed Morris holes out to seal Captain’s Prize

Noel has worked tirelessly for the past number of years to improve the course and the facilities of the local club. What he has achieved is immense.

The first golfers teed off at 6.30am and Noel was there to wish them luck. He was still there when the last players came in around 7pm. Then the clubhouse began to fill up for the captain’s dinner and the prize presentation.

Noel and his wife Noleen had carefully picked out no less that 30 different prizes and every winner was cheered to the rafters.

The biggest cheer went to the winner of the Captain’s Prize, Morris Phillips. Morris won with 42 points and it was a wonder shot at the 14th, which clinched the victory.

He had a tricky pitch over the ravine at the long par five hole. Could he get it airborne? Could he get it onto the back tier? Could he leave himself a reasonable birdie putt?

Morris hit one of the shots of the day. His ball flew gracefully through the air, landed softly and rolled into the hole. It was an eagle and five stableford points. It was a winning shot, if ever there was one.

Speaking of wonder shots, we must mention Robert Clydesdale holing out with his second shot at the fourth for an eagle two. And, to crown it all, Brendan Meade hit his five wood at the par three 15th hole and holed out for an ace. A hole in one on Captain’s Day is the stuff of dreams.

Andrew Quinn deserves a special mention too. He had five birdies in his round of 71 gross. He won the best gross prize for the second year in succession.

Noel made a wonderful speech at the presentation, thanking everyone for their help throughout the year and especially those who had made his big day such a success. But it was really Noel who had to be thanked for everything he has done for the club over the years. And everyone hopes that the good work will continue. Banbridge Golf Club is growing in stature every day thanks to people like Noel. Happy days.

The Captain’s Charity was the Children’s Heartbeat Trust and a lot of money was raised during the week. The full amount will be announced later and an official presentation will be arranged. Yet another positive outcome from the Captain’s Week.