Glen’s one to watch as he edges into top spot

Banbridge Golf Club Captain Noel McSherry and President John Parks with Sponsors and trophy winners from recent competitions, pictured on Champions Night © Edward Byrne Photography INBL1439-262EB

The Winter League is scheduled to start on Sunday the 12 October. So, if the weather stays good, we might get another two Saturday Stablefords. Let’s hope so.

Last Saturday, it was like mid-summer and, despite the attraction of the Ryder Cup, there was an excellent turnout.

The calculated standard scratch was nett 67 or 38 stableford points. Six players equalled the CSS and no less than 20 beat it.

The club captain, Noel McSherry, presents Sydney Pepper with the winner's prize in the T.B. Wallace Cup at Banbridge Golf Club.

Gerry McBrien, Matthew Elliott, Bill McCandless, Colin McDonald, Noel McSherry, Declan Dooher, Roy Rankin, Rory Madeley and Gary McCartney all had 39 points.

There were two prize-winners from this group.

Rory Madeley (4) won the best gross with a one over par 70. This is the sixth time this season that Rory has won the best gross. That’s more than anyone else.

Gary McCartney (10) was runner-up in the low section.

Kevin McKay (11), Mark McCullough (14), Cecil Wilson (14) and Alan Close (14) all scored 40 points. There were no prizes for Mark, Cecil or Alan but Kevin was lucky enough to win the low section.

David Cherry (13), Eamon Galloway (19), Joe McGivern (18) and Albert Morrison (20) played very steady golf and all four totalled 41 points. There were prizes for all four.

David was runner-up in the middle section, Eamon won the high section, Joe was runner-up to him and Albert won the prize for the best senior player.

Peter Cruikshanks (14) was the only player to score 42 points and he won the middle section.

That brings us to the top two players on the day, Michael Robinson (15) and Glen Buchanan (19). They both had 43 points.

Michael Robinson is a very strong player but indifferent putting has allowed his handicap to drift up to 15. He is far too good a player to stay this high for too long. This score would indicate that there are good times ahead. Michael was runner-up and he was delighted.

Glen won it on count-back. Here is a young player with tremendous potential. Glen, like a lot of the young players, hits the ball a mile.

Once he sharpens up his short game, his handicap will surely tumble down. He could be one to watch out for next season.

Sweep result

Colin Smylie played the nine holes of the Sunday Sweep in just two over par. Colin has won the Sunday Sweep on five occasions this year, one less than the great John Poots. There are still 14 Sundays remaining and the question is, who will have the most wins, Colin or John, come the 28th of December?

1st- Colin Smylie (18) Nett 29.

2nd- John Poots (17) nett 32.5.

3rd- Eugene Weir 95) nett 33.5.