Hole in one heartache for Barkley at Roe Park GC

Eamon Barkley retrieving his ball after the hole-in-one that never was at Roe Park Golf Club.

The big talking point of the weekend at Roe Park was Barkley’s hole-in-one ‘par’ at the sixth hole on Saturday.

His first ball was slightly wayward, hooking his tee shot all the way over the wall into the driving range.

With the wheels looking like falling off entirely, so to speak, Eamon had to then compose himself once more as the sounds of laughter from his group of playing partners quietly dissipated.

He then proceeded to hit the sweetest of all eight irons onto the green which then dived straight into the hole.

A passing group had seen the ball take a few bounces, stop and spin back into the hole, applauding as it did so, shouting to Eamon that it was in.

As he approached the hole he had to break the news to the cheering group that it was in fact his third shot.

Having never had a hole-in-one it was a bitter pill to swallow but Eamon took it all in his stride.

The turkey and bottle series of club competitions started at Roe Park last week with members turning out keen to win an early present for Christmas.

First up was a Club Stableford on Thursday and it was Keith Bennett who went out first, scoring an excellent 41 points and ultimately holding on for the victory.

Second place was none other than that seasoned campaigner Robert Godfrey who scored a superb 40 points.

His round was a bit of a mixed bag which included six pars, eight bogeys, three birdies and a ding.

Senior member Arnie Simpson scored 39 points to take third place.

The dry weather continued for the weekend as big numbers turned out for Saturdays’ Club Stableford.

Stephen Mullan, Stephen Lunn and that man Robert Godfrey all scored 40 points as the count back system was used to decide the places.

Coming out on top was Mullan with 20 points for the back 9 holes. Stephen Lunn also had 20 points for the back 9 but two double bogeys on the last 3 holes meant he had to settle for second place.

A double bogey at the 13th hole by Robert was the only blemish on an otherwise superb card, scoring 19 points for the back 9 and taking third place overall.

Liam Berryman and Declan Quigley made it to the final of the Autumn Pairs League.

They comfortably beat Alan Rankin and Derek Nicholl 4&3 to set up a final with Alister Sproule and Sammy Murphy which will be played this weekend.

This week also sees the turkey and bottle series continue with the usual Club Stableford competitions on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.