It’s a Cathcart double at Dunmurry

Over 260 golfers took part in Sam Blackley’s Captain’s Day at Dunmurry Golf Club on Saturday.
Father and Daughter Ken and Laura winners of Gents and Ladies Captains Day prizes with Sam Blackley Dunmurry Golf Club captain.Father and Daughter Ken and Laura winners of Gents and Ladies Captains Day prizes with Sam Blackley Dunmurry Golf Club captain.
Father and Daughter Ken and Laura winners of Gents and Ladies Captains Day prizes with Sam Blackley Dunmurry Golf Club captain.

It was the final competition in a week of events that saw members compete in the Hat on Tuesday night, the 5-6 day competition on Wednesday, the Grouse foursomes on Thursday, and the Ladies on Friday.

It proved to be a great week for the Cathcart family with Ken winning the Captain’s Day prize following his daughter’s success on Friday when Laura won the Captain’s Prize for ladies.

There was also another family double for the Crowe family when Mark won the Past Captains’ Prize and his son Stephen won the Gross with a three under par 67.

Winner of Visitors' Prize, S Harbinson, is congratulated by Dunmurry Captain Sam Blackley and his wife Helen.Winner of Visitors' Prize, S Harbinson, is congratulated by Dunmurry Captain Sam Blackley and his wife Helen.
Winner of Visitors' Prize, S Harbinson, is congratulated by Dunmurry Captain Sam Blackley and his wife Helen.

Ken Cathcart, an early starter, posted 43 points and was never caught, in the end having two points to spare. Playing off 16, Ken had a steady front nine returning 18 points. However, a superb back nine of one over par 36 gave him 25 points which included two birdies at the par threes, and only dropped shots at the 10th, 15th and 17th.

Second place went to Stephen Paul (18) who started off well with a birdie three on the second, but double bogeys on the 4th and 9th ultimately cost him.

Third place went to James Harrup (16), one of the late starters, who will regret only picking up 16 points on the front nine. His 24 points on the back was enough to edge on Jonathan Strain on count-back, the highlight a birdie two on the 16th.

The Gross prize went to Stephen Crowe (+2) who had a rollercoaster of a day that included seven birdies, seven pars and four bogeys. Stephen completed the front nine in two under par 33 thanks to four birdies at the first, third, fourth and seventh. Dropped shots on the 10th and 15th looked to have blown his chances but three birdies on the final three holes give him victory with a 67.

Dunmurry Captain Sam Blackley and his wife Helen congratulate Past Captain winner Mark Crowe.Dunmurry Captain Sam Blackley and his wife Helen congratulate Past Captain winner Mark Crowe.
Dunmurry Captain Sam Blackley and his wife Helen congratulate Past Captain winner Mark Crowe.

The Council prize went to Trevor Lamont on 36 points while Mark Crowe won the Past Captains’ prize with 35.

Section winners were Shane McIlvenny (37 pts), Jonathan Strain (40 pts) and Johnny Moore 35 pts.

No holes in ones were recorded on Saturday but Holt Shield player Colin Power had an eagle three on the 13th.

On Thursday Malcolm Morgan had a hole in one at the 16th in the Grouse Foursomes.

Dunmurry Captain Sam Blackley and his wife Helen congratulate James Harrup third overall in Captains Day.Dunmurry Captain Sam Blackley and his wife Helen congratulate James Harrup third overall in Captains Day.
Dunmurry Captain Sam Blackley and his wife Helen congratulate James Harrup third overall in Captains Day.

Speaking at the Prize presentation, Captain Sam Blackley took the opportunity to thank everyone who made the day a great success.

He thanked Pat McKnight, the match and handicap convenor, Ian Berry (greens convenor) and the green staff, Rita, the bar staff and John and Hugh, Professional John Dolan and his assistant Matt Cochrane, Michael, Lynda and Pauline in the office and finally his wife Helen and family.