Nigel’s early tee-off proves worthwhile at Raceview

The 13-handicapper recorded a winning total of 41 points.

All the prizewinners came from the morning competitors as the wet conditions later in the day proved anything but favourable for those out in the afternoon.

Thompson, who teed off at 8.30am, played the first nine holes in four over par for 20 points.

Having parred the opening hole of the second nine, he then dropped three shots over the next two holes. In the remaining six holes he also had a double bogey on the penultimate hole but a very rewarding birdie on the final hole which was worth three points as he won by a point overall.

Second place went to six handicapper Paul Darragh with 40 points after equal nines of 20 points.

Paul’s front nine contained a double bogey on the second but the next seven holes yielded five pars, a bogey on the fourth and the highlight was an eagle three on the par five ninth. The second nine had six pars, two bogeys and a birdie at the 13th.

Third nett was Trevor Hamill (12) who had the best of four returns of 39 points, thanks to a second nine total of 23.

Trevor’s first nine holes of 16 points contained four pars, three bogeys and non-events on the fourth and ninth. The second nine holes were much better as he scored six pars, two bogeys and a birdie two on the 14th.

His 23-point second nine total was four better than fourth placed George McCrea’s second nine.

George (15) scored 20 of his 39 points on the front nine which included doubles bogeys on the fifth and sixth, but birdies on the fourth and seventh helped immensely. His second nine contained three double bogeys, one of which came on the final hole, but his second nine of 19 points was better than Martin McClintock.

Martin scored 21 on the outward nine, which included a non-score on the par five third, and his second nine of 18 points was one better than sixth prizewinner George Horner.

The 13-handicapper also had his problems tat he third where he failed to score, but the other eight holes provided 22 points, 11 of which came from birdies at the seventh, eighth and ninth. However he double-bogeyed the first three holes after the turn but still managed 17 more points.

Best gross card came from David Smith (6) with 75 shots in a round which contained three birdies.

MAY DAY OPEN

Paul Creevy (24) produced the best score of 40 stableford points, 21 of which came on the front nine.

Second place went to Allen Campbell (24) with 38 points, while Paul Stevenson (7) was third with 38 points.