Quinn seals the win after Centenary Cup survives a huge downpour

A torrential downpour hit the golfers in the early morning. The course was flooded and play was suspended for over an hour. Those out on the course walked in and several, if not all, went home and called it a day. However, conditions improved dramatically and the competition for the Centenary Cup went ahead. Only 85 completed their rounds compared to the usual 200.

Nevertheless, there were some tremendous scores and a nail-biting finale as just two point separated the top three players, second and third having to be decided with a back nine count-back.

Andrew Quinn, playing off five and who is having a wonderful season, went round in just 67 shots, two under par gross. That gave him 45 stableford points and he won the Centenary Cup.

Andrew had five birdies in his round but it was his superb finish that sealed the win. He played the dreaded last four holes in what was a very stunning three under par. Like Alan McVey a few weeks ago, Andrew had the best gross score, the best nett score, the most points and the most birdies. You can’t do any better than that in the one competition.

Gerry McBrien (23), who shot a 10 under par nett 59 in the Thursday Open a few weeks ago, was in scintillating form once again. He too had 43 points and was placed second on count-back. A triple bogey at the 14th hole cost Gerry the win. These things happen and Gerry should be proud of his performance nonetheless.

Adrian McEvoy also had 43 points. He was heading for victory with three holes to play but, like many before him, came to grief at the troublesome 16th. A double bogey would have been good enough but he couldn’t manage that. Golf can be a cruel game at times, especially at the final four holes at Banbridge. Adrian won the middle section with Fergie Cosgrove (13) second on a very credible 40 points.

John Russell (9) is such a gifted player and he won the low section with 42 points. Ross McCandless (8) was runner-up with 40 points.

Aidan Lavery (18) won the high section with 35 points. Will Dickson (18) had the same score but he was beaten into second place on the count-back.

Hugo Downey (8) staged an incredible recovery to win the best gross. He was five over par after six holes but then played the remaining 12 holes in one under par gross with 11 pars and one birdie. His gross 73 was good enough to take the prize.

Finally, it was lovely to see the club captain, Noel McSherry (15), in the prizes. He won the seniors’ prize with 39 points. Nobody deserves it more.

At the end of a strange day, Andrew Quinn was the champion and, if his form continues, he surely must feature on some of the senior teams before this season ends.

The Logan Cup

The Logan Cup is one of the oldest and most valuable trophies in the display cabinet of Banbridge Golf Club.

The members who have a handicap of 18 or over play for it every season. It would be very rare for anyone to win it twice as the winners’ handicap is usually cut to less than 18 and that makes them ineligible.

This year’s winner was the great Colin McKinney who had 40 points playing off an 18 handicap.

Colin was delighted and rightly so. His handicap had gone up to 18 the previous week just in time to qualify for the competition but he was happy to see it come back down again.