Regulars on the podium in first competition of the new year at Lurgan

Hugh O’Reilly is quickly becoming a ‘winter Rory McIlroy’ and he once more came out on top with 36 points off 17, although his resemblance to Rory ends with his scores. Birdies at the 2nd and 11th meant he could even afford the luxury of failing to score at the penultimate hole and still take another top spot. Will this run ever end?

Chris Godfrey continued on his great run of form with another 35 points to take second place. It has been obvious to the members who have played with Chris that it would not be long before the scores came rattling in and even at this early stage he must be considered one to watch in the coming season.

Third place went to Brendan Courtney with 33 points off 11. Brendan failed to score at the short 8th, a slip which was to cost him dear, but an opening trio of 3’s on the back 9 got him back on track. He will no doubt be hoping to emulate his father’s achievements on the course because he was a very accomplished golfer indeed, at least that’s what Aidan told me.

Also on 33 points, off 9, was Martin Corey who took fourth place. One birdie, eight pars and five bogeys spelt very steady golf and will fill him with considerable confidence for the future.

Henry McAreavey failed to score at the 3rd but he toured the other 13 holes in just 4 over to score 32 points and take fifth place. His back 9 of just 1 over was sufficiently strong to hold off the challenge of no fewer than 10 other players who also had 32 points.

Early 2013 and Keith Percy’s name dominated the leader board week in, week out. First Saturday competition of 2014 and Keith Percy takes the gross with a round of just one over par.

Even though Sunday’s weather was a little inclement, there was still 38 hardy members who competed in the sweep.

Big John Hartnett continued his good form and came out as a worthy winner with 40 points.

Gary Campbell’s previous win and a one shot reduction dropped him into second place with 39 points.

The first player out in the dark was James McGarrell who took the third spot with 39 points and the ever improving Gareth Murphy taking the last prize with 38 points.

The gross prize again went to the very consistent Gary Clarke with 34 points.

Results: 1st John Hartnett 40pts; 2nd Gary Campbell 39 pts; 3rd James McGarrell 39 pts; 4th Gareth Murphy 38 pts.

Gross: Gary Clarke 34 gross pts.

A night of heavy rain and strong winds brought down another tree from the practice ground area.

It fell towards the Antrim Road but was held up by the power cables before eventually being cleared.