Tough week against elements

It did not inconvenience the golfers as some male golfers participated in three different competitions.

The rescheduled January Open for seniors took place last Monday. While the entry was small nevertheless a number of golfers attained very respectable scores. Derek Johnston had another moment to savour as he captured the principal net prize with a quality offering of 33 points. This 20 handicapper had a couple of double bogeys during the 14 holes. However it did not unduly worry this winter specialist. Pars and net pars made up the rest of his scoring. A run of pars at holes two, five, eight, ten and twelve paved the way for this winning effort.

A tally of 31 points earned Hugh O’Reilly the other prize in the competition. Playing off a 22 handicap Hugh made maximum use of his stroke allowance. A couple of double bogeys and a triple bogey did not spoil the proceedings. With vital pars at holes ten, eleven, twelve and eighteen he found himself well in control of matters. John Richardson and John Forrester with returns of 31 and 29 points respectively were the other leading scorers. The leading lady was Sheena McStay with a total of 29 points.

The usual Wednesday Sweep also had a reduced entry but a hardy 32 golfers came in with a quota of good scores. It was more crowning glory for Derek Johnston as he posted another quality round over the regulation fourteen holes. On this

occasion he registered a very pleasing 36 points. Over the round his worst score was a double bogey on the fifteenth. He played steadily on both sides of the course. Pars at holes one, three and nine were his early features. On the inward seven he dominated with hard fought pars on holes twelve, fourteen, seventeen and eighteen.

Terence McCrory took first place last week but this time around he had to settle for second place. This nineteen handicapper took the honours with a tally of 33 points. A double bogey at the second was his only wayward hole. Like Derek he prospered on the rest of the holes. Par figures at holes one, nine and seventeen were his key returns. A birdie at the last was the icing on the cake and secured him the runners-up spot.

The third net award went to Bryan Turkington with a return of 32 points. This 12 handicapper was well to the fore through the opening seven holes with pars at holes two, five and nine. A birdie on the tenth and a par at the twelfth got the back seven off to a bright start. He closed his round in spectacular fashion with a par and a birdie on the closing two holes.

The weekly gross award went to Paul McCabrey. This three handicapper triumphed with 30 gross points. Rather disappointingly he dropped strokes on holes five, ten and fourteen. Just as quickly he made amends with birdies on holes eight, fifteen and seventeen. An eagle at the eighteenth was a further appetising score. Pars on the rest of the holes helped him to the category prize.

Other golfers with leading scores included the following: 32 pts: Maurice Turnbull, Mark O’Neill; 31 pts: Mickey Horan, Raymond McCrory, Francie Tallon; 30pts: John O’Neill; 29 pts: Denis McInerney, Jim McKee.