HISTORIC WIN FOR LURGAN

And after lifting what is seen as ‘the major trophy in Ulster Golf’ they now look forward to the All-Ireland finals next month.

Club Captain Billy Bateman said that the manner in which victory was achieved was a credit not only to the players but also to Lurgan Golf Club and Lurgan town.

First up in the semi-final at Belvoir were Strabane and it took a late rally from Lurgan before Dave Sutton won on a tie-hole to put the team into the decider against Ardglass who had defeated Moyola Park.

Once again it was down to the final three matches before the issue was resolved. Both David Sutton and Steven Kelly proved their credentials by registering crucial wins.

It was down to Gary Clarke and in the closing holes he proved he was up to the vital challenge. Courtesy of some excellent putting in the cauldron of battle he eked out victory on the final green.

This was a momentous occasion for Lurgan GC and they excelled in this competitive Ulster Branch section against formidable opponents.

It is one of the top accolades achieved by the membership in the long history of the club.

They will now compete in the All-Ireland finals against the winners from the other three provinces.

This is the blue ribband of golf team competition in Ireland and team captain Ian McMurray and his squad deserve all the plaudits on this wonderful occasion.

The finals are being staged at the Castlebar GC in County Mayo. They will take place from Wednesday, September 15, through to Sunday, September 18.