Ian in tune as golfers manage to beat rain

The competition at Lurgan on Saturday was over 9 holes and players were asked to observe certain conditions to try to minimise any adverse effect play might have on the course.

There were 77 entrants for the Shop Sweep, no doubt eager to throw off the cobwebs after an extended absence from play.

On Wednesday night in the clubhouse Ian Montgomery displayed his considerable musical talents in the second of the club’s newly started musical evenings, and on Saturday he equally impressed on the course with his considerable golfing talents.

Four bogeys, four pars and a birdie gave him 23 points to take the top prize.

His birdie came at the 8th hole and was one of only a pair of 2s on the day, both coming at that hole.

The other was scored by Nigel Girvan and the two will enjoy will no doubt enjoy what will be a very rewarding day.

Second place went to the extremely consistent Martin McKinstry with 22 points. His eight pars were somewhat spoiled by an inexplicable double bogey at the 5th but he has started the year in just the form he would have wished for.

Third place was a battle between vice captain Martin McCooe and handicap convenor Roy Hanna Jnr with 21 points each. Martin covered the last four holes in four under nett and it was this very strong finish which gave him third spot over Roy.

Paul O’Shea took the last nett prize with 20 points, his storming finish edging Mark Headley out of the reckoning.

Two birdies and two bogeys gave Joe Dowey Jnr a level par round and the day’s gross prize.