John and Laurence win the President's Prize

The highlight of the day was the final of the fourball knockout competition, traditionally known as the President’s Prize.

This year’s final pitted Alan Dale and Gareth Magee against John McDowell and Laurence Bramall.

Laurence was an outstanding rugby player in a former life while John is well known in the football world. He is an international assistant referee.

But this was golf and they were up against two very strong players in Gareth and Alan.

John and Laurence defied the odds, as they were 3 up at the turn. Then Alan won the 10th and Gareth birdied the 11th and 13th and the match was level.

Laurence got a brilliant birdie 2 at the 15th to put his side one up with three to play. Alan and Gareth squared it all again with a win at the 16th.

Nerves were tingling as they played the tricky 17th hole. John got the vital win and then Laurence and himself hit excellent tee shots at the final hole to secure victory. It was a fabulous final and all credit to both pairs.

There was a great story in the 18 holes competition for the rest of the members. Danny O’Boyle (15) scored 48 points, the equivalent of a nett 57. This was the best score of the season and, to say that Danny was excited, would be the understatement of the year.

John Molloy was second with 43 points and Barry Tumilty was third, also with 43 points. Rory Madeley won the best gross prize with a level par 69. The best senior was John Poots.

Matthew Savage (39) and Gary McConville (46) won the juvenile prizes.

It was yet another wonderful day and we all appreciate Bertie Shaw’s generosity.