Local knowledge helps in Stableford

GOLFERS from as far away as Donaghadee competed in the senior members open Stableford competition on Monday, September 20.

However, at the conclusion of play all the prizes went to local golfers. With the softer conditions prevailing, it was no great surprise that some local knowledge played its part. Eight golfers registered under par scores on the day.

On the day the clear cut winner was the in-form Frankie McKeown. Playing off an 18 handicap, Frank produced a sparkling score of 43 points. This gave him the first net prize as well as a good reduction in his handicap.

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Through nine holes Frank had racked up a more than useful total of 20 points. Par figures at holes one, two, four and eight helped his score along. Further steady golf ensued on the back nine as well. Quality pars were obtained on holes 10, 13,14, 17 and 18. As a consequence he attained some 23 points on this nine and this put him two points clear of the field. It was his best score of the year by far and obviously all his competitive juices were in working order.

Runner-up in this senior’s event was his long time friend and indeed adversary Terry Murphy. This 24-handicapper fired an impressive tally of 41 points to secure second place. Terry had 19 points at the halfway juncture and cemented his win with an exciting 22 points on the homeward leg. On the day a birdie two at the seventeenth and pars at holes three, eight, ten, eleven and thirteen were the prime examples of his winning round.

The third net prize went to Richard Budd. This eight handicapper took the honours with his score of 39 points. Richard required 19 and 20 points on the nines to get over the line. He was the essence of consistency with fifteen pars on his card. Alas a bogey on the second and double bogeys on holes six and sixteen spoiled a very worthy effort.

Six handicapper Joe Dowey snapped up the gross award. Joe triumphed with an effort of 32 gross points. He had six pars on the opening nine. Back to back bogeys on holes five and six were helped by a birdie four on the ninth. His inward nine comprised six more pars to accompany bogeys on holes ten, eleven and fourteen.

The other returns in red figures came from the following:

38 points: Fergie Lennon (17), Bryan Turkington (10).

37 points: Frank Murray (11), Winston Hutchinson (13).

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There were two lady prizes awarded and they were both scooped up by local ladies. With a score of 32 points Kathy Matchett took the main honour. This 25-handicapper managed 18 and 14 points for the respective nines. The other prize went to 23-handicapper Pam Graham with a tally of 31 points. Pamela had a steady 15 and 16 points over the nines.