Michael wins the open

Nearly fifty visitors from all over Ulster and thirty members enjoyed playing the course which was in excellent condition following the spell of dry weather.

Michael got off to a great start with three pars which produced nine points. He went on to score 22 points on the front nine. Steady play on the back nine for 20 points gave him a winning total of 42. He puts his improved form down to a recent lesson from local professional Stephen Hamill. Now he hopes to remember the tips he received and get his handicap reduced.

Despite two ‘dings’ Dungannon player Pearse Kelly (23) finished second on 40 points.

Aiden Craig (Ballymena) and Lisburn’s Billy McClements tied on 39 points. The visitor’s better finish secured third place. Local players Tommy Beattie and Derek McAfee finished on 38 points.

The EMO Winter league attracted a big entry for the weekly competition over the back nine holes. A birdie two at the 13th helped Gavin Hawkins (10) accumulate 21 points and give him the day’s best score. He was a clear winner of Division 2 with David Gardiner (11) two points in arrears. Michael Patterson’s better finish gave him third place on count back from: Alan McBride, Ray Rankin, Jim McBratney, Chris Kelly, Robin McCoosh, Jim Burns and Des Kerr.

Glen Waring (9) played the last four holes in one under par to win Division 1 with 20 points. Ken Haslem (8), Noel Robinson (8) and Trevor Murphy (3) finished on 19 points with Ken being awarded second place ahead of Noel.

William Friers (15) topped Division 3 with 20 points, one ahead of David Phelan (15). Philip Stewart (15) lost out to Wally Killiner (15) for third place.

Norman Lambe (16) won Division 4 with 20 points. David Galway (18) was second on 18 with Andrew Blakely (17) third on 17 after tying with Joe Davey (19).