Seamus keeps it steady to earn a place in the Tankard finals

Seamus McGrath set up a place in the IPGA tankard finals with a steady round at Banbridge last Saturday.
Seamus McGrath's son Cathal is getting married this Thursday. He arrived home from Australia along with his sister Frances from New Zealand just in time to congratulate their father on winning the IPGA Tankard at Banbridge Golf Club.Seamus McGrath's son Cathal is getting married this Thursday. He arrived home from Australia along with his sister Frances from New Zealand just in time to congratulate their father on winning the IPGA Tankard at Banbridge Golf Club.
Seamus McGrath's son Cathal is getting married this Thursday. He arrived home from Australia along with his sister Frances from New Zealand just in time to congratulate their father on winning the IPGA Tankard at Banbridge Golf Club.

Despite the bitter cold, a total of 164 players took part in the competition.

A golfing sage gave us this piece of good advice – “try and make your worst score a bogey.”

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That’s exactly what Seamus McGrath (17) was able to do. His scorecard was very tidy. He had a number of bogeys, a sprinkling of pars and a brilliant birdie at the 11th hole, one of the most difficult holes on the course.

Kevin McKay, winner of the low section in the IPGA Tankard.Kevin McKay, winner of the low section in the IPGA Tankard.
Kevin McKay, winner of the low section in the IPGA Tankard.

Seamus finished with 40 points and that was good enough to win the tankard.

It was a close call though. Keith Hannath (17) was runner-up, also with 40 points. He must have wondered how he managed to throw it away. Keith needed a double bogey at the last hole to win but he couldn’t do it. That’s golf for you.

Kevin McKay (11) won the low section (0-12) with yet another 40 points. He too faltered badly over the closing holes. Kevin dropped four shots over the last three holes. One less and he would have won.

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Jim Matthews (11) was runner-up in the low section with 38 points.

Shane Crossan (15) won the middle section (13-17) on count-back from second placed Cameron Morton (13), both with 38.

Frank Mooney (23) is enjoying a bit of a hot streak. He won the high section (18+) with 38 points. Mervyn Waddell (18) was runner-up with 37.

Declan Barry (9) has returned fully refreshed from his holiday. He won the prize for best senior with 38 points. Jim Carvill (+2) won the best gross prize for the third time this season with an impressive 70.

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Damian Weir, Roland Harwood, Matthew Mallon, John Bell, Conor Mulholland and Malcolm Hanna all came close with 38 points - very good scores.

Seamus McGrath can now look forward to partnering Banbridge professional Jason Greenaway in the grand final later in the season.

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