A toast to Arthurs on Paddy’s Day at Dunmurry

The top 16 qualified through to the knock-out stage but Paddy topped the lot.

Playing off a handicap of 13, Paddy was a prize winner in the Winter League and continued his excellent form last weekend.

However, that didn’t look likely after dropping four shots in his first two holes.

A birdie two at the par three third turned his game around and he only dropped one more shot in the front nine to record a five over par 40 and set up a good score.

His back nine started with a three over par seven at the 10th but again Paddy bounced back with birdies on the 11th and 12th.

They got him back on track and he followed them up with five pars and a bogey five on the 17th for a two over back nine of 37. That gave him the best score of the day - an impressive nett 64.

Two higher handicappers, Jim Gartland (21) and Jim Porter (22) produced excellent rounds to claim second and third places, both returning nett 67s. If they produce that form, they will prove difficult to beat in the match-play stages.

Billy McAuley (14), Noel Magill (6), and Gary Wilson (10) completed the top six places all returning nett 68s and will be ones to watch in the match-play, especially Billy, who was last year’s winner of the club knock-out competition.

The Gross prize was won by Ian Moore (Scr) with a two over par 72.

Doris Barbour Qualifying Match-play First Round draw

N Forsythe v P Arthurs, D Blackstock v P Quinn, C McKenna v W McAuley, N Magill v T Hilman. M Black v A Thom, J Gartland v F Kieran. G Wilson v S Blackley, J Porter v T Scullion.

OTHER RESULTS

Senior Open (Tuesday 8 April) – 1, Robin Smythe 38 pts; 2, Leslie Watson (Crossgar GC) 37 pts; 3, John Wilson Senior 36 pts BB9; 4, G. Buchanan (City of Belfast) 36 pts BB9; 5, Roy Donnan 36pts.

Wednesday Semi Open (9 April) – 1, G Healy 40 pts BB6; , B. Glackin 40 pts 3, C Trimble 39pts. Gross – G McAuley 35pts.