The back nine’s fine for Alan who seals Open victory with a nett 63

The winner was 18 handicapper Alan Irvine who returned a nett 63. After a steady front nine when he played to his handicap in 44 shots, he shot a two over par 37 back nine, the highlight being a birdie three on the 14th.

Thirteen handicapper Denis Russell had to settle for second despite also recording a nett 63. He recorded birdies at the eighth and 16th but a double bogey on the 14th proved costly.

Third place went to Trevor Crocket (11) who also recorded a nett 63 thanks to 37 on each nine. Trevor dropped only five bogeys in his round with a birdie two on the 16th and 12 pars at the remaining holes. T. Hillman (19) picked up fourth spot thanks to a nett 64.

The gross prize went to Graeme Dickson (+1) with a superb four under 66.

SUNDAY

On Sunday, over 120 golfers took part in the Cork Dry Gin Open Stableford in mainly wet conditions.

The overall winner was eight handicapper John McIlwaine Junior, who returned 43 points to also win the Frank Shane Junior trophy.

John went round the first nine in two over 37 shots and 20 points, the highlight being birdies at 4th and 7th.

On the second nine, John went round in one under par 34 for 23 points, thanks to birdies at the 10th 16th and 18th.

Second place went to Maurice Ferguson (11) who returned 42 points which also wins him the George Rodger Intermediate trophy. Maurice picked up 20 points on the front nine but despite a birdie on the 16th and 22 points he had to settle for second place overall.

Third place went Ivan O’Rorke (14) on 39 pts, while Mel Campbell (20) was fourth on 38 pts. The gross was won by Balmoral’s Edmund Hughes on 73.

KNOCKOUT COMPETITIONS

The Dunmurry Golf Club knockout competitions are reaching the closing stages and are as follows:-

Wilmont Cup (third round) – Shane McCotter v Ken Stanfield, David Blackstock v D. Flanagan or T. Hillman, J. Milliken v C. McKenna, Andy Cochrane v Scott Malcolm.

Adam and Eve (semi-finals) – R. Boyce and N. Abernethy v R and J. Doherty, L. Allen and D. Weeks, L. Reid v A. O’Rorke.

Thelma Cup Final – Harry Larkin v Glen McAuley or Chris Morgan.

Doris Barbour Cup Final – Jim Gartland v Paddy Arthurs or C. McKenna.