Lorcan in impressive form as he lifts the Bell Trophy at Dunmurry GC

Lorcan O’Kane lifted The Bell Trophy at Dunmurry GC last weekend.
James Keague, Stanley Halliday, Lorcan O' Kane (winner) and Dessie Marley.James Keague, Stanley Halliday, Lorcan O' Kane (winner) and Dessie Marley.
James Keague, Stanley Halliday, Lorcan O' Kane (winner) and Dessie Marley.

Lorcan, playing off a handicap of 11, was in impressive form from the start. His Front Nine was a consistent mixture of pars and three birdies, at the 4th, 5th and 7th holes, with his only blemish being a double bogey six at the daunting Sixth hole. His fine run continued on the Back Nine until the Fifteenth hole when golfing reality was restored as a lost ball resulted in the dreaded NR. Lorcan, however, in true Ulster Cup spirit, recovered his composure to finish his round with an impressive 40 points to set The Bell ringing.

Runner-up to Lorcan was Andy Sproule (8) whose admirable level par Back Nine guaranteed him second place, on countback, ahead of Michael Dickson (3) and Steve Mc Collam (4). The signs were ominous for Andy as a frustrating run of three sixes on the Front Nine seemed to diminish his chances. However, a birdie 3 at the Ninth restored his momentum as he returned an excellent round of 76.

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Michael Dickson picked up the prize for Best Gross, beating Derek Mc Lachlan (1) on countback, with an impressive round of 70. His round included birdies at the 11th and 17th, with a fine run of pars only interrupted by bogeys at the 8th and 15th holes. Steve Mc Collam’s excellent round of 71 included four birdies and ten pars but an unexpected double bogey 6 at the Tenth ultimately cost him second place on the day.

Shot of the day was undoubtedly Colin Riddel’s Ace at the Third hole. A perfect wedge delivered the ball straight into the hole, inciting great celebrations at the 19th Hole.

Wednesday’s Semi-Open (28th May) was won by Matt Cochrane (2) with an excellent 41 points. Matt completed his round in a stunning 67 which included 5 birdies and only 2 bogeys. Certainly an exceptional score considering the challenge posed for any who ventured off the fairway and into the rough.

Tuesday’s weekly Hat competition continues to grow in popularity with members. Tommy Ferguson leads with 130 points; Second is Bill Kane on 129 points and Hugh Robinson lies Third on 126 points.

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On the Inter Club scene Dunmurry’s teams continue to flourish. The Senior Cup Team and The Irish Mixed have both advanced to the knock-out stages where they will face the same opposition, namely Shandon Park GC.

In The Pierce Purcell, Dunmurry have progressed to the last 16 in Ulster, defeating Lambeg GC 3.5 – 1.5.

Notable performances by John Mc Aree and Donal Mc Reynolds, Billy Mc Auley and Oliver Totten, Chris Sweeney and Jonny Moore insured victory against excellent opponents who should be congratulated on their sportsmanship and the spirit in which all matches were played.

The Holt Shield team had a fine victory at home against a strong Shandon Park and now lead their Qualifying group by 4 points with two games remaining.

Finally, Dunmurry’s Fred Daley Team completed an 8-6 victory over a resurgent Dungannon GC and will now face either City of Derry or Ballyliffin in Round 4 of the competition.