Mixed fortunes for Rockmount

Andrew McCorriston (26) was first overall with a gross score of 94 and a net score of 68; he was two better than second placed Colin Russell (13) who finished with a net 70. The low section (0-11) was won by Gearard Smyth (11) with a net score of 71. The mid-section (12-17) was won by David Andrews (14) with a net 70 and the high section (18-28) was won by Colin McClelland (19) with a net score of 72. The best gross on the day was scored by Colin McClenaghan (02) with a two over par score of 74.

On Sunday May 29 the Irish Mixed Foursomes team travelled to nearby Knock Golf Club for the their qualifying event. The team buoyant by successful qualification in each of last three years had high hopes of qualifying again this year. The course was in great condition considering the amount of rain that fell on Saturday. Team Captains Heather Mills and Dougie Fairweather had selected a very experienced team. Robert and Diane Patterson led the team out; they finished with a very creditable 82. They were followed by Barry Douds and last year’s Lady Captain Lorraine Toolan; Barry and Lorraine scored Rockmount’s best score on the day 72.5. Third out Bob Jellie and Barbara Fleet started brightly until a ‘hamlet’ moment, when they took a number of shots to escape a bunker, spoilt their card, they battled gamely on to post a score of 89. Gents Past Captain Peter O’Hara out fourth with Rosie McCrea also posted a score of 82.

The last pair Al McCune and Leonie Power needed a score below or near to 70 to make qualification a realistic prospect but despite a tremendous effort on the back nine they could only manage a score of 79, which was notable because of their front nine. Rockmount’s total from the best four cards did put them in fourth place, but with five teams still on the course the last qualifying place was up for grabs by the those teams still on the course. The team travelled back to Rockmount waiting news from Knock which eventually came through and the inevitable was confirmed, two teams had surpassed Rockmount’s team total leaving the Rockmount Irish Mixed Team out of the qualifying places.

Rockmount Golf Club’s Sam Rutherford team played their first match of the year at Banbridge Golf Club. The Cowdy competition is decided on holes with each of the four matches playing to a finish. Banbridge took full advantage of their home leg and built up a 15 hole lead before the second leg at Rockmount on Friday. After a very tricky home leg the Ulster Four Ball team took the long journey to Foyle Golf Club, County Londonderry with a 4 – 1 advantage. Fully aware that Foyle have previously won home legs 5 – 0, team captain Brendan Houston had no complacency, his team selection was meticulous and his determination was undeterred. The team did him proud, despite losing the away leg 3 - 2 the overall match score was 6 – 4 and Rockmount’s Ulster Four Ball team will take their place in the third round of this year’s competition.