Morrison on song

With more than eighty players enjoying fine golfing conditions the stage was set for some interesting golf. In the event, two of the early starters battled it out for supremacy.

Morrison carded a mere 19 point on the outward holes while Dermot Hegart(17) carded a fine 22 point total but it was over the closing holes that Morrsion produced the goods when they were needed. While the inexperienced Hegarty faded and could only card an extra 14 points on the closing holes, Morrison hammered home a fine 17 points that included a birdie two at the difficult Par three 15th, ‘The Quarry’.

James Desmond (15) put in his second appearance in the weekend winners’ circle when his 35 points claimed third place. The venerable Sammy Connor(16) and the renowned Eamon McCourt (7) joined battle for the fourth and fifth places. Eventually a back nine tiebreaker fell in Sammy Connor’s favour by a single point as McCourt wilted over the closing holes.

But Eamon can take heart from the fact that his better back six holes edged out the big-hitting Terence Campbell (10) who also carded 34 points but had to be content with sixth spot on the day.

Meantime the Sunday Society Golfer of the Year standings make for very interesting readings with seventh outings already played.

As usual Clive Brolly is in the mix but currently lying in a lowly fourth place on 49 points with the renowned Eamon McCourt breathing down his neck on a 48 point total.

Further down the field the challengers have been finding their winter game. Club President Alan Montgomery’s new driver has added length and confidence to an already formidable game while John Gallagher has a new lease of life since he polished his clubs. Both will be a threat in the weeks to come.

The surprise leader at this early stage is well-known radio presenter Sean Coyle who has been unwavering in his form of late and still only hold a slender single point lead. However, Sean will need the performance of his life if he is to keep the twin hounds of experience, in the form of low handicapper Graham Hepburn who is hungry for a reprise of Sunday Society glory, and youthful talent, in the form of the consistently brilliant James Desmond who is seeking his first title, at bay over the coming weeks.

On a most beautiful Autumn day when it was a sheer pleasure to walk the fairways of Prehen and putt on the pristine greens it was Rodney Smyth (13) who brought all of his game to the party, on Saturday.

Nineteen points on the outward journey was small stuff compared to the totals of some others but the return journey yielded a fine 17 points for a 36 point total and victory by virtue of a back nine tiebreaker. Losing out to Rodney on this occasion was the new danger man on the block, James Desmond (15) who has been featuring strongly over recent weeks.

He opened his account with 22 point on that outward journey but despite a birdie two at the notorious 15th hole, ‘The Quarry’, he could only add an extra 14 points on the closing stretch and hence finished on the wrong side of that tiebreaker. Liam Flanaghan (15) also stormed out with 22 points on the opening holes and the prize was his for the taking until a disappointing closing stretch where he added a mere twelve extra points relegated him to third spot on a final 34 point total. Eugene Hillick (17) finished on 34 points as well but had to be content with fourth prize after losing out on a back three tie-breaker.

Meantime the Chambers Concrete Winter League has reached it’s mid-point with five outings played.

At this stage Team B, ably led by Graham Hepburn, has formed a formidable 52 point lead by virtue of Mr Hepburn’s ‘three-line whip’ approach to his team which has resulted in all members turning out in the hope of contributing something to the team’s success. But the biggest move of the last couple of weeks has been that of Team A, led by Phillp Greer, who have fought their way to second spot after what can only be described as a somewhat indifferent start to the campaign!

Meantime, Team D have slipped to fourth spot despite the return of Assistant Competition Convenor Mike Carroll from his warm weather golf training camp. All is still to play for in this innovative team competition.

Meanwhile no less than four players were involved in a tie breaking 33 points total that decided the final destination of the much sought after Jim Bresland Trophy at Prehen on Thursday.

Gerry Gormley (11) eventually was declared the proud winner getting the verdict over Ken McClintock (14) with his better back nine, he in turn edged out Cecil Thompson (10) into third place with his better finish and John Woods (9) had to settle for fourth place after Cecil’s final six holes were counted.

John Morrow (14) also needed a tie break before he was awarded the fifth and final prize with 32 points. Incidentally Thompson and Woods were both carrying a shot deduction as two previous winners this season.

Prizes for this competition will be presented at the Society’s Christmas party provisionally set for Friday, December 16.