Perfect conditions for Stephen’s Captain’s Day at Lambeg Golf Club

The weather was perfect, there was a great turn out, and the course in the best condition it has ever been.

This year a “shot-gun” start was used for the first time, and what a success it turned out to be.

There was a real buzz around the clubhouse just before tee-off and after the match as all the players mingled together.

After this success the same format will be used on President’s Day.

In one of the closest finishes ever in a Captain’s Day competition, Chris Brown (17) emerged as the outright winner of the Captain’s Prize with 42pts ahead of a group of five players on 41pts.

With the course in excellent condition and some of the pins placed in difficult positions, the result was always going to be very close.

Chris got off to a steady start until he came to the third were he had a “no score”, but he steadied things and reached the turn with an impressive 21pts.

The back nine was just as good and his 21pts on the back nine included a birdie at the 16th.

Pipped at the post and winner of the 1st prize was Vice-Captain Gerry McDonald (25) on 41. With twelve points after four holes Gerry must have felt this was his day but his position changed dramatically with “no scores” at 5th, 7th and 8th and with only one point at the 9th he had scored only 17pts at the turn.

The back nine was just as dramatic but in the right direction, scoring a brilliant 24pts which included a fantastic birdie on the last.

Beaten in the count-back after also scoring 41 pts was Craig Tiffen (8). There was no dramatics in Craig’s round, just excellent steady golf.

His first nine included 4 pars and a birdie, the back nine was even better with no less than 7 pars and one birdie.

His only blip of the round was the double bogey at the 15th and probably cost him a better prize.

J.P. McGeough (17) also lost out in the count-back.

J.P. got off to the best of starts with a birdie at the first but a triple at the third cancelled this out.

His round included 9 pars and was enough to secure third prize.

The other two players with 41 pts but lost out on the prizes because of the count-back were Stephen Thornhill (11) and Chris Boyd (19).

Stephen’s round included 13 pars but once again a triple bogey at 15 was his downfall.

Chris was well on target until he came to the 15th were he had a “no score” and followed this with a double bogey at the par three 16th. Alan Mason won the best gross.

Other prize winners, Longest Drive, Alan Crockard. Nearest the Pin, 8th hole, Peter Taylor, 16th hole Ivor Harron. Nearest the Pin in two, 18th hole, Gerry McDonald, 1st hole Alan Mason. Front Nine, Chris Boyd, Back Nine Ian Jefferson. Past Captains Prize with 40 pts, Jim Robinson.

The Captain’s Dinner was held later at the Beechlawn Hotel and after being served up with magnificent food the prizes were handed out.

In the Captain’s speech Stephen praised the teams in the G.U.I. competitions, the greenkeepers for the excellent condition of the course at Aberdelghy and thanked the committee members for their help in creating a very enjoyable Captain’s Day.

The Wednesday Hat was won by Stephen Thornhill with 42pts.

Next week’s competition is stableford and is sponsored by Mulgrew Haulage.