St Andrews Qualifying Competition attracts a big field
This is one of the most keenly contested competitions on the fixture list, as the competition name suggests the winner and placings get to play at the home of golf in a competition.
Apart from winning the likes of Captains Day, Presidents Day and the single & doubles competitions this has got to be up there as a contender for the event most golfers want to win.
The weather has been very unlike what most people think of as typical summer conditions and Saturday was no different, initially slightly cool then it started to warm up and so did the golf. There were no really big scores posted, probably due to the course playing longer with the softer ground conditions courtesy of recent rainful, but anyone playing from 1pm onwards would really have suffered from some very heavy showers during the course of the afternoon. Anyone producing 36 points in these conditions would have done exceptionally well.
So its no surprise that the winning score of 40 points came from one of the earlier tee times and was produced by Barry Rayner, that name might sound familiar…. well it should do because Barry also won two weeks ago! Its unusual to get a word with the winner before going to press but purely by chance I did manage to grab the opportunity! When asked about his round Barry was reluctant to voice an opinion but did thank his playing partners for making it so competitive within his fourball which really helped his game. He added, “there will be a few people wondering when this purple patch of mine will come to an end, can he keep it up until captains day? Well Im expecting it to turn beige anytime soon”. Thats a first, to be able to get a quote from the winner before going to press….well done Barry.
Other happy golfers include Alan McCartney who came in with 39 points, Jackson Ruddock had 37 points and Anthony McElmeel with 36 points they each took the best score in their handicap section. The fifth and final place goes to the best Gross score and that was Adam Kerr, well done to to Adam, Alan, Anthony and Jackson you are all going to St Andrews with Barry. Just to clarify…. Its only the winner, the best gross and the three section winners which count in this competition. Unlucky to eveyone else that entered the competition, better luck next year.
There were 16 two`s recorded and they were by; Dave Chadwick, Johnathan McNabb, Ian Magill, Willie Fenton (2), Wayne Hamilton, Sam Jenkins, Kenny Kerr, Barry McGee, Barry Rayner, Richard Wright, Kevin McCoy, Jackson Ruddock, Keith Johnston, Alan Mills and finally Nichalas Salley, well done fellas!.
Important Notice
The information in the report stating the prize winners are going to St Andrews is not entirely correct.
We have an unusual situation where the prize winners may or may not all be going to the trip to St Andrews as previously stated, due to the unforeseen withdrawal of playoff opponents. As this situation has not occurred before, the club council will overview and discuss the best way forward at the next meeting and make a decision based on the relevent information.
The next meeting will be held in the first week of July and notification of the way forward in this matter will then be posted.
Apologies to those golfers directly concerned.
Inter-club competitions update
The Ronan Rafferty junior team were recently beaten by a very good Dungannon team, as is often the case with our teams it was a close run thing, but they can be proud of their individual and team performances, well done lads! Good luck Dungannon in the next round.
The Ulster Cup team played Saturday afternoon in that awful weather and finished the day winning 4-3, good wins from Noel Holmes, Sam Jenkins, Derick Hynes and Team Captain Clive Currie, a good result fellas but your trip to Portstewart will not be easy and you will have to be at your best to secure an overall win…. we believe in you….you can do it!
The Sam Rutherford competition was played at home on Sunday against Silverwood. Silverwood had a small advantage from their home leg of just 7 holes so we were hopeful of a good win on our own course. The Team Captain John Allen and the fellas did not let the side down, a sound performance by all the team puts us through to play Rosmore in the next round, a great job fellas, the match was played in great spirit and credit goes to the Silverwood fellas for making it very enjoyable, great company.
The Edenderry Golf Society 4 Team Scramble takes place on Saturday 23rd June, so make sure you get your team sorted out before your arrival otherwise you may end up short of bodies and end up waiting for players at the tee box to make your team up?
Just a bit of a rallying call …. the Sunday Sweep seems to be a little under supported, if we dont get the numbers then the competition is likely to get dropped at some stage, there are people going out but not bothering with the sweep. Its only £3 entry and it keeps the competitive element of your golfing game on its toes…. Is there anyone who goes out to play and does not care what they play like? Come on fellas get behind the sunday sweep give it your support!
As always Enjoy your Golf!