Alan Ball Wins James Hewitts Presidents Day

It really was an excellent day for golfing, our President James Hewitt could not have picked a better day, good weather normally sets the mood for a successful event and it was most definitely enjoyable and a good turn out, so yes… successful describes the day very well.

There were two stand out rounds of golf produced on the day and if it was possible to have two winners then this would be the the occasion to do that, however there can only be one winner and the very deserving winner was Alan Ball with 45 points, 23 points on the front nine and 22 points on the back. According to his playing partners he seemed to be very steady taking things in his stride yet quite relentless, leaving no opportunity for his four ball to catch him. Excellent golf Alan, we will have to see how you play off 16 h.cap, I think there is more to come from you yet mate. Presidents Day is a great event to win, very well done! Now to the other outstanding round of the day, another 45 points, 24 on the front nine and 21 on the back and only beaten on the countback, a superb round of golf for Davy McRoberts! Normally a round like that would put you clear of the field but when there are two superb scores of 45 points someone is going to be disappointed. Both Davy and Alan have been playing the sort of golf recently that would suggest a competition win was inevitable, but to score so well shows just how much your game is improving, its just a matter of time before Davy gets that win he deserves, but for now its an excellent 2nd place. Third place was also an excellent score, 41 points from Clive Currie could on another day be the winning score but I am sure Clive is happy with his score knowing it was only two exceptional scores that put him into 3rd… I knew there was life in the old dog yet, well done mate! Glen Vennard took 4th place with 40 points, scoring 40 points in any competition gives you a good chance of being in the prizes and in such an important event its always a little more pleasing to produce the goods on the day, well done Glen! The best Gross on the day goes to Jonathan Hewitt, just 2 shots over the course! The best juvenile score of the day goes to Michael Hook, very well done Michael! The prize for nearest the pin goes to Stephen Magill and a huge longest drive prize goes to Keith Campbell, just beating Adam Kerr. There were still more prizes for our Ladies at Loughgall and guests of our President James Hewitt.

The evening function was held at Hogg`s Bar and all went well, the speeches were kept relatively brief and prizes were distributed amongst the deserving few, the rest of us were there to give our usual loyal support to the occasion, it has to be said the night went along with great spirit and humour, but that is not unusual for Loughgall Golf Club. A club is only as good as those members who belong to it, we all have an investment in our wee club and it shows itself by the honesty, integrity and a willingness to work and play together (our club motto). I say all this because we have nearly come to the end of our President James Hewitt`s time in office, he has been exemplary as our first President as he was as our first Club Captain. The influence James Hewitt has had on this club has helped steer Loughgall Golf Club through a it`s first dozen years, much unseen and behind the scenes work undertaken by James with the authorities, within the club and out in the business world have immeasurable worth. One thing is for sure, James has been a big part of Loughgall Golf Club, we all hope will continue to be for a long time to come and to crown it all… he is a nice person too!

I would like to thank all those who helped make the day a success that would include many of our committee members (great burgers Mr Coote), the green staff and our reception ladies who are always there to keep things running smooth and everyone who took part in the competition or came to the evening function, I hope i have not over looked anyone, if I have then tell me and I will give you a personal thank you!

Just a couple of things to mention, Derick Hynes & Jonnie McKnight play at the Oxfordshire this week, we wish them well in their efforts as N.Ireland Champs to go one step further and become UK Champions. We also have a contingent of Loughgall golfers both men and ladies going to St Andrews this coming weekend to compete in the Public Courses Competition, good luck and do your best, remember its not everyday you will get playing at St Andrews so enjoy yourselves!

This Saturday we have a club strokeplay competition. Enjoy your Golf!