Although Saturday was the worse day of the weekend it was still pleasant enough once the day progressed, those golfers playing earlier in the day would have found it rather chilly. The good news is….better weather is on the way, for how long I do not know, but anything better than what we have been getting is welcome. Dry weather is needed to harden up those softer areas which are still present around the course. I think everyone I have spoken with regarding the course have had plenty of praise for the work being carried out by our ground staff, good weather is that necessary ingredient which we hope for but is beyond our control, fingers crossed we get what we are hoping for.
We had an excellent turnout for the St Andrews Qualifier on Saturday, however the top scores tell a story…. the best score was that of Sam Jenkins with 40 points, also on 40 points was Rodney Clarke who took the runner-up spot and 3rd with 39 points was Aaron Agg. Best gross went to Jonny Hewitt (known as Tintin in some circles), well Tintin’s adventures around the course brought him back with a round of 75 shots! No mystery there…Tintin has faced worse dangers than Loughgall in mid-April, he is not long back from South Africa ….safari as I know he had great time?
Section winners were Eugene Scullion 0-12, Alan Mills 13-18, Robert Mawhinney 19+,front 9 Paul Lavery, back 9 George Whyte and best score by a senior Davy McAdam. Only nine two’s recorded. Well done fellas, good luck in the playoff against Silverwood!
The Murder Mystery NI sponsored Weekly Challenge for 15th April….1st Davy McRoberts 41 points, 2nd Stephen Mullen 38 points and 3rd Paddy McCrory with 37 points… well done fellas!
The Junior 18 Hole Competition was won by Ben Currie with a superb 43 points, not far behind with 41 points was Luke Weir as runner-up….well done lads great scores! Only one 2 and that was by John Harrison!
Good news for John Currie’s Ulster 4ball team, after a decent win at home against Knock Golf Club it was the away return match on Sunday and despite the strong opposition we managed an overall win by just two holes, credit to both teams but well done Loughgall Ulster 4ball team!
Unfortunately Stephen Mullens Ulster Cup Team suffered at the hands of City of Derry Golf Club, although a good fight was put up the damage was done on the first leg, nothing less than a 100% success on Sunday would have retrieved the situation. Hard luck fellas…. maybe next year!
Saturday coming is the C&G Embroidery Strokeplay event, so keep it down the middle, keep it safe and you maybe taking the headlines next week!
Check the noticeboard for the Singles and Doubles entry list, please put your name on the sheets asap if you are interested in competing.
Just a final wee note…. is it only myself, or does anyone else find the position of the rakes left around the bunkers annoying? Everyone knows I’m an easy going fella, but really….a little common sense, don’t leave rakes laying in front of bunkers, or for that matter on top or alongside bunkers….leave it in the hazard, preferably not too tight to the front of the bunker. If your ball hit the rake and bounced in the bunker you have been unfairly disadvantaged because of someone else’s lack of consideration. I know there are no precise rules for this, but a rake outside of the bunker may change the outcome of an otherwise ok shot and ultimately your score. However a bunker with a rake left in there is just part of the hazard, a problem of your own making for putting your ball in there.
Good luck and enjoy your golf!