Cloverhill Golf Club - Singles Matchplay

The final of the singles matchplay turned out to be a thriller that was decided at the first extra hole as young Daniel Hughes defeated Nial Smyth. On their way to the final both players had disposed of some fancied contenders in the style that was befitting of men who had been in great form all year. Daniel had lost a total of 7 shots this year from 19 to 12 and leads the Golfer of the Year chart while Vice-Captain Nial came from 18 to 14 in the handicap. It was Neil who held the initiative throughout the final edging a hole or two at most in front but was pegged back level at the penultimate hole. Two pars at the last brought on the extra tie hole. Unfortunately for Nial a pair of pars gave Daniel who was in receipt of a shot the title the first and only time he had led in the match.

There was no joy for our Ulster Holmpatrick Cup champions Jim McKay (6) and David Pilkington (7) in the two day final played at St Andrews. The four Provincial winners played the New Course in driving wind and rain on Tuesday with a complete change around in weather conditions for the Old Course on Wednesday. Jim and David the lowest handicappers were up against Wexford Golf Club representing Leinster, Mulranny from Connacht and Ballykisteen from Munster. The Munster duo off 18 & 20 handicaps respectively, on full allowance, led the first day with 41 points. A single point ahead of the other three teams they were on fire the second day with a return of 51 points on the Old Course to blow away the opposition to win the McInerney sponsored Holmpatrick Cup with all proceeds going to the National Council for the Blind. David and Jim shot 43 points the second day. Still an all expenses 3 day trip to St Andrews was a prize in itself.

Sunday saw the last of the Monthly Medal competitions before the grand final for the Gold medal on Sunday next. There was keen competition for the final place with a nett 66 good enough to take the honours. Three players shot the 3 under par score with Stephen O Hara emerging the winner of the countback from Raymond Flynn and Chris Devine. The final will tee off at 8-30 on Sunday next with the first three ball of Stephen O Hara, Daniel Hughes and Robbie Norton followed 10 minutes later by Nial Smyth, Miceal McGuinness. The fact that Daniel won 3 monthly medals and Miceal won two has curtailed the field of a potential 8 down to five.

For all those not involved in the Medal Final there will be a singles stableford competition which can be played either Sat or Sun.

The Seniors Winter League 12 holes commences this week for a period of 4 weeks.