Cloverhill Golf Club - Phil Mallon has the round of his life

Phil Mallon produced the round of his life on Sunday morning to run away with first prize in the Fr Kevin Cullen sponsored GOY singles stableford competition. A weekly competition supporter this years and amongst the early starters every week Phil after years in the doldrums gave the handicap convenor plenty to work with as he produced a stunning return of 51 points off the maximum handicap that has been accumulated after years of not troubling the winners podium. An odd good nine here and there was produced but it all came together for Phil for the 18 holes on Sunday. A strong finish to the front nine with pars at 7,8 and nine gave Phil a very respectable 24 points and a forewarning of what was to come. Five pars and a total of only 5 over for the back nine yielded a staggering 27 points for a grand total of 51 points to emerge the winner by 8 points. Phil will only be delighted to learn that his win will cost him 4.8 and a new handicap of 23.
The good early week form of Chris Devine continued on Sunday as he pipped club President Seamus McCoy for runner up spot with a back nine of 22 points as they both returned 43 points. Robbie Norton with 24 points won the front nine with23 points from Colin Ferris taking the back nine. The Gross was won by Mark Hughes. The June Monthly Medal will be played for next weekend.
The Jimmy Bruen team made their exit from the competition losing out 3-2 at Lurgan to Killymoon with the outcome settled on the last green in the final match after a terrific game of golf that ebbed and flowed throughout. There will be little time for regrets as the defence of the Sam Rutherford trophy takes us to Portadown next Sunday afternoon.
The Newry Crash Repair Cup midweek 9 hole off the front nine green markers saw a very tight finish deny a little piece of club history. Failure to score at the ninth hole by Ann McGivern was to prove very costly as the countback with Chris Devine went to the last hole in which Chris nettedc a point to deny Anne the chance to become the first woman to qualify for the final of this competition. Both players returned 23 points. The back nine green markers will host this week's play.
The draws have been made for the singles and pairs matchplay competitions with some juicy encounters thrown up and already some shock results in. The dates given by which the matches have to be played will be strictly adhered to. It is up to the person at the top of the draw to arrange the match. Anyone experiencing difficulties with arranging their match should advise the competition convenor who will make a ruling on the matter.

Gerry McShane the seniors man in form at present once again topped the section one of the compeytition with Jim McDonnell second. Section Two was won by Brendan Hughes with Noel Magill as runner-up. The Seniors will be in action again next Thursday at 10am.