Cloverhill Golf Club - Holmpatick Cup

The Holmpatrick Cup qualifier which aids the National Council for the Blind brought a huge entry. The success of last year's representatives Jim McKay and David Pilkington in annexing the Armagh and Ulster titles resulting in an all expenses paid 3 day trip to St Andrews no doubt responsible for the big entry. The fourball better ball competition off three quarters of the handicap saw some very good scores returned in testing conditions with a dozen teams within 2 points of the winning total of 44 points. The father and son combination of Brendan (15) and Mark Hughes (13) were the early and long time leaders with 44 points. The O Rourke brothers Larry (15) and Brendan (20) could only bemoan a second nine collapse as they could only add 18 points to a superb opening 25 points to come up one point short. The holders both playing off 5 were dethroned as their 41 points would not be good enough. When a second 44 points was returned by Benny Tierney and brother-in law-Declan O Neill it would be down to the countback system unless the 44 could be beaten. The drama was not finished as a birdie putt from Colin Pilkington (5) horseshoed out leaving him and partner Joe Mackin(10) on 43 points as it happened had the putt dropped they would have won with a better back nine return. The two 44's were evenly split at 22 points for each nine with Declan and Benny triumphing on the last six holes. Declan urged Benny to lose some weight for the next round as he was too much of a carry in this one.

Sunday June 14 is the Fr Kevin Cullen sponsored GOY singles stableford competition. There are some great prizes for the leading trio, the nines and the gross winner. Timesheet is posted in the clubhouse. The Jimmy Bruen team will take on Killymoon at Lurgan on Sunday at 2pm.

The Newry Crash Repair Cup midweek 9 hole off the back nine white markers saw current club captain Nial Smyth visit the winners enclosure and qualify for the August 18 hole final. Nial shot 23 points to finish ahead of Anthony Boden who had 21 points. This week play is off the front nine green.

The draws have been made for the singles and pairs matchplay competitions with some juicy encounters thrown up. 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.

The seniors were out in force in the good weather on Thursday and the scores reflected the weather in the second round of the Maritime Trophy. Gerry McShane was section one winner from Frank Ryan. Section Two was won by Brendan Brown

The postponed St Joseph’s High School, golf classic took place on Saturday. Despite the rain there was a great turnout of teams. Congratulations to the Ashfield Ladies who showed them all how to golf by winning the event. St Mary's University, Belfast will be hosting the next classic at Cloverhill on Friday July 3 with the event being a gathering of past and present students from all over the province.