COUNTY Armagh Golf Club newcomer Gerard O'Callaghan had reason more than most to celebrate St Patrick's Day after winning the Open stableford competition.
The 19-handicapper was untouchable with a winning score of 50 points - six points better than a field of more than 100 golfers on the day.
With 22 points secured on the front nine, Gerard produced a near flawless back nine to chalk up a further 28 points. Birdies at the 12th and 14th holes compensated for the only two dropped shots on the back nine at holes 16 and 18 for his level par finish.
Big Derek McKeever was runner up and on any other day his 44 points might have lifted the top prize. The 15-handicapper will however, rue a no score at the sixth hole, but will have delighted in a share of the 2's pot with birdies at the seventh and 11th holes. His round too was a tale of an excellent back nine finish with 25 points to add to 19 from the front nine.
Dec McKee was just a point adrift on 43 points for third place, and Anthony McElmeel nipped in for fourth prize in front of the inform Terry Chin after both returned scores of 42 points - Terry's back-nine 21 points losing out to Anthony's 22 points.
And Tom Fox returned to winning ways to collect the final prize on the day. The 12 handicapper's 42 points round and 42 points included a birdie three at the fourth hole.
Paula has rub'o the green
PAST Lady Captain Paula McCrory was the top lady golfer in the St Patrick's Day Open Stableford Competition at County Armagh.
Her impressive 36 points, scored off a handicap of nine, won first prize ahead of 17-handicapper Catherine Corrigan who returned a score of 34 points.
Paula's score might even have been higher had she not double bogeyed the sixth hole and equally, Catherine might have snatched victory had she not returned a 'no score' at the 11th hole.
Elizabeth Mawhinney pitched in for third prize with 32 points. And Flo McCall deservedly picked up fourth with 31 points and three 'no scores' at 15, 17 and 18!
