Brian takes chequered flag in Henry White Memorial
WITH a one-over par front-nine nicely tucked away, Brian Loney knew he was off to a flying start in the Henry White Memorial Cup competition at County Armagh.
And when the 11-handicapper dropped only a further four shots over the back nine holes to record a winning score nett 64, the coveted trophy, sponsored by Philip White Tyres, was his to celebrate.
Killylea man Brian led the huge field of golfers from early morning. A birdie 2 at the ninth hole compensated in part for shots dropped at the 1st and 5th holes for that one over par front nine. A further dropped shot at the par three 11th hole saw nerves beginning to creep into his game as he bogeyed 13, 15 and 16. But he steadied his game for pars at 17 and 18 for that untouchable score on the day.
Tommy Boyle deservedly secured runners up prize with a nett 65.
Paul McCreesh will undoubtedly have recounted his double bogeys at the 6th and 9th holes as that which perhaps denied him glory. But with a much better back nine he picked up third prize ahead of Andrew McTaggart who, in ccontrast, after superb birdie 3s at the 14th and 15th holes, suffered a hat-trick of double bogey holes to finish on nett 66.
Tommy Mackin's nett 67 launched a prize-winning week-end, securing him 5th prize in this competition and following up the very next day with a runners up prize in the club stableford.
Ian Millar and Sean Dougan, a manager at competition sponsor Philip White Tyres, also produced returns of nett 67, Ian's better back nine taking sixth and Sean seventh, prizes.
John Maguire produced the best gross score 71, winning on a back-nine countback from Edenmore visitor Philip Sheldon.