Neil chips in for Allen Cup win
EXUDING all the confidence of a golfer in top form, Neill Cromwell reached for his wedge at the edge of the 17th green and chipped in for a superb birdie 3. It was a shot which ultimately clinched the Allen Cup, sponsored by JR McMahon, Armagh.
Lesser mortals would have taken up their putter for the shot, but Neil, who plays off a handicap of 3 and has produced gross scores of 70,69 and 69 in the previous three week's club competitions, delivered the deftess of chips to trickle his ball the 12 feet downhill and into the hole. A par at the final hole secured a nett 66, (gross 69).
Stephen Maloney produced a similar superb nett 66, but on countback it was that birdie at 17 which clinched the coveted trophy for Cromwell - unbelievably only his third piece of silverware in the last 18 years.
It must be said also, these two remarkable scores were also achieved in less than favourable conditions - heavy showers and blustery winds playing havoc throughout the day.
Cromwell however, relished the challenge. He was one under after four holes with a birdie 3 at the long par four 4th. But surprisingly par three holes ruined an otherwise perfect outward trek - he bogeyed both the 7th and 9th holes.
A birde four at the 12th and then that birdie three at 17 however, saw him two under par for the back nine and one under par for his round, producing a nett 66.
Stephen Maloney's round was somewhat contrasting, conceding the majority of his shots across the back nine holes after shooting just a 2-over par front nine.
Brian Loney was the next best home and deservedly took the 0-12 handicap category first prize with a nett 67. Two shots adrift on nett 69 was Mark Shannon, who will have been especially pleased with a one-over par back nine.
Ronan McWilliams proved a model of consistency for a nett 67 finish taking the 13-18-handicap category ahead of Danny McGee on nett 68.
And Gerry Kelly's nett 72 won the 19-28 handicap category with Charlie Johnston just a shot behind on nett 73.
Neil Cromwell is presented with the Allen Cup by Brian Graham from JR McMahon, Armagh, who sponsored the recent stroke competition at County Armagh Golf Club. Included also are (from left) Club Captain John Flack and category prize winners Gerry Kelly, Brian Loney, Stephen Maloney and Danny McGee