Top-scoring Paul lifts Allen Cup
PAUL McKeown's nett 64 proved the winning score in the Allen Cup competition at County Armagh. But his two-shot victory was a story of what might have been a much bigger winning margin.
A nasty triple bogey seven at the 18th hole was penciled on his card as he completed his round, leaving him wondering if he really had blown his chances of lifting the coveted trophy in the competition, which was once again kindly sponsored by JR McMahon, Scotch Street, Armagh.
But he need not have worried. His was the top score on the day.
It was two shots better than six-handicapper Paul Doyle who signed for a two-over par front nine and level par back nine for an impressive nett 66 which earned him the runners up prize.
Shea Smyth was one under par after 15 holes and but for consecutive bogeys at the 16th, 17th and 18th holes, the Cup was surely his for the lifting. He will however, be satisfied with the Category 1 first prize with Stuart Lee runner up after returning a nett 68.
Eamon O'Hagan's name was back in lights as he claimed his third prize in as many days producing a nett 66 to win Category 2 - and that achieved despite a two-shot handicap reduction from the previous day. Oisin Gill's nett 66 on countback earned him runners up.
And Kieran McAuley also shot a nett 66 to claim first prize in Category 3 where Roger Seeley was runner up with a nett 67.
Paul McKeown (second from left) is presented with the Allen Cup by County Armagh Golf Club Captain Pat McAleavey and Brian Graham from JR McMahon, Scotch Street, Armagh, sponsors of the annual stroke competition. Included also are category winners Eamon O’Hagan and Roger Seeley