Stroke masterclass from Adam as Cromwell's conquer
STUDENT Adam Cromwell produced a masterclass of golfing excellence to win County Armagh Golf Club's Open Week stroke competition.
The 15-year-old Royal School boy shot his season's personal best ever score, nett 59, to win the mid-week event which attracted golfers from far and wide.
A fourth place finish the day before in the Open Stableford brought a handicap reduction to 11. But the teenager raised his game to a new level and produced the outstanding score of the stroke competition.
Indeed even his dad Neil, of a handicap of just three, was left trailing in his wake, three shots adrift on nett 62, and having to settle for second prize for the second day in a row.
Opening with a birdie and adding a second at the 3rd hole, Adam got his winning round off to a flying start. He dropped shots at the 4th and 6th holes but after nine was impressively level par.
But there was not a single shot to be dropped on the homeward trek - nine straight pars making it a level par round and superb nett 59.
Dad Neil honestly believed his gross 65, nett 62, was unbeatable but he was happy to stand aside on this occasion for his son to take the plaudits. However, it is still worthy of mention, Neil's round included five birdies and 13 pars!
The excellent conditions set the scene for top scoring and outside Adam's winning score, just 2 shots separated the top six players.
Anthony Farrell signed for a nett 63, birdies at the 14th and 15th holes highlighting an excellent round for the 9-handicapper. It took thrid prize on countback from Shea Brady, a 5-handicapper whose gross score 68 included birdies at the 2nd, 6th and 11th.
Conor McGleenan's birdie at the final hole earned him 5th prize after he signed for a nett 64, the same score Stuart Lee produced with birdies at the 6th and 14th holes highlighting his round.
And newcomer John Beale claimed the Best Gross prize on the day.
Father and son Neil and Adam Cromwell made it an Open Week to remember at County Armagh Golf Club.After picking up first prize in the Dentistry@Markethill Open Family Greensomes, the pair went on to pick up individual prizes - Neill second in the Open Stableford and Open Stroke competitions midweek, and Adam fourth and first prize in the very same competitions