AFFABLE Art McCrory's magnificent victory in the Complete Living Solutions sponsored stableford competition at County Armagh brought both ecstasy and agony.
His untouchable 46 points score was hugely deserving of the top prize – but such was the margin of his win, a three-shot handicap reduction ensued!
County Armagh Vice Captain Marty Oliver joined Damien Smyth from Complete Living Solutions to present the prizes in front of a packed clubhouse, congratulating winners and expressing thanks to the sponsor.
Art McCrory, winner of the final qualifier at County Armagh Golf Club, is presented with is prize by competition sponsor Damien Smyth from Complete Living Solutions. Included also are Club Vice Captain Marty Oliver and (back) runners up Aidan McParland and Brian McGuigan.
In the season's final qualifier, Art had pencilled in 24 points after nine holes – accumulated with the help of birdies at the 2 nd , 3 rd and 6 th holes. A two-over par back nine followed for the 13-handicapper, adding a further 22 points for an unassailable 46 points total.
Indeed runner up Aidan McParland was seven points adrift of Art. His 18 points front nine and 21 back nine somewhat paled to insignificance when the results were announced.
Handicap Convenor Brian McGuigan too returned 38 points to lead home the low handicapper's category and understandably was less than sympathetic in declaring the severe handicap cut on Art. Andrew Conn was runner up in the same category with 38 points, narrowly beaten in countback.
Gary Baird also showed good end of season form to clinch first prize in the 13-18 handicap category with 39 points – one better than his playing partner of the day, Gary Livingstone, returning 38 points.
And in Category 3 it was Brendan Lynch who claimed the top prize with 38 points, two better than Anthony Davidson (36 points).