COLM McElroy's suggestion that ‘lady luck' helped him win County Armagh's September Medal is perhaps a modest admission.
The 16-handicapper's nett 64 won the final medal competition of the season at the city course – on countback! For teenager Adam Cromwell – playing off a handicap of five - recorded a very similar and hugely impressive nett 64.
Colm McElroy is presented with the September Medal by County Armagh Golf Club Captain Martin Oliver. Looking on is runner up Michael Curley.
With a double bogey at the first hole, it certainly didn't look the start to a winning round for Colm. But dropping only a further four shots before the turn, and another four on his homeward trek, his nett 64 was always going to be a tough score to beat.
Adam Cromwell tried his very best. A level par front nine with a birdie 2 at the seventh hole and a one under par back nine for a nett 64 was indeed impressive. But when the countback was completed it was Colm who emerged the victor.
Mark Loughran (5) shot a superb nett 65 to take the Category 1 first prize. He was just one over par after nine holes, and a one under par back nine saw him complete an excellent round. Michael Curley was runner up – with a nett 65 also, but again it was countback which decided the outcome.
In Category 2 meanwhile, Paul McCreesh (18), with birdies at the fourth and 11 th holes, romped to victory with a nett 65 – two shots better than runner up Kenny Gordon (17) on nett 67.
Kieran Beagan (20) has become a regular name among the prize winners of late and deservedly claimed the Category 3 first prize with a nett 65. He too was two shots better than his nearest rival Gavin McElmeel on nett 67.