"Twenty-twenty" is a phrase most readily associated with an optician's surgery or the modern-day short form of cricket. However, on 13 May, Gareth Frizell employed a golfing version of the 20/20 formula to scoop top prize in a stableford event at County Armagh Golf Club.
Gareth's winning scorecard showed 20 points on each nine, and his fine 85-stroke offering also ensured a one-shot handicap reduction. Double bogeys at the 3rd and 12th were the only minor blots on Frizell's Sunday copybook, because his steadiness everywhere else enabled him to complete the other 16 holes in 12 bogeys and four pars, the most memorable of which resulted from a chip-in on Oul Coach Road.
County Armagh Golf Club's signature hole: the 11th, par 3, Shambles.
The Woodford man's 40-point total was equalled by Paul McCreesh, who occupied the overall runner-up spot having been pipped by the victor on a break of tie. McCreesh's display was no less impressive though, and featured the profitable injection of 2's at both the 7th and 11th as well as a back nine that began and ended with useful pars.
A youthful tussle at the head of the category 1 standings saw two in-form players posting 38 points and needing another break of tie to be separated. Calum Connell claimed first place on account of an excellent gross 80 that continues his handicap's downward trajectory, while April Medal holder, Adam Cromwell, was runner-up after a formidable 15-par salvo that facilitated his two-over-par round.
A birdie at the 12th and four pars on each nine helped Gary McDonald to reach that potentially magic 40-point mark, although his chances of tournament glory were undermined by a concluding double bogey. Nevertheless, McDonald will be grateful to have taken the honours in category 2, where Patrick Darragh was next best. Darragh delivered an assured 38-point display that included seven pars, but he, too, will reflect with little fondness on a six at the 18th.
In category 3, Tom Donnelly prevailed with a creditable 32-point haul. Robert Fagan registered the same score and secured second position, the highlight of his outing coming in the shape of a birdie at the 4th.