The forward tees and preferred lies currently in operation undoubtedly boost the potential for formidable scoring at County Armagh Golf Club.
The gloriously sunny and calm conditions on the weekend of 6-7 April, then, merely lent an extra helping hand to those competing for the CP McNabb Trophy.
However, the good golf still has to be played, and leading the way in this regard was new member Ryan Runnette, who posted 21 points on each nine to fend off all comers and clinch the first silverware of the embryonic 2019 season.
Ryan Runnette collects the CP McNabb Trophy from County Armagh Golf Club Captain, Kenny Edgar. Also pictured are other prizewinners (L-R) Stewart Hall, Rodney Lynas, Paul Traynor, John Maguire and Gerry Cullen.
The alliteratively-titled 24-handicapper will likely reflect on a birdie at the 3rd and the avoidance of a no-score throughout as among the most satisfying aspects of his fine McNabb Trophy triumph, and onlookers can reasonably expect his handicap to fall steadily during a campaign that has commenced in such impressive fashion.
Also registering a birdie at the 3rd hole was Paul Traynor, who would eventually declare on 41 points and secure the overall runner-up spot as a result. The 13-handicapper couldn't maintain the breakneck speed of his 23-point front nine on a somewhat gentler 18-point homeward stroll, but this was another fine display from the 2017 August Medal winner.
If you ask him nicely, John Maguire will talk you through the three consecutive birdies with which he negotiated the supposedly troublesome 15th, 16th and 17th holes. The late hat-trick paved the way to a classy gross 68, and the accruing 40 points ensured John took care of business in the 0-12 handicap bracket.
Matching that stableford number but losing out on a break of tie was Maguire's playing partner, Stewart Hall, whose fruitful finale saw him collect a dozen points in the last four holes and take second place in category 1.
The top two performers in category 2 also signed for 40 points and had to be separated by their back-nine tallies. Here, Ian Ritchie continued his recent hot streak and took the plaudits just ahead of Rodney Lynas, who notched 20 points on each nine of his symmetrical Saturday.
Meanwhile, Gerry Cullen reached the turn in just 37 strokes for a hefty halfway haul of 24 points. The 17 points coming home were workaday in comparison, but nevertheless contributed to the wonderful 41-point total with which he sealed the category 3 crown.
Cullen's closest challenger was Jarlath Hagan, whose excellent 40-point scorecard showed six pars and a birdie at the 6th.
County Armagh Golf Club Captain, Kenny Edgar, presents the CP McNabb Trophy to 42-point champion, Ryan Runnette.