Adam Hunniford’s excellent late-season form continued on 15 September, when his 40-point return clinched glory in a stableford event at County Armagh Golf Club.
Hunniford had finished as runner-up to Johnny Brown in the September Medal a fortnight previously, but he went one better this time out. A double bogey at Sequoias was the sole blip on a day when 13 pars represented the sturdy backbone of a skilful six-over-par display that sealed Adam’s acquisition of a single-figure handicap, as well as competition success.
Hunniford’s closest rival in the stableford standings was Kevin Grimley, who declared just one point shy on 39. Most impressive from Kevin was a productive spell of three pars in four holes either side of the turn, and then another at the 18th when the pressure was on. Grimley, too, has had his handicap reduced by a shot on account of his Sunday exploits.
John Vernon’s round was meandering to relative mediocrity amid a 40-stroke outward nine, but the five-handicapper roared back strikingly with a one-under-par second half that sent him to the summit of the category 1 pile. Vernon’s 37-point haul defeated on a break of tie Marty Oliver, who claimed second prize among the 0-12 crew through a fine gross 79 that peaked with a two at the 11th.
Brendan O’Hea scored a sizzling nett-62 tournament victory back in August and, although not quite scaling those heights here, the Keady contender proved himself undaunted by his consequentially slashed handicap by carding a 36-point total that proved unbeatable in category 2. Runner-up to O’Hea was Sean McAnenly, who also equalled his playing handicap with a characteristically unwavering outing comprising six pars and 12 bogeys.
Meanwhile, the prolific Turlough Brady notched yet another win in category 3, where his splendid 38-point knock was aided by four pars in the opening dozen holes. In second position here was Robert Fagan, who also recorded 38 points. Robert’s terrific scorecard showed a birdie at the Quarry and a nap-hand of pars elsewhere.
