Gary laps up Captain's Day prize win
GARY Lappin produced a hugely impressive winning score of 43 stableford points to take the County Armagh Golf Club Captain's prize.
And the margin of victory for the 15-handicapper might easily have been significantly more with 'no scores' at the sixth and 16th holes recorded on the winning card!
However, a trio of bridies and a par, par finish produced the day's best back-nine score of 23 points to go along with an impressive 20 points already chalked up on the front nine holes for that winning score.
"I knew I was in good shape when I reached the turn and after I birdied ten and 11 it was all going the right way," said Gary after he was presented with his prize by Club Captain Brendan Smith and wife Bernie.
"Another birdie at the 15th hole gave me another four points, but then I failed to score at the 16th - I honestly thought I had blown it then. I finished par, par and fortunately it was enough to win it. I'm absolutely delighted," added Gary.
A packed clubhouse applauded the young golfer who adds the Captain's Prize to his array of club wins. There was also congratulatory applause for runner-up Marty Daly who secured his prize with a score of 42 points. A 12-handicapper, Marty scored steadily throughout his round with 21 points amassed over front and back nines for his 42points score.
Three scores of 41 points took the Category Prizes. Six-handicapper Jim Wilson's one-over nett and 41 points won the 0-12 handicap category. John McKinney, who plays of 14, won the 13-18 handicap category and Hugh McEneaney (21) took the honours in the 19-28 handicap category.
In all 17 prizes were presented on the evening of celebration enjoyed by club members, guests and friends of Captain Smith. In his presentation speech he praised the many players - over 250 - who took part during the two days of the competition, and paid tribute to the club greenkeeper, convenors and officials, including secretary Damien Murray and competitions convenor Paddy Burns, for all their support throughout the year.
Patrick Brannigan (jnr) delivered a jovial response to the Club Captain's speech before the celebrations by al the prize winners began in earnest and continued into the wee small hours.