Sixty-one ladies, including seven visitors, competed in the prestigious Armaghdale Open Stroke competition held at Co Armagh Golf Club on Saturday 3 September 2022. One of the ‘majors’ at Co Armagh, the Armaghdale competition was once again very generously sponsored by Gerard and Frances Davidson T/A Business Account Services Accountants and Auditors.
Unfortunately the prolonged spell of warm and sunny weather that golfers had experienced over a number of weeks broke on the eve of the competition and so it was played in wet and miserable conditions. Indeed, Armagh Observatory and Planetarium recorded the 3rd highest rainfall in the last 50 years for the day at 47.8 mm. This isn’t something the golfers are likely to dispute! The early risers got the best of the day though it is unlikely that too many got round completely unscathed.
The weather did not deter the winner of the competition and cup, Anne O’Reilly, who signed for a fantastic nett 64, nudging June Humphries into second place, also with nett 64. Both incredible scores given the conditions.
Paula McCrory won the gross prize with gross 78.
Colette McSorley was third with nett 67, Katherine Steenson 4th with nett 68 and Carina Oliver 5th with nett 70.
The visitors prize was won by A Hall from Tandragee, with a nett 74.
Cat A Aoife Lennon nett 70
Cat B Lorraine Megaw nett 70
Cat C Joy Steenson nett 78 (beating Donna Carolan on countback)
Cat D Mary McElvanna nett 72
The front 9 was won by Mary Black with a nett 32 and Colette McAleavey won the back 9 with nett 36.
A further 14 ladies played in the 9-hole competition which was won by Mary Martin with a fabulous 24 pts.
Hilary Johnston won nearest the pin and Meabh McAleavey the longest drive.
There were birdies at the 5th and 16th for Paula McCrory, the 11th for Carina Oliver, the 13th for Jane Salt and the 15th for June Humphries and Colette McSorley. Twos were recorded at the 4th by Maggie McKee and Colette McAleavey, at the 8th for Noreen McCone, Hilary Johnston, Colette McSorley and Valerie Gordon and at the 14th for June Humphries.
Back L-R: Mary Black, Colette McAleavey and Hilary Johnston
Third row L-R: Joy Steenson, Lorraine Megaw and Colette McSorley
Second row L-R: Katherine Steenson, Mary McElvanna, Paula McCrory and Carina Oliver
Front row L-R: June Humphries, Anne O’Reilly, Frances Davidson, Gerard Davidson T/A Business Account Services Accountants and Auditors and Lady Captain Karen Edgar
Anne O’Reilly, winner of the Armaghdale Open Stroke, with Frances Davidson, Gerard Davidson T/A Business Account Services Accountants and Auditors and Lady Captain Karen Edgar