Day belongs to Aaron as Lost Boys play at Kilkeel

Aaron Cobb was crowned May Champion while also claiming the longest drive and an Instyle Caprets matchplay win over Geoff Thompson.

With a very healthy 40 points, he was unbeatable. Geoff battled strongly and never gave in but succumbed six and five. It was a great day for Aaron and sees him sit proudly on top of the league table after four events.

Close on his tail was Stuart Singer with a decent 37 points. Stuart is picking up some great form at the minute, but all could change after his recent marriage.

Stuart McCartney came home in third spot, narrowly pipping Al Day. Stuart also took part, or should we say, took apart Paul English. Poor Engy was beaten like Mayweather did to Pacquiao - nine and eight. The score says it all.

Kilkeel GC has graced a couple of Lost Boys Captain’s Day events, so held fond memories for many.

Those fond memories soon disappeared on the first tee box as the option of ‘drive the corner’ or play for safety on the opening Par 5 tested many.

The ‘fine’ box sent shivers down the spine once more as shiny gold nuggets dropped in fairly consistently.

With first tee antics completed, the golf moved on as grey clouds loomed overhead.

The first trophy up for grabs was the monthly Closest to the Pin, set at the challenging, misleading downhill 158yd Par 3 11th. Stuart McCartney, playing in the first grouping, hit a perfect tee shot to land within around four foot from the flag and after that it was going to take something really special to wrestle the award from his mantelpiece for the month. Great shot Stuart!

Stuart also recorded a two, with chances for a second. Joining Stuart with a two was James Costello who played the par threes in -1 for the day, no mean feat from the Rathfriland native. Having recently tackled the Belfast marathon he was in prime form.

David Sterritt, bigging up his chances on the Saturday night on the Facebook page, couldn’t maintain the fast start where he racked up 19 points on the first eight holes, but had to settle for a 27 come end of play. Watch out for ‘The Chief’ he will get a run together soon enough.

April’s winner, Craig Eggie Anderson was found not to be on top form, the rivalry of a side game seemed to distract the monthly champ, no doubt he will be back firing come Shandon Park.

It’s a challenging back nine at Kilkeel that provides many stories and adventures, none more so than young Keith Maguire, chipping in for a birdie three on the Par 4 16th with a lovely chip and run from 50-60 yards which rolled straight into the cup.

The closing hole was selected once more for Longest Drive. The 472yd par five was made just a tad shorter with wind at the players’ backs off the tee.

Many tried, but Aaron Cobb managed to keep his monster effort on the short stuff and scoop the longest drive - a superb drive to cap off a superb round.

The final Instyle Carpets matchplay to take place was an epic battle, two foes in Keith Maguire and Garreth Sloan. Unlike Engy’s game, this one ebbed and flowed, Keith taking advantage with a lovely chip in on 16th to crush the Captain into chasing over the closing two holes. Good luck Keith and nice to see Stuart McCartney get a easy run into the semis.

All in all, it was another successful round of golf and the Lost Boys now look forward to Round Five at Shandon Park in Belfast on Sunday 14th June.

Quarter final ties of the Instyle Match play will take place on Round Five with some great matches in store, most notably runaway league leader Aaron Cobb and defending ‘double’ champion Al Day facing each other in what should prove to be an epic battle.

For more information, visit Twitter and Facebook or email lostboysgolfsociety.com.