Did you hear the one about Paddy? Everyone else has!

This was one of those days when only hardy souls would venture out to play golf. Some would say that foolhardy is a better word to describe them.

The bitter cold weather did not deter Colin Smylie as he strolled to his first Sunday Sweep win this year. It will be the first of many, you can bet on that.

And what about John Poots? He was the only player to get a two and he scooped the whole pot. What a man!

1st- Colin Smylie (18) Nett 33.

2nd- Alex Clarke (13) Nett 33.5.

THURSDAY 5TH FEBRUARY

It’s amazing the confidence boost that a first place finish in the sweep can give to a golfer. Patrick McAleenan has been out of the limelight for far too long. But he is back, big time.

Patrick was over the moon when he learnt that he had won last Thursday’s sweep. The news of his victory spread like wildfire from Banbridge to Australia. Enjoy the moment, Patrick, you deserve it!

1st- P.B. McAleenan (24) 29 pts

2nd- Philip Strong (22) 28 pts

SATURDAY 7TH FEBRUARY

The weather was a good bit kinder last Saturday for the 13 hole sweep. And this was reflected in the scoring.

The winner, Shane Crossan, was in superb form. This talented 15 handicapper went round in level par gross. That gave him a massive total of 37 points, only one point short of the all-time record score for 13 holes. The record is jointly held by David Thompson and Paul Wylie.

Shane was playing on the Junior Cowdy team a few short years ago. If he can carry this form into the season proper, he will be a contender for a place on the Ulster Cup team.

John Bell, one of the most consistent low handicappers in the club, went round in -2 to win the low section.

And what about Barry Tumilty? You don’t see him for months on end and then he wanders out and wins the best gross prize. How does he do it? Natural talent, he’d say.

Winner: Shane Crossan (15) 37 pts

Secttion 0-12

1st- John Bell (5) 32 pts

2nd- Alan Dale (12) 31 pts

Section 13-17

1st- Gary Jardine (15) 33 pts

2nd- Roland Harwood (16) 33 pts

Section 18+

1st- Sean McGreevey (19) 34 pts

2nd- Dominic Quinn (21) 33 pts

Best Gross: Barry Tumilty (6) 27 gross pts (-1).

Best Senior: Dennis Lockhart (14) 32 pts

Could you support a worthwhile cause?

I want to sincerely thank everyone who has sponsored me for the Bath Half Marathon, which will take place on March 1st.

The money raised, in excess of £700 so far, will go to the Macmillan Cancer Care Charity.

If you missed the notice and would like to help, it’s not too late.

You will see me around or leave it with Jason in the Pro Shop.