Banbridge GC sweeps its way into the New Year

The new Council at Banbridge Golf Club, included seated are Competitions Convenor Alan Close, Hon Treasurer Declan Dooher, Captain Bill McCandless, Vice Captain & Hon Secretary Paul Magennis, Past Captain Noel McSherry and William McCandless ©Edward Byrne Photography INBL1451-208EB

Cathal O’Neill is a keen supporter of the Sunday Sweep and he is a top-notch golfer. It comes as a bit of a surprise that it took him such a long time to record his first win in 2014 but he got there at last.

1st- Cathal O’Neill (11) Nett 31.5.

2nd- Bobby Geddis (11) Nett 32.5.

Aidan Doran is all smiles after shooting 35 points in last Saturday's sweep.

FRIDAY 26TH DECEMBER

In bygone years, the Boxing Day Sweep was one of the highlights of the year. It has lost a little of its glamour but it is still a nice one to win. Ashton Clydesdale, who has had a brilliant season, came out on top this time.

The biggest prize, however, went to Paul McAleavey who had the only two of the day.

1st- Ashton Clydesdale (25) 25 pts

(l to r) Robin Bond, winner of the Saturday Sweep, pictured with John Gallagher, Gary McCartney and Gavin Greer.

2nd- Rory McMullan (12) 24 pts

3rd- Mel Hamill (15) 23 pts

SATURDAY 27TH DECEMBER

Robin Bond played the 13 holes in the Saturday Sweep in only two over par gross, which, considering the conditions, is remarkable golf.

His closest challenger was another 14 handicapper, Fergie Cosgrove, who was only one point behind.

Winner: Robin Bond (14) 34 pts

Section 0-12.

1st- Ivan Rushe (12) 32 pts

2nd- Philip Mallon (10) 31 pts

Section 13-17.

1st- Fergie Cosgrove (14) 33 pts

2nd- Roy McAfee (13) 31 pts

Section 18+.

1st- Norman Doak (18) 32 pts

2nd- Mervyn Waddell (18) 31 pts

Best Senior: Colin McKinney (17) 29 pts

Best Gross: Ken Stevenson (2) 26 gross pts

SUNDAY 28TH DECEMBER

Alex Clarke won the final Sunday Sweep of the year.

That means that John Poots and Colin Smylie share the title of Sunday Champion with six wins each.

Kenny Arlow, with an amazing nett 28.5, set the record low score for 2014.

There were 27 different winners of the Sunday Sweep in 2014, ten less than the previous year.

1st- Alex Clarke (13) Nett 34.5.

THURSDAY 1ST JANUARY

Merton McDowell came very close to pulling off a remarkable treble. He won the opening competition of 2013 and 2014 and he came second in 2015.

The man who beat him is another incredible golfer.

John Poots, who celebrates a very important birthday this week, played golf on 326 days in 2014. Can you believe that? And he played excellent golf for the most part. His enthusiasm for the game is infectious and we all hope that he has another great year in 2015.

He has certainly got off to the perfect start.

1st- John Poots (16) 33 pts

2nd- Merton McDowell (20) 32 pts

SATURDAY 3RD JANUARY

The weather was very pleasant for the first Saturday competition of the year. The standard of scoring was remarkably high.

Gary Hazley played the 13 holes in level par, which is sensational golf. And yet he only beat Aidan Doran on countback. Roy McAfee and Colin Smylie were only one point further back.

Incidentally, the record score for 13 holes is 38 points. Paul Wylie and David Thompson jointly hold that record.

Winner: Gary Hazley (13) 35 pts

Section 0-12.

1st- David Cherry (12) 33 pts

2nd- John Gallagher (11) 32 pts

Section 13-17.

1st- Roy McAfee (13) 34 pts

2nd- Robin Bond (14) 32 ts

Section 18+.

1st- Aidan Doran (18) 35 pts

2nd- Colin Smylie (18) 34 pts

Best Senior: Kieran McGreevey (22) 34 pts

Best Gross: Eugene Weir (5) 29 gross pts