Patrick Magennis wins Jubilee Trophy

It was one of the better days of the summer and that attracted an entry of 230 players, one of the largest fields of the year.

The battle for the top prize was once again very close. Three players had 40 points, two had 41 and two had 42.

It was a case of youth versus experience and, on this occasion, youth prevailed.

Patrick Magennis (12, now 11) had 42 points and so too had Brian Parkes

(15, now 13).

With two holes to play, Brian was two points ahead of Patrick. All he needed was two bogeys and the cup was his. Brian finished double bogey, bogey. Patrick finished bogey, par and drew level. When countback was used, Patrick was declared the winner.

It’s always good to see a young player achieve his potential. Winning a major Saturday competition is one step up the ladder. Jonathan Brush did it last season when he won the Mizuno and went on to great things. Patrick Magennis hopefully will do likewise.

Brian Parkes was naturally disappointed but he knows all about the ups and downs of golf and he will be pleased to have shot such a good score.

Stuart Nelson (18, now 17) was third with 41 points. Double bogeys at both the ninth and 10th holes spoiled what was a superb card.

Garreth Moody (10, now 9) was fourth with his 41 points. He dropped three shots over the last 4 holes and that cost him dearly. Nevertheless, Garreth was delighted to achieve his ambition of getting down to a single figure handicap.

Patrick Grimes (14), Declan Dooher (13) and John Fitzpatrick (17) all came close with 40 points. Patrick and John went home empty handed but Declan won the prize for the best senior.

Jim Cochrane (11), Brian Grimes (17) and Gavin Greer were well pleased with their scores of 39 points each.

The other six players to break the CSS were Joseph Smyth (18), Timothy Beattie (12), Carson Clegg (18), Barry Rooney (22), John Bell (5) and Colin Dowds (7). They all had 38 points.

Rory Leonard went round in 70 shots and, for the seventh time this season, won the best gross prize. Rory had two eagles in his round, not at the second and 14th but at the third and 17th. What a player!

That could be the next step for Patrick Magennis, to win a best gross prize. It’s only a matter of time.