Jonathan Shannon wins the Bin 66 in some style

The prizes are always outstanding and every player dreams of getting his hands on one of them.

The calculated standard scratch score in this year’s Bin 66 was nett 67 or 38 stableford points. A total of seven players equalled it and 15 broke it.

The super seven on 38 points were John Poots (17), Gerry Blevins (20), Robin Jardine (23), Stuart Hunter (4), Malcolm Hanna (13), Rory Leonard (scr.) and Lee Willdridge (19).

Rory Leonard won his eighth best gross prize with an excellent two under par gross 67.

Trevor Woods (5), John Parkes (12), Mel Hylands (12), Gary McGrath (15), Harry Burnside (20). Laurence Bramall (14), and Rory Madeley (4) all finished with 39 points. The only prizewinner from this group was Harry Burnside who won the high section (18 +). Well done to him.

Seamus McNally (15) and John J. Lennon (10) were alone on 40 points. They were only a point or two away from winning but it wasn’t to be.

John Redpath (12), Colin McKinney (14) and Roy McAfee (12) were in the top five with 41 points each. John won the prize for the middle section (10-17) and Colin won the prize for the best senior. Roy went home empty-handed but at least he had the satisfaction of shooting a fabulous score.

The three top players all scored 42 points, the equivalent of a nett 63.

Hugo Downey (8) won the low section (0-9) with his 42 points. Hugo should have been over the moon but he was bitterly disappointed with his poor finish over the last four holes. He was two under par gross leaving the 14th green and he had his eye on his best ever gross score.

But those last four holes have caught out many a player and ruined many a card. Suffice to say, Hugo dropped 5 shots and he missed out on the top prize on countback. Golf can be a very cruel game at times, that’s for sure. All his friends tried to console Hugo and that was nice.

Garreth Moody (8) was runner-up, also with 42 points. Garreth is enjoying a wonderful season. He won the Pro’s Day back in March when he was playing off 12 handicap. He is now playing off 8 and, if he could have parred the last hole, he would have won again.

But the victory went to the best player on the day, Jonathan Shannon (5). This young man went round in 68 gross with 4 birdies and only one bogey. That gave him a winning score of 42 points. He showed everyone how the final holes should be played. Jonathan, from the 11th hole, finished with seven pars and a birdie two at the last. That’s how to do it!

Jonathan was a deserving winner of the Bin 66, no doubt about it.

All the players would like to thank Bin 66 for their generous sponsorship down the years. Long may it continue!