Malcolm's wife inspires his win in the sprint finish at Banbridge GC

Malcolm Russell took the victory at Banbridge GC last Saturday. INBL1602-228EB

Malcolm took top prize in the big competition at Banbridge GC, spurred on by the feel-good factor lingering on after watching his wife graduate from the “Couch to 5k” at the Parkrun around the Craigavon Lakes earlier in the morning.

He even got a handicap chop of two shots. He’s now down to six.

Tel Jub Finance generously sponsored the competition, thanks to the kind auspices of Terry Malcolmson.

Michael Gillen, runner-up in the Tel Jub Finance sponsored competition.

Big winner Malcolm was two under par gross after nine holes and he finished with a gross 70, equal to the best gross score of the day. He needed to do just that as his winning score of 43 points was only one point ahead of the second placed player.

That was the great Michael Gillen (18 now 17) who had 42 points. Michael complained about not getting over the road at the second and having a couple of double bogeys but, in truth, he hit a lot of amazingly good shots.

The ever-consistent Philip Mallon (10 now 9) was third, also with 42 points. Philip’s fourball start play at 6am and they have their round finished before some people get out of their beds. They are amazing.

Eugene Weir (5) won the best gross prize with a one over par 70. He beat John Bell (5) by one shot. Incidentally, John is another of the 6am starters. What an advert that is for early rising!

Philip Mallon was third and is down to single figures.

The prize for best senior went to the doc, William McCandless (15), who had 41 points.

There was the usual list of near misses. John Russell (9) had 42 points.

John Grattan (12), John Bell (5), Gary McCartney (9), P J Johnston (15) and Nigel Bryson (9) all had 40 points.

Matthew Mallon (5), Mervyn Waddell (19), Jonathan Burns (4), Gary McCormick (8), Brian Grimes (13), Jim Matthews (11) and Alan Dale (11) all came close with 39 points.

However, the man of the moment was Malcolm Russell. He maybe can’t beat his wife at running but, last Saturday, he beat all the golfers in the Banbridge club. Well done, Malcolm!

And all at the club send thanks to Terry Malcolmson for sponsoring the competition.