Stephen leaves it late to bag a summer victory

It was a glorious day and it was hard to believe that the Winter League was all set to commence the following day.

The winner, with an excellent score of 41 points, was Stephen Teggart (17 now 16). This is a new name on the winner’s rostrum and it is one we will be hearing a lot next season.

Stephen had the perfect start, two pars on the first two holes. He then proceeded to play the next seven holes in nine over par. It looked as if his chance of winning had disappeared. But he recovered brilliantly to play the remaining nine holes in only three over par. That proved to be just good enough to get Stephen over the line.

Malcolm Hanna (13 now 12) was runner-up, also with 41 points. He had a very steady round consisting of ten pars and eight bogeys. If he could have converted one of his birdie chances, Malcolm would have won.

Philip Mallon (10) won the low section with 40 points. After getting a birdie at the 17th, Philip needed a par three at the last to win the competition. Unfortunately for Philip, it didn’t happen.

John Gallagher (11) was second in the low section with 38 points.

For the second week in succession, Mark McCullough (13 now 12) won the middle section. He had a dream start, level par for the first eight holes. That formed the foundation for a brilliant round. If he could have avoided a double bogey at the 16th, he could well have won. His aim was to get down to 12 handicap and he achieved that. So it was all good.

Gary Jardine (16 now 15) has made a successful return to the golf scene. He was second in the middle section with 39 points.

Harry Burnside (20) is on the crest of a wave. Second in the high section last week, Harry went one better this week by taking top spot with 39 points.

Bertie Shaw (23) was runner-up with 38 points. Paul McAleavey (7) won the best gross prize with a 73.

Here is a teaser for you. Paul is the 24th winner of the best gross prize this year, a record number. I bet you couldn’t name the other 23.

The prize for the best senior player last Saturday went to the legendary Brian Mulholland (12) with 37 points.

That’s it for the summer season. It has been one of the best, weather wise, that anyone can remember.

It’s Winter League time now, forward tees and preferred lies, temporary greens and plugged balls. Let’s get it over as quick as possible.