Tom wins the Erving Memorial Cup

Chief organiser, David McCabe, had come up with a fine selection of courses and a beautiful hotel in Limavady but, unfortunately, he could do nothing about the weather.

It was wet and windy on all three days and it affected the scoring, big time. But it was still an immensely enjoyable three days and we all appreciate David’s efforts.

DAY ONE AT GALGORM CASTLE - This is a lovely course but it would be nice to play it on a mild, sunny day.

The best scores came from the following:

High Section: 1st, Verdun Bond (15) 38 points; 2nd, Derek Mathers (18) 33; 3rd, John Smyth (21) 31. 4th, Sam Wilkinson (23) 30.

Low Section: 1st, Roy Rankin (12) 36; 2nd, Tom Fee (10) 33; 3rd, John Redpath (11) 32; 4th, Sherwin Curran (14) 31.

DAY TWO AT ROE PARK - After a good nights rest in the Radisson Hotel, everyone was ready to tackle the adjoining course.

Once again, the wind was up and squally showers didn’t help. Ian Boyce was the star player with a marvellous 40 points.

Low Section: 1st, Ian Boyce (14) 40; 2nd, Walter Smyth (14) 37; 3rd, Tom Fee (10) 37 (38-1); 4th, Bobby Geddis (12) 35.

High Section: 1st, Albert Morrison (19) 34; 2nd, Joe E. Hamilton (15) 33; 3rd, William Porter (16) 32; 4th, Verdun Bond (15) 29 (31-2).

DAY THREE AT THE VALLEY COURSE, PORTRUSH - Everyone was looking forward to playing at Royal Portrush but the weather turned really foul.

The Valley Course is a difficult enough track on a good day. With strong winds and drizzle, it becomes a test of nerve, skill and endurance.

The winner of the John Ervine Cup would be decided on day three and the four leaders went out last. They were Roy Rankin (71 points), Tom Fee (71), Verdun Bond (69) and Ian Boyce (69).

Verdun had a miserable start, losing his tee shot at the first three holes. Ian hits the ball high and, in the strong wind, he was punished severely. Roy coped a little better but he drew a number of very unfortunate lies.

Tom, on the other hand, got off to a great start with five straight pars. He had a few mishaps, as everyone had, but he had a number of lucky breaks on his way to a winning score.

John Poots showed everyone how to handle a links course in the wind.

Sweep results: high section - 1st, John Poots (18) 34; 2nd, Derek Mathers (18) 32 (33-1); 3rd, Tom Wilson (22) 31; 4th John Smyth (21) 30.

Low Section: 1st, Tom Fee (10) 30 (31-1); 2nd, Seamus McGrath (14) 29; 3rd, Walter Smyth (14) 29 (30-1); 4th, Brian Parkes (13) 28.

THE MAJOR WINNERS - The major prizewinners were as follows:

High Section: 1st, Derek Mathers 91; 2nd, John Poots 90; 3rd, John Smyth 87; 4th, Verdun Bond 87; 5th, Tom Wilson 85.

Low Section: 1st, Tom Fee 102; 2nd, Roy Rankin 96; 3rd, Sherwin Curran 91; 4th, Walter Smyth 88; 5th, Ian Boyce 87.

David McCabe presented the John Ervine Memorial Cup to Tom Fee and, for once, Tom was lost for words. He has been trying for many years to win this cup and he was overjoyed to eventually come out on top.

John Ervine was a wonderful person, one of nature’s gentlemen. The outing, which he initiated 59 years ago, is now embedded in the history of Banbridge Golf Club. Next year will be the 60th and it promises to be something special.

As for now, the happiest man leaving Portrush was Tom Fee. His ambition had been fulfilled and he hugged the cup all the way home.