The Men’s 36 Hole Scratch Championship 22nd August 2021

Clandeboye Golf Club

The Men’s 36 Hole Scratch Championship 22nd August 2021

Hosted and Supported by Colm Murphy, we had 31 players playing in the 36 hole scratch championship, all trying to get their name printed in gold leaf on the Scratch Championship Winners Board.

The Morning Round played over the fabulous Ava Course produced a fairly condensed leaderboard with 13 players shooting 73 or better. Andrew Adair led the way with a 68, Lewis Gowdy 69 and Colum Murphy, Alistair Kerr and Finlay Eager all on 70.

Special mention about Finlay who was our youngest competitor on the day at 13 years of age. Exactly what the competition is about and needs. Well done Finlay on your fantastic first round score. Finlay would go on the finish 7th overall in the gross competition, a great effort.

The afternoon round started with quite a few players in contention, Andrew and Lewis were playing good solid golf and after eight holes Andrew appeared to have a nice lead. Things changed quite dramatically, or rather more unfortunately, at the ninth as Andrew and Colum Murphy played each other’s ball costing both players to incur a two-shot penalty.

Without question the incident ruffled both players and the quiet man Lewis, a superb young player who plays out of Bangor GC, moved into the lead.

With five holes left to play Lewis was +1, Andrew +2, and Colm +4 .. it was all to play for!!

Andrew played that last 5 holes superbly well, he birded the 14th and par’s followed on the last four holes to run out a one shot winner over Lewis who lipped out at 18 for a par. Colm Murphy finished 3rd.

Well done to Andrew Adair – all players are delighted for you.

I would like to thank all the players for taking part in the 2021 Men’s Scratch Championship. We had a strong entry and a very worthy winner.

It’s important for me to thank Terry Crawford, our Course Manager, and his team for setting up the course in fantastic condition after an extremely busy week, the greens were cut and rolled for our event .. Thank you very much Terry.

Thanks to Sam and Bob, nothing is ever too much trouble, for providing the players with beautiful soup and sandwiches at half-time.

Last but note least, a big thank you to our Vice Captain Justyn Galloway for coming along to support the event and give out the prizes on a busy day, was really appreciated.

I also must mention Marty King and the Ulster Cup team on their win against Bangor GC to now progress to the regional final against Bright Castle GC, the match to be played on Saturday 4th Sept at Clandeboye. A super effort by all involved and please come and show your support..

Thank you again to everyone involved

Best wishes

Colm Murphy