The April Medal was played for last Sunday and it produced the biggest entry of competitors for a long number of years. The scoring matched the entry with 39 points leading the field on a dry but crisp day with a “bite” in the prevailing north easterly wind. The scoring was led by Alan Hearn who returned 39 points in category 1 which was followed by 38 points both in category 2 and in the ladies section. The remaining category was won by Brian Nevin with a steady score of 35 points. Because of the difficult conditions the C.S.S. for the day was reduced to 34 points for all categories and consequently there was a number of players who had their handicaps adjusted accordingly. As this medal competition also counted as a qualifier for the club match-play the cut off for the 32 men who qualified was 30 points with two players getting through on 29 points. The sixteen ladies who made their match-play stages qualified on 27 points or better.
Alan Hearne scored nines of 20 and 19 points respectively for a round of 39 points and in the process gained some valuable points in his quest to regain Golfer of the Year. In category 2 , Shay Quinn, led the field with two nines of 19 points and this was equalled by Lynda Hickey in the ladies section. Lynda scored nines of 18 and 20 points respectively in her fine round.
The draw for the match-play stages is posted on the notice board and full details will appear in next week’s edition. The first round of the match-play will have to be completed by 31st May with the top named player to contact his/her opponent.
On the inter club scene two more teams unfortunately made their exit in the first round with the defeat of the Leinster Men’s Fourball team at the hands of Waterford and the Barton Cup team going down to neighbours Callan. Both teams were decisively beaten in their respective matches on a scoreline of 4/1.
This week the annual Spring maintenance programme is going ahead so the course will not re-open until this Thursday for play.
Results April Monthly Medal Sunday 15th April
Category 1. Alan Hearne(8)……………. 39 points
Category 2. Shay Quinn(15)…………….38 points
Category 3. Brian Nevin(17)……………35 points
Ladies. Lynda Hickey(21)……………… 38 points