Captain Sean enjoys his day

Captain Sean enjoys his day

17 August 2022

BRIGHT Castle Golf Club captain Sean Lowry would have been hoping for decent weather for his Captain’s Day on Saturday and that’s exactly what he got. 

Near perfect conditions greeted the huge number of members and guests that gathered to play for the impressive array of prizes that Sean had up for grabs. 

Indeed, the high number of participants in attendance resulted in two ‘shotgun’ starts being needed to get the action underway, with the majority of members and guests teeing off at 8.30am and the remainder at 1.30pm. 

Given the pleasant, very warm weather conditions and with a course in pristine order, (well done Arnold, Gordon and co.), the scoring was expected to be red hot and it was clear from the get go that well in excess of 40 points was going to be needed to feature amongst the main prizes. 

Two of the morning batch of competitors, Sean Toner and Patrick James McKee, posted very impressive 43 points totals and, for most of the day, it looked like Sean’s better back nine holes score was going to see him claim the overall honours. 

Late starter, Emmet Norris, on the other hand had different ideas, although his own opening few holes score didn’t really show signs of what was to ultimately transpire. 

The afternoon shotgun start saw Emmet begin at the par four, fourth hole and although his opening bogey five gave him three points, there were no other real fireworks until he reached his sixth hole. 

It was from the difficult par four tenth hole that Emmet really began to shine. Making the very most of his World Handicap Index rating of 28, Emmet registered pars at holes ten, 12, 13, 15 and 18 to propel himself into contention. 

He kept things rolling on his final three holes (one to three) and steady bogeys at each of those holes saw him sign for a fantastic 46 points total, three points clear of the chasing pack. 

Needless to say, Emmet won’t be playing off 28 again any time soon but he’ll not mind that one bit and huge congratulations go to him for his wonderful victory.

As mentioned, there was a huge number of other prizes up for grabs and Arnold Ennis’ one over par round of 74 saw him claim the gross prize, while the respective handicap division awards went to Dylan Duffy (37 points), John Kearney (41) and Declan Johnston (42). 

The three nearest the pins prizes at the par three seventh, 13th and 16th holes went to Gerard Kelly Jr, Chris Poland and Brendan Savage, respectively, while the longest drive awards for members at holes eight and 15 went to Thomas Johnston and Dylan Duffy.

Paul Douglas was the best of the captain’s guests on the day and took home that particular prize, with Peter Cassidy finishing runner-

up and Avenue Bar Golf Society legend, Frank Hanna, flexed his muscles and claimed the visitor’s longest drive award.

With such a large number of both members and guests playing on the day, it was a bit of a shock to learn that only one birdie two was recorded. 

However, Jamie Sharvin won’t mind that one bit as his ‘tree’ iron to within a few feet of the hole on the par three 16th saw him bag a bumper pay-out for his efforts.

After a couple of seasons without a Captain’s Day, Sean Lowry really did provide all in attendance with a great occasion and on behalf of all the members and guests that attended on Saturday and the owners and committee of Bright Castle Golf Club, I’d like to thank him and applaud him for his efforts. 

I have heard that Sean isn’t going to rest on his laurels for the remainder of his captain’s year and although I haven’t got all the details at the moment, I have heard that Sean is organising a charity day at the club in September. 

Naturally, I will post further details referencing the event in the coming weeks.