For whom the Bell tolls

For whom the Bell tolls

11 July 2012

YOUNG Mark Bell was in imperious form when winning Brian McKinney Captain’s Day prize at Crossgar on Saturday.

Bell defied the inclement weather to return a magnificent score of 45 points to win the day in a hotly contested competition.

Charlie Murray and Mark Casement both shot 40 points with Charlie securing second place with a better back nine.

The committee/past captain’s prize was won by Brian Smyth, longest drive at the 11th was won by Neil Hanvey, nearest the pin at the 17th went to Eric Strain.

John Mulholland won the best front 9 and Jimmy Keenan took the best back 9. Johnny Bell won the guests’ prize with Jackie Russell taking second guest.

After a short delay, play got underway with the grey clouds giving way to beautiful sunshine and humid conditions in the afternoon. Rebecca Morrison, another exciting teenage prospect, enjoyed her round, hitting the ladies’ longest drive at the 15th and wining first prize.

Second prize went to Oriel Nesbitt and third prize was won by Elizabeth Patterson. Liz Murray won the best gross and Joan Dickson the ladies’ guest prize.

Captain Brian McKinney was delighted with the condition of the course, which had survived almost a week of torrential rain. He paid tribute to the work of the grounds staff David Watson, Brian Smyth and David McClurg as they, in very trying circumstances, presented the course in excellent condition

The Captain also thanked the gents committee their support during the year and he appreciated all the cards, gifts and goodwill messages he had received.

Finally, Mr. McKinney thanked all the ladies who had supplied and served food throughout the day, or helped in any way to make the event such a wonderful success.