More stiff competition for the Christmas birds at Ballycastle

On Saturday in Division 1 Peter Dowds picked up his second win in the turkeys with a splendid 38 points off his reduced handicap of 11, in a round which included birdies at the 6th, 9th & 15th holes. In second place Gerard Waide (12) had 37 points just ahead of Brendan Black with 36 points.

In Division 2 four players all recorded 37 points over the 16 holes and it took count-back to decide the placings which resulted in Paul Devlin (23) heading the field. Paul’s back 9 of 22 just pipped Martin Morgan (15) on the last 6 holes and pushed Allan McCook (15) into 3rd place.

Sunday’s smaller field did not see any reduction in the scoring levels and in Division 2 Allan McCook this time made no mistake with 24 points on the back nine to add to his 16 points on the first seven and register a grand 40 points and pick up his Christmas dinner. In 2nd place was Paul McCloskey (senior) who had a double win a few weeks previously and still managed 40 points off his reduced handicap of 20.

In Division 1 it was Damian McSorley, who having over slept nearly missed his tee off time but despite his dash to the course he managed to return a wonderful 37 points even though failing to score at the 3rd which was his last hole. In 2nd place Brendan Black was bridesmaid yet again with 36 points off his reduced 9 handicap.

The midweek competition on Wednesday was won by Seamus Hegarty (22) with 32 points from a Carnlea visitor Reginald Wilson, also on 32 points, and Louis Sweeney in 3rd place with 31 points.