Carson signs off the season on high note

Carson signs off the season on high note

7 November 2012

ALLISTER Carson took the honours at the season’s final weekend at Downpatrick Golf Club recently when he won the Members’ Day event following a tense countback.

Carson was amongst four players who finished with 41 points and it was the five handicapper’s magnificent birdie at the par three 15th that was the deciding factor in determining who topped the leaderboard.

However, his victory was achieved over an almost faultless 18 holes when he demonstrated the prowess that has made him a multiple major winner.

Having made the turn with 20 points, Carson made one of his few errors of the day on the 10th where he had a five, but he recovered superbly from that bogey as he produced some magical golf to complete his round in two under par, a second birdie coming at the 17th.

While experience was a key to Carson’s success, relative newcomer Stephen Holland’s bogey at 17 cost the rookie a first title. The runner-up, has had a great season, and he too illustrated great powers of recovery, having failed to score at the opening hole, but a fine three at the 10th helped Holland to match Carson’s 41 points.

Colm Brennan was in third place as he had 19 points down the stretch to go along with his 22 points accumulated over a great front nine. Brennan’s mistake at 12 cost him a double bogey, but he finished in fine style parring his way in from the 15th to claim a placed on the podium. Chris Mullen will regret ping a shot at the last, but the 12 handicapper will be satisfied with his game at the moment as he completed the quartet to finish with 41 points.

What Mullen would have given for the ace at the 18th scored by Ernie Kenmore who fired a fantastic seven iron straight into the hole. Liam Magee lifted his first seniors’ prize with 39 points while Philip Posnett had the round of the day with a 69 to win the gross award.

Seaforde’s Gary O’Connor rounded off the season with a first win on Sunday as he pipped the ever consistent Marty Miley by a single point to claim his victory. O’Connor was in terrific form over the opening nine holes as he made it to the turn in 22 points and he didn’t let his chance slip as he completed his round in 41 points.

Jimmy Dinsdale was in third spot and Mark Gibney fourth, both with 39 points. Ciaran McConvey had a 71 to win the gross prize and Daniel Teggart was the top senior with 37 points.