Norman lands big one

Norman lands big one

JOHN Abernethy’s Captain’s Day at Spa was a major triumph, despite gloomy weather predictions and initial fears about the general playing conditions.

It was also a great personal victory for the captain’s champion, Norman Graham, who put together an impressive round of golf to take first prize with 41 points, just edging out Michael Megoran who also had 41 points on a back nine countback.

But only the most courageous or optimistic would have predicted such an enjoyable and memorable day’s golf when Larry Power and Alistair Coburn were first to tee off just after 7.30am to launch the 2012 set piece special at the Ballynahinch Club.

Ominous black clouds filled the early morning skies over Spa, but Alistair wasn’t deterred and went on to card a Category 1 winning score of 40 points.

During the morning the weather dramatically improved leaving visitors and members alike extremely complimentary in their comments about the condition, presentation and general layout of the 18-hole course.

Much of the credit for this has to go to the dedicated team of greenkeepers under the direction of head groundsman Davy Wade who performed an almost Herculean task in keeping the parkland course playable despite the almost continuous rain over the preceding days.

“At 7am this morning I thought there was going to be no golf at all today at Spa,” the club’s popular captain admitted at the presentation of prizes during a social function in the club house.

“But the greenkeepers worked very hard to clear the course of water and we were able to get everyone out. Right from early in the morning and throughout the day, it did not seem to matter what time people went out, golfers were bringing in winning scores which I think says a great deal about the playing conditions,” John Abernethy said.

He expressed his deep gratitude to the grounds staff for all their hard work and the legion of other Spa members and staff who had contributed in such an excellent way to the enormous success of the day.

In particular he mentioned Sally Adams and the bar staff, chef Mel Murray and the restaurant staff, secretary/manager Terry Magee, the office staff and Nigel Patterson, the club’s efficient competitions’ convenor.

John also paid tribute to the support and help given to him by his wife, Vivienne, in the days leading up to Captain’s Day and for her advice in selecting the superb prizes on offer.

For the first time in Spa’s 105-year history the ladies competed over 13 holes for the captain’s prizes on Saturday afternoon after the men’s time sheet was completed with Jill Craig claiming the first prize, an exquisite and exclusive wood carved jewellery box created by Spa member Brian McGrillen.

Men’s results: 1st Norman Graham (41 points), 2nd Michael Megoran (41 points), 3rd Andrew Barr (40 points).

Category 4, Alan McKee (39 points); Category 3, John McKee (39 points); Category 2, Kenny Beattie (39 points); Category 1, Alistair Coburn (40 points).

Longest drive, Stephen Harper; nearest the pin at 17th, Barry Stevens; nearest the pin, second shot at 18th, Sean Hastings; past captains’ prize, Jim Graham; gross prize, Billy Blackwood (72); visitors’ prize, Lee Stevens (35 points);.

Ladies’ results: Category B, 1st Pat Stewart, 2nd Emer Canavan. Category A, 1st, Mandy Murphy, 2nd Marian Armstrong. Overall winner, Jill Craig (27 points).