SCRATCH CUP JOY FOR JARLATH AND JIMMY

Stamina was the watchword at County Armagh Golf Club on Sunday 23 July as the inaugural Scratch Cup competitions saw players complete a gruelling 36 holes in one day as they went in search of the coveted silverware.

This new event was kindly sponsored by FKP Smyth (Restoration, Painting, Decorating) and organised by Jarlath McReynolds and his trusty lieutenants Stewart Stevenson, Richard Stewart and Davy Baird. All those involved deserve credit for overseeing what was such an enjoyable and well-run competition — a unique fixture that is set to remain in the club calendar for years to come.

However, administrative efficiency was not the limit of Jarlath's ambitions on this occasion and, indeed, the three-handicapper produced a golfing masterclass to triumph in the Senior Scratch Cup, which was competed for by those in the 0-5 handicap bracket. With scoring as glorious as the summer sunshine overhead, McReynolds posted an exceptional 36-hole total of 139.

In a two-under-par opening round, the affable schoolteacher recorded a hat-trick of consecutive birdies at the 5th, 6th and 7th and another at the 12th. And, during a second round of 71, Jarlath notched further birdies at the 8th and 17th as he ran out a more than worthy maiden Senior Scratch Cup champion.

Scratch Cup winners Jarlath McReynolds (Senior) and Jimmy Wilson (Junior) are presented with their trophies by competition sponsor Francie Smyth from FKP Smyth Ltd and Club Captain Richard Stewart. They are joined by other prizewinners on the day (L-R): John Maguire, Shea Smyth, Adam Cromwell, Philip Kelly, Stewart Hall and Joe Rooney.