NORM ON FORM IN SUNDAY STROKE

The first Sunday qualifier of County Armagh Golf Club's 2018 campaign yielded a deserving winner in the shape of stormin' Norman Mallon.

Playing on 22 April, Mallon reached the turn in 44 blows before three pars on the way home enabled him to complete the back nine in the same number.

This was a day when, underfoot, the soft ground was offering little run, and, overhead, there was the customary stiff breeze. So, any decent return would necessarily be hard-earned. Norman's marvellous nett 67 was especially pleasing, therefore, and also seals for him a satisfying one-stroke handicap cut.

County Armagh's 17th Hole: par 4, Fairy Thorn

A single shot back and closest to Mallon in the overall standings was Stephen Catterall on nett 68. Catterall reeled off no fewer than 11 pars amid his high-quality gross 78, and this prolific prize-gatherer has been rendered a single-figure handicapper by virtue of his latest skilful display.