SMYTH TOPS THE SUNDAY PILE

Big-hitting leftie Kevin Smyth has made hay while the sun has shone at County Armagh Golf Club this summer, collecting a number of prizes and satisfyingly reducing his handicap all the while. The latest instance of both came on 19 August, when Kevin carded a glorious nett 63 to prevail in a stroke event and secure a new handicap of 19.

The ultimately victorious outing had begun in inauspicious fashion as Smyth emerged from The Gap eight over par after five holes. However, he didn't put a foot wrong thereafter, negotiating the remaining 13 challenges in an error-free seven pars and six bogeys. So, this was a tournament triumph borne of considerable bouncebackability in addition to the obvious golfing adroitness.

County Armagh Golf Club's 14th hole, Sequoias, held mixed fortunes for players in the stroke competition on 19 August.

Second to Kevin in the Sunday standings was young Jamie Calvert, who signed for an accomplished gross 76. Jamie recorded birdies at the 7th and 14th, while eight pars and eight bogeys elsewhere ensured a marvellous nett 64 that means he's now playing off 11.