The Craigavad 2020 Review

| Veteran's Golf | | Gentlemen’s Traditional Inter-Club Matches |

| Veteran’s Golf |

his organisation of the winter rota while everyone else left with at least one prize in the spirit of the event. Overall, we have had a fairly enjoyable year despite Covid-19 and the consequential cancellation of the Veterans League. We have been fortunate that the course has been largely open and playable thus emphasising the benefits of golf with its exercise and camaraderie. Our thanks therefore go to the green staff, to Andrew Ferguson for the admin of the competition cards, to Tracey and the bar/catering staff for looking after us so well in the Clubhouse and Stuart Thom who facilitated our competitions. We are hopeful that the Veterans League can recommence in 2021 thus giving us the opportunity to enjoy the other 13 courses as well as our own. So, if you are over 60 and not in full- time employment you will be very welcome to join us for the coming season.

count back was Derick Allen followed by John Andrews and Robert McIlwaine while Dermot Hoey and David Dunlop took the nines. Our traditional End of Season Competition for the Macafee Trophy was held on 6th October when 28 Vets enjoyed good weather followed by an excellent lunch with appropriate social distancing and the delightful ambiance of the main dining room. Unfortunately, no wives or partners could be included this year. The golf and camaraderie were both of a high standard with three players finishing on 35 points. After count back the winner was Neal Shaw (also won the Start of Season!) with John Andrews 2nd and Dermot Hoey 3rd. Mervyn Woods and John Ballagh took the two nines. December when 28 hardy enthusiasts enjoyed remarkably kind weather and a course in good order despite the recent rain. The golf was also pretty good (for Vets) and the prizes tightly contested with Dick Milliken wining from Derick Allen with Dermot Hoey in 3rd position after count back. John Monteith and the Vice-Captain shared the sevens. A few non-combatants joined us for a very pleasant Covid compliant lunch during which a presentation was made to Robin Thompson in appreciation of The final event - the Christmas Competition - was held on 15th

- Howard McNally, George Robinson, Jonathan Hegan, David Dunlop and Robin - agreed to book tee times on a Tuesday and Thursday or Saturday for pre-arranged fourballs organised on a rotating basis. This worked well with some 20 regular players and a number of reserves. A league table was maintained and sponsors obtained so that monthly prizes could be awarded from June to November. Winners changed regularly but there was no doubt that the star performer was Roger Salisbury with twice as many points as his nearest competitor Jonathan Hegan. We are all most grateful to Robin and his volunteers for all their work on our behalf to effectively provide us with hassle free golf. Our traditional ‘Away Days’ were also affected by the virus with Kirkistown cancelled in June and reduced numbers at Portstewart in July and Portrush in September. Portstewart was played in good weather resulting in some excellent scores with Lynn Johnston being the runaway winner on 44 points followed by Bob Stout and John Andrews while Kenny Graham and Roger Salisbury took the honours for the 1st and 2nd nines. At Portrush we enjoyed a splendid day on the Valley course. The winner on HELEN’S BAY The only inter-club match this year was a traditional ‘friendly blood trophy‘ against Helen’s Bay Golf Club. This annual match against our nearest neighbours took place on Sunday at Helen's Bay in perfect conditions. The match is always declared a draw, the only clue as to who may have actually won is the handing over of the shield which was presented to our Captain by Derek Johnson, Captain of Helen’s Bay. Thank you to those who played including super sub Neal Shaw and I am delighted to confirm the shield has been returned to our trophy cabinet! Congratulations to Captain Ian McMillan on his 100% record.

Veteran’s Golf

by Des Walmsley and Jonathan Hegan

Tolland all of whom scored 35 points. Lynn Johnston had the longest drive on the 18th while Robin Thompson was nearest the pin at the 4th. Roger Salisbury and Derick Allen had the only 2s - quality still shines through! As a result of the suspended Veterans League, the various restrictions on golf due the pandemic and the introduction of the BRS system which effectively outlawed our traditional ‘hats’, depression set in. This was compounded by the fact that most Vets are not particularly computer savvy and have ‘fat fingers’ thus making it difficult to arrange our preferred tee times. As they say ‘cometh the hour cometh the man’ and so Robin Thompson came to our rescue by undertaking to arrange a 'rota system' whereby five volunteers

Kenny Graham, John Ballagh, John Black and Philip Weston

2 020 started with great competitions. Balmoral who were this year's organisers of the league arranged a meeting in late February for the 13 participating clubs at which the dates were agreed for the inter-club home and away matches throughout the season. RNLI was designated as the supported charity. Spurred with enthusiasm your scribes persuaded 13 worthy souls to be captains for the various matches and Howard McNally was selected to start the campaign against expectations for a successful season in both the Belfast & District Veterans League and our own internal Vets

Clandeboye on 23rd March. However due to the increasing seriousness of the Covid-19 virus the decision was taken on 18th March to suspend the league until further notice. This remains the situation but, with the roll-out of the new vaccines, it is hoped that it can recommence around April with Balmoral continuing as the organisers. Just before the lockdown we managed to hold our Start of Season Competition on 16th March when some 19 Veterans braved the virus to play in mild but windy conditions. Competition was tight with Neal Shaw winning on count back from Roger Salisbury and Ansley

Gentlemen’s Inter-Club Matches

Michael McCrudden

THE 2020 ROYAL BELFAST V HELEN’S BAY TEAM Ian McMillan (Captain), Alan Andrews (Vice-Captain), Sam Beckett, Peter Minnis, Huw Worthington, Hilary Hall, David Barnes, Jonathan Hool, Neal Shaw, Gavin Clarke (Match Manager).

Jonathan Hegan, Roger Salisbury, David Dunlop and Philip Pallin

Peter Dixon, Peter Stewart, Dr John Andrews and Dick Milliken

Derick Allen, Howard McNally and Dr Dermot Hoey

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