Junior News
Ronan Rafferty
This is played home and away by 5 players in each team with handicaps of up to 21. Players play opponents in handicap order with the full difference between players, I.E if one player has a handicap of 4 and his opponent a handicap of 20 then the first player must concede 16 shots. These shots are taken according to the STROKE INDEX of each hole. In this example player 2 has a spare shot over his rival at the 16 most difficult holes.
The team of 5 players play an opponent hole by hole in match play. The winner of the front 9 receives 1 point, the winner of the back 9 receives 1 point and the player who wins over 18 holes receives 2 points. A player can win 4 points. If any element is halved then players share the points.
Last season Spa fell victims to a well handicapped Tandragee G.C. with all our team giving away strokes. At home we were 12/8 in front needing just 5 points away to go through—we managed 4 points. Tandragee went on to be runners up.
This year in the first round we decided to send players to the first leg to help them gain more experience. They played very well in hot conditions against an in form Silverwood. Some heavy defeats were experienced but the players were admirable in they way the accepted their opponents were better on the day. Christopher Rowland demonstrated good match Captain Qualities, Brother Jonathon had opportunities but found his short game a little rusty. Campbell Morrison playing off 18 handicap met an opponent who had a birthday round scoring 1 under gross after 13 holes! Mark Irvine came back on the front 9 from three down to collect 1/2 a point on the front 9, and battled away to be edged out on the last. A few supporters watched the last match when Christopher Morrison took on a popular Silverwood player. Christopher soon lost the front 9 by five holes but his determination and battling style saw him win the back 9 and nearly take the match.
We were all very well received by Silverwood GC and its team that were immaculately sent out in club colours making the Spa team of yellows, whites, blues etc look out of place in a team match. The food at a nearby restaurant was excellent.
In the second leg we put out lower handicaps, even though we were sailing away in our front matches of Jordy and Ben, Silverwood gained the required 2.5 point in the back matches Good luck to Silverwood and well done to all the Spa players it has been a good opportunity for several of our youngsters.
Fred Daly
After such a good victory against City of Derry the team were drawn against Dungannon. We had very few spots available to play home and away within the deadline, additionally combined with player commitments and exams we were to play on 10th and 16th May. Colin was selected for the Sam Rutherford which meant a reshuffle of the previous winning team. Only Jordy had played Dungannon course before which helped him to victory in the top match. Unfortunately the strength of the Dungannon team and in some cases lack of experience and regular practise of our players resulted in our defeat 6/1. However the margin of loss in each individual game was not that overwhelming, we could be confident of making significant headway in the second leg.
Sadly the second leg could not be held due to timetable congestion and several 1st choice players late commitments on the planned return. Seems that Spa will have to wait another year or so before it can make a serious challenge to this competition. Well done to all those who played and represented Spa this season.
Sweeps
The Saturday evening sweeps are under way and it is no surprise to see victories going to the players who have been practising and playing more regularly. Christopher Morrison claimed first blood beating older brother Campbell on 6th.Jamie Aiken did not put the date on his card so paid the price of a DQ. However this was a good lesson for him as when he goes for bigger and better events he will make sure everything is correct.
The second sweep saw a reverse in the top two with Campbell gaining a victory. Some players contested the sweep off Reds and it was good to see Brian Trohear mark the occasion with a win.
But it is not all about winning some of our youngest players were out and they were commended on their etiquette and politeness as they let quicker players through at every hole—but 3 hours for the front 9 is a bit long! A couple of the boys turned up for practise later in the week and they will soon improve.
Jamie Aiken was out again on Saturday and Sunday 20/21 June surely one of the keenest juniors! we have at the club—keep it up!
Competitions
The season Tees off as soon as the schools break up -trophies can be won so keep looking at the notice board. These competitions are normally held on TUESDAYS 9.15 a.m.
Match Play
The Alf Bailie Trophy match play is under way. Limited to playing off a handicap of 28 a very close first game was played between two inform players Jamie Aiken and Christopher Rowland. Christopher just edged it with a 2/1 victory. All matches will be interesting with the likely outcome very difficult to predict.
Future stars
Many players have identified themselves with good potential to progress. Everyone develops at a different pace.
Chris Morrison has two more seasons at under 15 and already played solidly for the Fred Daly and Ronan Rafferty teams. A very good prospect for the future. Chris has benefited with coaching by Dibnah at Tandragee.
Slightly younger than Chris is Michael Simpson who has some great natural ability that will no doubt be evident over the next 18 months as his handicap comes tumbling down. I hear Michael has recently seen a local coach.
Even younger at 9 years old and probably Spa’s youngest golfer is Daniel Millington. Daniel has just finished his third young masters course, his keenness and dedication is second to none. If he’s not practising he can be seen playing a few holes with mum (Joy) even at home he is swinging a club in the garden.
Ulster Branch summer coaching scheme
Six young Spa players have been nominated to attend a session at the GUI Greenmount Golf Academy in August. This is a fine opportunity for them to gain more experience.
Around the Clubs
Well done to Ben Banerji as he prepares for this seasons Boys championships Ben will be one of the youngest competitors in the provincial boys championships. His preparations have been going well playing in Scratch Cups and opens over the past month. He finished Top 7 at Warrenpoint, 9th at Greenore Junior Scratch Cup, 5th at Donagadee’s Clonkey Cup. Did not feature at Belvoir Scratch Cup but finished ahead of several Amateur internationals at a very strong course. Playing Banbridge’s open for the first time scored respectfully ending up 5th. Good luck to Ben in the Munster Boys at Charleville, Limerick, on 1st July.
If any other juniors are playing competitions away from Spa please let me know.
Forthill Matchplay
Junior Captain Jordy Graham remains the player representing the juniors in the Forthill let’s hope he can continue to carry the flag for the juniors. Commiserations to Ben Banerji after a great tussle with the formidable Bobby Wallace. Bobby hit 3 birdies on the front nine in very wet conditions which proved a good lead. Bobby came home 1 up in a match he thoroughly deserved.
