Donal McGuigan Takes Top Spot.

On a day when scores were nothing to get excited about, on a course that was not quite ready for us, Donal McGuigan stood out with a well earned 38 points to take top spot in the one flight.

Twenty four golfers teed off on time in, once again, light drizzle, with ominous dark clouds gathering. Caddies had the bag ‘raincoats’ on ready for the deluge that never came.

However, except for some quite strong wind gusts at times, conditions were very comfortable.

In hindsight, we might have played lift, clean and place as there were many damp areas around the course, particularly in the rough, which was thick and unforgiving. The greens were grainy and slow and just not at their best.

Donal McGuigan has been playing consistent golf recently and today had that consistency work for him to earn his first Green Jacket since December last year.

Paul Chesney had a spell in the UK and has come back refreshed and showing good form for his first couple of games back, today a very good 36 points.

Bernie Stafford, in a rare appearance at Links, took third place on countback over another in-form player in Toby Glass, both with 34 points.

Jacob Cummings, in his final game this trip, filled the last spot on the podium with 33 points.

Near Pins: Toby Glass (3), Derek Phillips (6), Jacob Cummings (13), Bernie Stafford (17)

Winners Eastern Star

 1st Place – Donal McGuigan (18) – 38 pts

2^nd Place –  Paul Chesney (21) – 36 pts

3rd Place – Bernie Stafford (17) – 34 pts c/back

4th Place – Toby Glass (12) – 34 pts

5^th Place –  Jacob Cummings (6) – 33 pts

Best Front Nine ( non winners) – Colm O’Donovan – 18 pts

Best Back Nine ( non winners) –  Tip Briney – 21 pts

Colin Smith was made the offer to ride “executive class” in Phil’s car, comfy seats, leg room and air conditioning. Instead, he chose to go in the more populated mini bus.

That was somewhat of an affront to Phil so he presented Colin with the “silly hat”. (A fellow Welshman at that)

Ian Craigen made a return after a short break away and resumed his favourite position under the “wig”.

Eastern Star tends to vary more than other courses and today was just below the standard that we know it can be.