Write a commentNewry, Mourne and Down Junior Golf Trophy was back in action this summer, with young golfers competing over three days between July 21 and 23 at Kilkeel, Warrenpoint and Royal County Down (Annesley).
With temperatures soaring at both Kilkeel and Warrenpoint, participants took part in two different competitions — a Flag Competition for players with no official golfing handicap, and a Main Tournament where golfers with official handicaps competed in U12, U14, U16 and U18 age categories.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Cathy Mason, who attended the event, said, “Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is supportive of the development of junior golf and golf tourism. Golf tourism is a highly lucrative sector, encouraging many visitors and contributing to the local economy. This particular competition has provided junior golfers, both boys and girls of all ages and ability, with outstanding opportunities to experience great competitions at top class venues. Congratulations to the winners and all who took part in the competition.”
Golf Ireland managed the Flag Competition, with many juniors taking part at both Kilkeel and Warrenpoint, before Jack McKee and Shea Kilpatrick sealed first and second place on both days, with third place going to Melissa Boyd at Kilkeel and Oliver Curtis at Warrenpoint.
In the main tournament highlights included a Hole-in-One for Isaac Bloomer on the 15th at Kilkeel. The scores were aggregated over the two days and there were winners in the various age categories, while the top-20 players as calculated by an aggregate Gross Stableford score also qualified to take on the Annesley Links at Royal County Down on day three.
U12 Winners
1st - Cara Fitzsimons (St. Patrick’s Golf Club)
2md - Mark McCoy – (Mayobridge Golf Club)
3rd - Caleb McCauley – (Kilkeel Golf Club)
U14 Winners
1st - Louis Poland (Kilkeel Golf Club)
2nd - Curtis Watson (Crossgar Golf Club)
3rd - Patrick McAllister (Warrenpoint Golf Club)
U16 Winners
1st - Christopher Poland (Kilkeel Golf Club)
2nd - Will Boyd (Mourne Golf Club)
3rd - Ben Ward (Warrenpoint Golf Club)
U18 Winners
1st - Isabella Collins (Kilkeel Golf Club)
2nd - Jack Keenan (Mourne Golf Club)
3rd - Lee Whitten (Tandragee Golf Club)
At Royal County Down it was defending champion Harry McArdle, 14, from Warrenpoint Golf Club, who birdied two of his last four holes and emerged victorious in the boys’ competition while an impressive Alanna Ross, 13, from Knock Golf Club, took the title for the girls.
