The value of this competition to Island golf cannot be under-estimated, such was the admiration for Davy as a person and his contribution to sport on the Island. So it was not surprising that all the Island’s top players joined friends and Ramsey golfers in playing this event as a tribute to Davy and his family. Ramsey Rugby Club held a parallel event at Bride but no one can remember, or cared, who won! The day was a fund raiser for Manx Breast Cancer Support. Davy’s sister, Claire Poots, and family organised the event which raised over ?1700 for the Charity. As for the golf, no one in the afternoon came in dry but Kevin Moore won the gross prize with a fine 67. He commented “I made it my aim to play in this competition this year for Davy and am proud to win for him”. Longest drive on the 15th went to Jamie “baby arms” Arniel and nearest the pin on the 18th was Dennis McGurgan. The Juniors also turned out in strength and Dylan Pickles picked up the +28 handicap prize. The lower division was fought out between Will Broadhead and Jamie Garrett with Jamie just edging it over Will. The Ladies saw Ruth Murdoch first with Sandra Kermode a close second. Ruth commented that she was “thrilled to win this prize having known Davy since he was a child.” The net prize, as expected, was keenly fought for and Dennis McGurgan, coming into form in time for Golf Week took third place with Nick Dutnall second. First place went to Brian Kelly who thanked the efforts of Claire and her family for putting on the whole day. The evening went into the early hours and that was what Davy would have wanted for all; a packed Clubhouse listening to some emotional and heartfelt speeches, music by Mike Jelski’s excellent Dead Jester band, a few beers, an excellent buffet and a memorable day!
On Sunday and with quite a few sore heads in the starting line up it was the Harold Faragher Memorial Trophy, arranged by Harold’s family, his friends and the Wednesday afternoon group. This was also a fund raiser for the RNLI. This Stableford competition had a close finish in the end. In the mix were Roger Butler, Stu Douglas and David Kinrade on 38 points. Also there were Dave Ball with Dennis McGurgan continuing his great golfing weekend on 39 points each. Dave Ball birdied the 6th but tired towards the end and obviously needs a holiday. Bogey’s on the last 3 holes were crucial for him. Dennis had a bit of a mid-round crisis as well, dropping shots on the 6th and 7th but secured 4th place on count-back. The prizes were keenly fought out between Martin Webb, Brian Reid and Paul Routledge. It was clear these guys had fully enjoyed the previous night as a 7 was the best that any could muster on the opening hole. Martin quickly got his act into gear shooting 11 pars and a perfect 4-3-3 finish with a back 9 of 22 points. Who could beat that? Brian Read of course, ably assisted by a full commentary from David Gaines, just pipped Martin by one shot on the back 9 with a birdie 3 on the 16th to give him 2nd place on 40 points. With the dark clouds clearing and despite a soaking the winner was Paul who managed to keep focused for most of the round. A birdie on the 16th was enough to give him 41 points. Fittingly, Paul had played in the Wednesday afternoon matches with Harold and commented that he “was grateful that this was the only Society that would allow him to play!” Next week is Ramsey Golf week, starting with the Mann Link Travel AM AM on Saturday.
Photo - Ruth Murdoch, Claire Poots, Brian Kelly and Kevin Moore.
