Captain: Richard McCrudden
Vice Captain: Christopher Hayes
Teacher in charge: Mr R Beggs
The season started in September with the school medal competition which took place at Rathmore Golf Club. Richard McCrudden, this year’s captain, retained his title with a one over par 71. This was a very successful day with some new young blood putting in impressive performances.
| PLACE | NAME | GROSS SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | R McCRUDDEN | +1 |
| 2 | F McALPIN | +3 |
| 3 | P McAULEY | +9 |
| 4= | C HAYES | +10 |
| 4= | A BROWN | +10 |
| 6 | C BARBER | +11 |
| 7 | D MAWHINNEY | +13 |
| 8 | F BROWN | +16 |
| 9 | P MURPHY | +18 |
| 10 | D McFAUL | +19 |
| 11 | M LIKEN | +21 |
| 12 | R McGEE | +24 |
| 13 | M PATTERSON | +27 |
| 14 | S HILL | +31 |
| 15 | S CAMERON | +32 |
| 16 | R BELL | +39 |
| 17 | R GARDINER | +49 |
| 18 | DAVID McCOLGAN | +50 |
| 19 | DANIEL McCOLGAN | +51 |
| 20 | G HUNTER | +58 |
| 21 | M BROWN | +62 |
The senior team of Richard McCrudden, Fionn McAlpin, Chris Hayes and Phillip McAuley had mixed fortunes in this year’s winter league. Unfortunately we failed to progress to the knock out stages of the competition. We lost narrowly to Dunluce (3-1) and St Mary’s (2½-1½ ) and defeated Rainey (3-1).
On Mon 20th March the senior golf team consisting of Richard McCrudden, Fionn McAlpin, Phillip McAuley and Christopher Hayes took part in the Ulster School Golf Championships held this year at Clandeboye golf in Bangor. The team finished 6th overall out of 42 schools competing. This was a creditable however was not good enough to qualify for the match play stage of the competition.
On the day Christopher Hayes top scored with 24 pts, then Richard McCrudden (23pts), Phillip McAuley (22pts) and Fionn McAlpin (17pts).
During January and February twelve boys from Year’s 8-11 took part in a golf coaching course on Wednesday afternoons. The course was taken by Allister Brown, an old boy of the school the Assistant Professional at R.P.G.C.
Within the group there were a wide range of abilities, from relative beginners to boys who had represented the school in competitions. All however gained tips from the experience and improved as a result.
At the end of the course there was a competition around the pitch and putt at Rathmore G.C. This was won by Chris Barber.
List of boys who took part: C McCleary, J Breen, A Lynch, A Barr, B Porter, C Curry, M Kane, J Dunlop, R McGee, C Barber, A Brown and R Bell.
On Tues 25th April we took part in the Ulster Schools British Heart Foundation Golf Competition staged at Moyola Golf Club. The team of Richard McCrudden, Phillip McAuley and Adam Brown achieved a very creditable second place narrowly missing out on qualification for the national finals to be held at the Belfry. Adam Brown top scored with 42 pts, Richard McCrudden was next with 37 pts and Phillip McAuley scored 32 pts.
This season has been relatively successful for the golf club in school. Special mention must go to captain Richard McCrudden who has worked hard for the club both on and off the course. Thanks also must go to the Ramore Wine Bar who sponsored our kit this year.
Friday the 31st of August saw the 2007 installment of the COBA Challenge Cup golf day at Royal Portrush Golf Club. In recent years the golf outing had been dogged by inclement weather and, in an effort to improve matters, the golf convenor Christopher Clarke had moved the date forward somewhat from its traditional mid-September slot. This plan backfired spectacularly and incessant rain lashed the Valley course throughout the afternoon to the extent that even the redoubtable Richard Orr was forced to don waterproofs for every other hole.
Weather notwithstanding some excellent golf was played by a full turnout of competitors and in the final analysis the Challenge trophy went to Richard Beggs who returned an extremely creditable 39 points narrowly pipping Alan McDowell on the countback. After a most convivial supper in the Royal Portrush clubhouse (and only a few hours persuasion) the winner took the only honourable course and laid on champagne for those that wanted it – an innovation to be much encouraged for future years.
After dinner those Old Boys present toasted absent friends who sadly this year included the late Lane McFarlane, a past president of the Association and loyal supporter of the COBA golf society. In addition a heartfelt vote of thanks was given by Christopher Clarke to Bill Logan who had been the enthusiastic and uncomplaining convenor of the society for many years. The fact that Bill struggled through the worst of the weather to complete 18 holes for the first time in many months embodied for those present the spirit of the event.
Yet again the golf outing provided enormous fun and camaraderie for all those taking part. Any Old Boy wishing to take part in next years event (which will take place as before in mid-September) should please contact Christopher Clarke vai this website or by email: cc@ghandg.co.uk