Jimmy Gribben Memorial – Smyth Takes the Honours at Ballymena

Derek Smyth (11) claimed the Jimmy Gribben Memorial Competition at Ballymena Golf Club with an excellent 42 points, topping a strong field of 133 competitors.

Smyth produced a remarkably consistent round, reaching the turn with 21 points after playing the front nine in just two over gross. He continued that form on the back nine, adding another 21 points to finish with a superb 42-point total and secure the victory.

Gerald McCann (15) took second place with 41 points, producing an impressive 22-point back nine to secure his position on countback. James Nixon (22) also finished on 41 points to take third after a steady round of 20 points out and 21 points home.

The remaining prizes went to Craig McCartney (4) 41 points, Brian Casey (14) 40, William Montgomery (13) 40, Stephen Russell (7) 39 and Colm Cunningham (13) 39.

Gross & Twos

Craig McCartney recorded the best gross score of the day, with a round featuring birdies at the third, eighth and ninth holes alongside a level-par back nine. Aaron Magill was runner-up in the gross category with a level-par 68 containing three birdies.

There were 21 twos recorded, with Bobby Carson and Gareth McCullough each registering two. Every one of Ballymena’s six par-three holes yielded at least one two during the competition.

Congratulations to Derek Smyth on winning the Jimmy Gribben Memorial and to everyone who competed.

Next Week

Attention now turns to the O’Kane Cup, which will be played in the Stableford format.