McCarthy unfazed by conditions at Mannings Heath

Rain-softened fairways and slower greens proved no problem for eight-handicap James McCarthy at Mannings Heath as he went round in five over par for 39 points to win Saturday’s Stableford.

McCarthy was a model of consistency with seven pars, three birdies and nothing worse than a bogey. Two points behind were Paul Milford and Greg Laming with Milford taking runner-up spot on countback thanks to a 22 point back nine.

McCarthy and Laming were in fine form again in Sunday’s event but had to settle for third and fourth Stableford places on 39. Leading them by a point were four-handicap Cam Bates and 13-handicap Simon Douglas with Bates round in level par gross and winning on a back-six countback.

Heath’s ladies staged their last medal of the year in a strong wind. Julie Law and Jakki Tidey both finished with nett 77 but Law’s superior back nine earned her the countback verdict. Margaret Brown was third with nett 79.

A strong turnout of former captains contested the Senior Captains’ Cup but a future captain, Nick Tidey, took the honours with 40 points. Tidey finished four points clear of runner-up Paul Carter and Lotinga himself.