McLaughlin the runaway winner of Juvenile Captain’s Day

Conor McLaughlin was the runaway winner of Callum Flynn’s Juvenile Captain’s Day at Mourne Golf Club where a remarkable winning score of 59 points was never going to be surpassed.

McLaughlin is a young, all-round sportsman, turning his hand to various sports. After recently joining the juvenile ranks at Mourne GC, he quickly turned on his A-game to win the most prestigious juvenile event of the season.

The winner was the model of consistency scoring points on all 18 holes over the Annesley Links at Royal County Down. In the end the young juvenile carded a gross score of 88 as he accumulated a record points tally of 59 points. With such a great score McLaughlin’s handicap will come tumbling down.

Behind McLaughlin it was very much a family affair as team Martin formed an impressive chasing pack. Jack Martin was second with 39 points, while brother Luke Martin claimed third with 36 points and Harry Martin fourth on 32 points in a round that contained a highlight birdie at the seventh.

Thomas Corrigan and Aaron O’Boyle also finished on 32 points, one ahead of John Gribben.

James Rodgers has enjoyed a sensational season. Not only has he stepped up to feature in senior competitions, but he was also a key player in John Murphy’s Junior Cup side when representing Mourne through 2025. Last Sunday, Rodgers won the gross prize with a round of 72.

It was an impressive run to the line for Rodgers, who was three-under gross for his last eight holes with birdies at 15, 17 and 18.

After the day’s play, food was put on for the juveniles by Dennis and Trevor Orr before the presentation where Juvenile Captain Flynn welcomed everyone.

“Thank you all for being here. It’s one of the best days of the year for all us juveniles,” said Flynn, who had 27 Juveniles competing in his big day.

“I would like to thank our juvenile convenor John Hanna and the team of Paddy (Curran) and Danny (Hillen). Special thanks to all the bar staff, the green staff and everyone in the kitchen for working away and making the day so special.

“Special thanks also to our club Captain Paul Mullan too for all your help and advice. I’ve had some good talks with Paul this year and he’s given me some great advice – especially when it comes to speeches!

“It has been great to be your captain. From day one since I’ve been a juvenile here, my passion was to be juvenile captain. But today is not about me, it’s about the lads gathered here and played. They are the future of the club. I saw some wonderful golf on display today.

“And finally, thank you to everyone who attended today.”