The dates chosen at the respective venues for the playing of the series of 18-hole medals which comprise the Nedbank Private Wealth Order of Merit have, on reflection, not been the best weather-wise, and postponements - as well as a cancellation - have been the order of the day.
Those travelling to Castletown Golf Links last Sunday and, having listened to the weather forecast, were sure to have packed waterproofs and a change of clothes.
However, they were not needed as not only did it stay dry, but they found the Derbyhaven venue in excellent condition having benefited from the recent downpour on Friday which allowed some good scoring from the island’s top golfers.
Early starter Jamie Arneil was level par on 72 and the early leader in the clubhouse. Not for long though as former professional but now a reinstated amateur Chris Kneen came in one better on 71 and this led for most of the morning.
The senior challenge who have their own separate Order of Merit was being led by Godfrey Kelly who so far has accumulated maximum points and looks unstoppable with two rounds to go. On Sunday it was a 75 from Kelly which took the win with his fellow clubmate Ray Hughes on 79 as runner-up.
Having won the island championship it is not unusual to see a dip in form for the rest of the season, but with sub-par rounds at Douglas, current champ Kevin Moore seems to be benefiting from the 2013 win. He was under par on Sunday to just pip Chris Kneen when he returned a two-under-par 70 to take the win and the merit points, but also the prize for the best nett on the day also a 70.
Calculations from the Golf Union’s competition duo, Fergus Murdoch and Paul Daniels, gave the runner-up spot in the nett section to Arneil with a 71.
On hand to present the prizes was Andy Halsall from Nedbank Private Wealth and he was introduced by Isle of Man Golf Union president-elect Roy Moore.
The players were well looked after by the catering staff at Castletown and thanks were expressed to them and to all those who had negotiated the use of the Fort Island venue, and it was a delight to use the facilities both on and off the course.