Ursula's Stu Nning Victory on Spa Lady President's Day

URSULA'S STUNNING VICTORY ON SPA LADY PRESIDENT'S DAY URSULA Kelly's stunning 23 points on the front nine wrote the script for an overall winning score as Spa Ladies celebrated Lady President Mandy Murphy's day on Friday last. On a day when scores in the mid-30's proved to be a challenge Ursula completed the 18-hole Stableford event with 37 on the card leaving her clear of Amy Geddes and Vicki Simpson in second and third place respectively. The Lady President's Day champion said it was always special to win a golf prize but she never dreamed she would win Mandy's competition. "This prize is very special to me," Ursula said. It was also a day of triumph for the Murphy family as the Lady President's teenage daughter Alex beat stiff competition to claim the gross prize. Spa juvenile Niall McDonald had a "never to be forgotten" day as well when he saw his 9 iron drive to the par three 8th drop into the cup to record his first hole in one. The ball was immediately retired from service as Niall carefully marked it for posterity with the details to be kept alongside his other golfing souvenirs. Zach Jamison and Todd Craig - two of Spa's most promising young stars - had a real battle for first prize in the junior boys competition with Zach just finishing ahead of his rival while the junior girls saw Spa village neighbours Ellie Smyth and Mia Carson finish first and second respectively. In her speech at the presentation of prizes Mandy paid an emotional tribute to her father - Spa legend Bobby Wallace - describing him as her "inspiration". "I am so fortunate to be Lady President and have you here still playing competitive golf and off single figures in your 80th year," she told her dad. The Lady President thanked everyone who had contributed to the success of her day including husband Keith, her daughters, the Club's Ladies Committee, the hard working greens staff, bar, catering and office staff. She singled out Greens Convenors Jimmy Kelly and Mike Porter for their hard work improving the course year on year to such an extent that Spa was now "a hidden gem" still to be discovered by many golfers. Results: Ladies 1st - Ursula Kelly 2nd - Amy Geddes 3rd - Vicki Simpson 4th - Gwyneth Cordner Gross prize - Alex Murphy Back 9 - Sally Ann Douglas Front 9 - Maureen West Best 36 handicapper - Natalie Reid Visitors prize - Hillary Ferguson Nearest the pin at 17 - Beth Coburn Nearest the pin at 8 - Lynne Robinson Nearest the line - Doreen Speers Longest drive - Vicki Simpson Gents: 1st - Barry Steele 2nd - Brian McCavery 3rd - Jimmy Kelly.