Pat Mooney produced a blistering performance to win the 2014 Phil Sheldon Trophy at Muswell Hill on Monday.
But it was no cruise for the 12-handicapper.
He covered the front nine in just 14 Stableford points, but then turned for home and that’s when the magic happened.
On a blisteringly hot day in north London, Mooney took just 36 shots (one-over-par) to finish on 37 points.
The freelance football and golf writer’s sensational 23 points on the back nine was enough to give him victory on countback from the Mirror sports desk’s Nick Cherrie.
Former Telegraph man, and a SJA Golf Day regular, Charlie Randall took third, finishing a further three points adrift. The leading guest player on the day, Kevin Price, scored 27, while other prizes went to Eric Lavers (for nearest the pin on the 12th) and Paul Llewellyn (longest drive on the 17th).
Mooney was presented with the trophy – named in honour of photographer Phil Sheldon – by the SJA chairman David Walker.
“The course was in amazing condition, and the greens so quick,” the delighted winner said.
“I couldn’t quite get it together on the front nine, but then on the back, it all clicked.”
The SJA will return to Muswell Hill, where Phil Sheldon was such a popular member, on Monday, September 14 next year for our 2015 Autumn Golf Day. Booking details will be announce in due course, as will the date and venue for our Spring Golf Day.
- The SJA is the largest member organisation of sports media professionals in the world. Join us: Click here for more details
UPCOMING SJA EVENTS
Thu Dec 11: SJA British Sports Awards, sponsored by The National Lottery, at the Grand Connaught Rooms
2015
Mon Mar 23: SJA British Sports Journalism Awards, sponsored by BT Sport, at the Grand Connaught Rooms. Entry forms will be available in October 2014
Wed May 13: SJA York Races Day, sponsored by Ladbrokes, at the Dante Festival
Mon Sep 14: SJA Autumn Golf Day, Muswell Hill Golf Club