Keachie revival

FRANK KEACHIE provided Alderney with a home victory after overcoming a four-stroke overnight deficit to win the 2004 Alderney Open. Aurigny's Malcolm Hart was runner-up, with Herbie Jennet, of Les Mielles Golf Club in Jersey, finishing third.

The tournament was sponsored by Aurigny for the third consecutive year and attracted a record 120 competitors who competed over four medal rounds on the island's nine-hole course.

Mike Price, captain of the Alderney Golf Club, said that the weekend had been a great success.

'We couldn't have asked for more. The weather on both Saturday and Sunday was perfect and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the competition. It was a fantastic time for the island.'

Price thanked Aurigny for its support.

'Not only are we very grateful to Aurigny for sponsoring the competition, we also wish to thank all the staff for pulling out all the stops on Friday night. The fog was threatening to spoil the show, but they still managed to fly in all the competitors and save the day.'

The tournament attracted 82 players from off island, including two Americans.

Hart had shot a 59 on day one, but slipped back with a 69 on the second.

The winner had opened with a 63, but hit the top of the leader board with a second-round 62 for a total of 125.

Hart finished on 128 and Jennet on 129.

The cut was set at 70 and the top 40 players progressed to the second round.

The supporting Stableford event was won by Alderney's Neil Hunter with 19 points; he beat Jerseyman Gary Parsons on countback.

The prize for the best 18-hole scratch went to Ridunian Simon Clifford for his 75.

Peter Cunningham, of Alderney, won the 36-hole scratch prize with his 144.