David Howard (Fota Island) in action at the Ford Muskerry Junior Scratch Trophy recently. Picture: Niall O’Shea

David Howard racked up his second win of the year recently when he captured the Fota Island Junior Scratch Cup.  Having won the Muskerry Junior Scratch Trophy at the start of the season, Howard was runner up at Fota Island Senior Scratch Cup soon after.  The Fota Island member kept up the run of good form this month with a win at his home course.  While Fota was in great condition, heavy showers tried to dampen spirits and it certainly made scoring more difficult for everyone.   Howard was the best on the day, shooting a three over par 74, one ahead of the field.  Despite claiming to have a cold putter he had a few birdies, including a crucial one on the 18th which proved to be the difference.  Now playing off a new handicap of 3, it might be the last Junior Scratch Cup for Howard for a while, and the impressive 20 year old has his mind set on lowering his handicap.  He featured on the Fota Island Mixed and Senior Cup teams, and this week he’ll be in Junior Cup action in Castlemartyr.

It’s been a busy few weeks for the Howards.  David faced his father John in the final of the Muskerry Junior Scratch Trophy.  That was a real family affair as David’s brothers Jack and Michael both caddied during the final.  Jack, an assistant professional in Fota Island has also been busy.  He finished in second place in the Irish Club Professional Tournament in Dromoland last month, losing out to Damien McGrane after a play-off.  Howard, representing Fota Island shot a four under par 68 to lead the tournament.  That included important birdies on the 17th and 18th to get into a tie for the lead.  Unfortunately for Howard he lost out to the European Tour winner on the second play-off hole.  In addition to a nice cheque for the event, Howard will also earn invites to several more Irish Region PGA events this season.