The semi-finals in both the men’s and women’s Grant Thornton Isle of Man Golf Championships took place at Mount Murray on Thursday evening.

First match out was experience against youth and it was the former that came through in the form of Kevin Moore from Douglas Golf Club, winning 4 and 3 against Jack Gilbert of Rowany.

Moore was steady and played better than Jack who congratulated his opponent on his performance and wished Moore all the best for the final.

In the second semi-final, James Arneil of Ramsey played Robert Noon of Douglas who, despite scoring under par, could not match the number of birdies the northerner produced and succumbed 5 and 3.

Afterwards, Noon stated that it was the best he had seen Arneil play whose iron shots were superb.

Arneil was champion in 2019 and will be looking to take the trophy back up north but, with the final being a 36-hole marathon, he will have to maintain his level of performance as Moore will not give him an easy ride and has previously lifted the crown at Mount Murray.

In the women’s championship, it will be a family affair with reigning champion Lea Dawson playing her elder sister Ana in the final.

Both women are at Memphis University in the USA, although Lea has not been able to travel and has completed her first year by remote study.

Lea overcame Breeshey Jansen in her semi-final by 5 and 3 to secure her place in the battle of the teenagers, taking the lead early on and pulling away for a comfortable win to set up the battle with her sister in the final.

Ana should have had an easier passage to the final, playing surprise semi-finalist Karen Faragher of Port St Mary but, after nine holes, they were all square before Ana pulled away to victory.

Faragher was disappointed that her ball striking was not as good as the previous night but had enjoyed the battle and wished Ana well in the final.

The finals are being played on Sunday starting at 10am, with the second 18 starting at approximately 2.30pm and will be keenly contested.

If you want to see some first class golf, all roads head to Santon and all are welcome.

by ANDREW HORNE