ON the FAIRWAYS
WEXFORD
At last, the day has arrived and Wexford Golf Club is again open for play, to our members initially, and to visitors when the authorities allow.
The course staff, as essential workers, have been working hard throughout the lockdown and they have, according to course officer John Fenlon, the course in great condition.
Guidelines have been set out on what is expected from all members to ensure the safety of everyone.
Social golf (i.e. no competitions) is what is allowed at this stage. It is traditional for players to shake hands at the end of a round.
This, of course, would breach the social distance advice, so a suggestion here is, seeing that all players will have their putters to hand on the last green being played, to just touch putter blades as a gesture of thanks to your partners.
We extend our good wishes to all our sponsors, and we hope that they and their families have come through Covid-19 safely.
We also hope that when their businesses re-open that they get the support that they deserve. If there was ever a time for Wexford people to support Wexford businesses, now is the time.
No doubt, there will be a few mishit balls and a lot of sore limbs over the coming days but, looking at the packed timesheets, players will become match fit very quickly.
Enjoy the freedom, but heed the advice: keep your distance and stay safe.
NEWROSSSENIORS
No, we cannot play as yet, our Seniors’ routine has been badly interrupted by the coronavirus.
Even with relaxations on golf coming into play this week, over 70s cannot play until given the all-clear which may be in June or July. Hopefully then we may be able to get back to a little bit of normality and our game every Thursday.
The Seniors’ group extend their deepest sympathy to our friend and colleague of many years, Ollie Brennan, on the recent sad death of his beloved wife, Marie. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ollie at this difficult time.
ENNISCORTHYLADIES
We are so delighted to be back in action this week, it has been a long wait for many of us. There are great new membership deals for joining, so why not give our office a buzz (05392-33191).
We have a couple of competitions that went ahead before lockdown, and we are only getting around to report on these now.
On March 19, Karl Martin Hair sponsored our 18hole stableford competition, and 41 ladies played
Results: 1, Anna Mai O’Connor (24), 38 points; 2, Marie Dunphy (18), 35 points; 3, Christine Caesar (28), 32 points (back nine); 4, Breda O’Leary (31), 32 points; eight-hole competition, Marian Martin, 20 points.
Thank you, Karl Martin, for your continuous sponsorship.
On March 24, Yellow Rose Boutique sponsored our 18-hole stableford competition. Thank you, Trish, for your wonderful sponsorship.
A total of 44 ladies took part. We had an amazing score from our wonderful winner, Marie Dunphy.
Results: 1, Marie Dunphy (18), 51 points; 2, Avril Murphy (34), 43 points; 3, Jacinta Kelly (40), 41 points; 4, Rosaleen Doyle (31), 36 points; eight-hole competition, Deirdre Bowler, 19 points.
COURTOWN
Golf resumed in Courtown yesterday (Monday) in accordance with the return to golf protocols issued by the club which are based on government guidelines and the recommendations of the G.U.I. Strict social distancing rules are in operation.
In this first phase of the return to golf, play is restricted to club members only, playing in groups of three at a maximum.
Pre-booking using the BRS system is essential, and a full list of dos and don’ts has been notified to members. Golf will be played on a non-competitive basis for the time being until restrictions are further relaxed.
The clubhouse, changing rooms and lockers remain closed for the time being.