ONtheFAIRWAYS
NEW ROSS
Round four of the winter league was held over the weekend, and congratulations to the winners who came in with some great scores despite the inclement conditions.
Results: 1, Edward Killeen (17), 34 points; 2, Noel Devine (16), 34 points; 3, Patrick Bennett (14), 33 points; gross, Derek Ronan, 27 points; Cat. 1, Mossy Connell (8), 31 points; Cat. 2, Martin Carroll (15), 31 points; Cat. 3, John Murphy (17), 32 points.
NEW ROSS SENIORS
Seven teams ventured out in wintry conditions where the going was heavy underfoot, but we had a brave attempt at creating golfing history among our Seniors group.
For over two years the record stood intact but last Thursday saw it badly shaken as it was equalled in very unfavourable weather for golf even though the bunkers were out of play.
The highest score recorded in our champagne scramble format stood at 104 points, but one team made a valiant effort to surpass that figure. In the end they came up short, albeit matching that tally.
Eamon Delaney (16), John Coleman (20), Willie Naddy (20) and Martin Hartley (22) were the quartet who brought in that outstanding tally of 104 points.
A three-person team made up of Johnny Browne (12), Kenny Irwin (22) and Jamesie Wallace (22) were second with 94 points (88 + 6).
Third place on 90 points went to Dick Cuddihy (16), Michael Gannon (18), Richie Byrne (21) and Jim ‘Dublin’ Ryan (24). There was only one nearest the pin prize effort, by Tony Harford on the eleventh hole.
Of late we have had some terrible slow play by teams taking over five hours to complete their round which is not on in a champagne scramble format, which means taking the best drive on 14 holes, and playing your own ball on the par threes.
The maximum time that it should take would be four hours. Any team surpassing that time limit in future will be disqualified from the prizes as it is unfair to the people who have finished their game to be hanging around for the latecomers to come in.
The professionals would be on the clock if it took them that long to complete a round.
Don’t forget to keep trollies off the aprons of the greens and repair divots and pitch marks where you see them. Also, the Split The Pot fundraiser is going well so enter the draw for only €2 and maybe win something bigger.
All Seniors are asked to try to bring in a new member as the club now has very attractive membership offers for 2018.
PAULINE’S SOCIETY
Our Christmas outing proved a great success, played in New Ross golf club course in a scramble format and with three-man teams formed through an open draw.
The fall of the dice provided a formidable combination of Mick Butler, Aidan Buckley and Tommy Liston. And, true to form, this team emerged as the winners, four shots ahead of second-placed Liam Connolly, Nicky Sinnott and veteran Michael Jordan.
Third place went to John Nixon, Brendan Byrne and Paddy Delaney a further point behind.
Nearest the pin prizes went to Brian St. Ledger and Paddy Delaney. Many thanks to all who turned out, and to those who attended the prize-giving in Pauline’s that evening.
On Saturday, February 3, we head for Gowran Park golf course for our first outing of the year. It’s hoped to once again play a similar format of a scramble which is popular with most members.
With the current weather conditions and placing, best ball throughout provides a level playing field for all.
We ask as usual that all those intending to play would put their names on the sheet in Pauline’s Bar before 8 p.m. on Tuesday, January 30.
NEW ROSS LADIES
Another wet Wednesday! Pray, girls, for the next Wednesday 14-hole.
There are no draws, just book online. Do check with the professionals for status if you are living in sunny Duncannon!
Keep the winter league in mind, with the third round until January 31. The leaders are only five ahead so it’s all to play for!
The Captains’ drive-in is on March 11 because of the big Wexford v. Kilkenny hurling contest on March 4th! More to come on that day in the weeks to come.
Support Split The Pot when you can. It’s a great fundraiser if we all support it.
ROSSLARE
Eighteen teams of six players are taking part in the annual winter league in Rosslare with enthusiasm high.
The competition is organised by the two Jamies in the Pro Shop with the assistance of the competition committee. All players are asked to keep up to date with the rules and regulations.
Fourteen-hole team of three: 1, Dave McGee (8), Jim Hore (12), Eamonn Mullan (17), 41 points; 2, David Hemmingway (13), Philip Quigley (18), Matt Grogan (21), 40 points; 3, Eddie Fortune (14), Joe Scott (21), Donal Brohan (28), 39 points.
ROSSLARE LADIES
Rosslare ladies are very proud that our club has received the national award for best hidden gem, awarded by Golfers Guide to Ireland on Monday of last week in Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links and presented by Minister Mary Mitchell-O’Connor.
It’s a well-deserved award for our beautiful golf course. Congratulations to the members and staff of Rosslare Golf Club.
On Tuesday, January 16, the competition was a team of three with two scores to count.
Ten teams played and the winning team was Sheila Crosbie (13/9), Ann Kelly (18/12 - 2) and Molly Cash (20/13) with a score of 54. Well done team Sheila.
The winner of the ladies’ Seniors 14-hole competition on Thursday, January 18, was Doreen McGovern with 27 points. Catherine Howard came second with 26 points. They enjoyed a lovely round with Liz Murphy.
Wishing all members participating in the winter league starting this weekend the very best of luck.
BUNCLODY
January 13 and 14, twelve-hole singles: 1, Maurice Mahon (16), 30 points; 2, Charlie Meyler (17), 29 points; 3, Pat Byrne (16), 27 points (back nine).
COURTOWN
For the third weekend in a row the course had to be closed on Sunday due to heavy rain. It was certainly the proper decision following the amount of rainfall on Saturday night and early Sunday morning.
We were also closed on Wednesday so there are no results to post this week. The course was, however, open on Saturday but I believe that only a handful of souls were brave enough to face the winter conditions.
I suspect that at this stage there are a lot of lads and lassies who are suffering from withdrawal symptoms and could do with getting out to play a few holes. For some it may be the first opportunity to try some new golf gear gifted at Christmas.
We can only hope for a dry week so that we can get back to our winter league which is scheduled for next Sunday.
Our caterers, Mosel Bay, are on a well-deserved break at the moment but will re-open the restaurant on Saturday, January 27.
Keep an eye out for an upcoming event; Bob tells me that we will have a social dinner on Saturday, February 10, not exactly Valentine’s, just a social evening. Music will be provided by Tom Smith and Dan O’Leary.