Frost bites at MGC
This past week has seen a significantly reduced/ absent level on many golf courses throughout the country as temperatures dropped and frost pervaded.
Frost is a significant enemy of the golfer. Golf course turf is normally resilient to traffic but when ice crystals form in plants (including grass), they become brittle and vulnerable to damage. Walking or driving over frost-covered grass may rupture plant cells leading to dead turf. It would certainly be a shame to see our greens being damaged by such activity, especially in the light of the usually superb conditions of our greens throughout the remainder of the year. So, please be patient with our ground staff when you get the message on our dedicated “Course condition” phone number (02524231) informing you that the course is closed – this is a good investment for the remainder of the year.
MEN’S CLUB NEWS
Results - 15 Holes Singles - Sponsored by Ger Harte (Painter and Decorator). 1st Oliver Boland (19.6) 39pts. 2nd Seamus Walsh (21.4) 36pts. Cat A <9 Jamie Finn 34pts. Cat B 10-14 Barry O’Brien 36pts. Cat C 15+ William F Casey 32pts. Next weekend (weather permitting) - 15 Holes Open Singles.
LADIES’ NOTES
Golf lessons for ladies start on January 27th for 4 consecutive Saturdays at 5pm. These will take place at the Fermoy driving range with golf-pro Mark Collins. We need to finalise our numbers by
Friday, 12th January, so if you are interested, will you please contact Eithne Bermingham on 0868522681. Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
The Carla Walsh Spring League will begin on Friday, 2nd February, and will be played over 6 weeks with 3 weeks to count for the league and will be played over 15 holes. The sheet to which you need to add your name (for the League) will go up on the noticeboard in the next week or so.
We have now submitted our team entries to Golf Ireland. We have entered teams for: Munster
Challenge Trophy, Revive Active, Munster Women's trophy, Munster Cup, Eleanor Tivy, Eileen Murphy Foursomes and Australian Spoons. If you have put your name down for any of the above, the team managers will coordinate activities when the time is appropriate.
Date for your diary - Mitchelstown GC is pleased to host a Golf Ireland Rules night next month – on the 26th February at 7pm. This is open to both ladies and gents and offers a great opportunity to tease out any rules or queries you may have regarding golf rules.
JUNIOR GOLF
We have arranged for group golf lessons at the Fermoy driving range with golf-pro, Mark Collins. These are the dates and times for the Juniors (including any newcomers you may know who might be interested in taking up golf). Lessons commence on Saturday, 27th Jan and continue for four consecutive Saturdays from 4–5pm. Costwise we are looking at €5 each for bucket of balls and €5 each for the lessons.
SEANÓIRÍ
Last week saw an unplayable course due to adverse weather conditions. We hope to be up and running again this week (assuming suitable weather). On the table for this week are Michael Fogarty, Eamon McGrath and Richard Mansfield.
45 CARDS
Although several hams and chickens have now been won by a variety of “card sharks” there remains an appetite for continued competition and we anticipate continuing card games in the clubhouse whenever six like-minded people are present, and ready/willing to cast, shuffle, deal and engage.
Each encounter promises to deliver debate, analysis, advice, and challenge. Call in to join in – please text Clem on 086-8912769 to be included in the “Six for Cards” WhatsApp group and be kept in the loop.
INTERESTED IN TAKING UP GOLF?
Although we are now in our least active time of the golfing year, we still regard golf as an all-year sport. Winter imposes some limitations on our activity with shorter daylight hours, intermittent wet conditions, and occasional frost. Nonetheless we are interested to hear from anyone interested in taking up the sport, whether joining for the first time or re-joining after a period of absence. We have attractive and affordable options for all. Enquiries please to Dolores on 025-24072 (9.00 – 13.00) or see details on our website mitchelstown-golf.com.