Timing just right as Tom is gifted the perfect captain’s prize at Dooks

THEY say timing is everything and when Tom Neville attended the recent Captain’s Prize Day at Dooks Golf Club in Killarney, many fond memories came flooding back thanks to a special gift he received.

Tom (78) won the 1966 Captain’s Prize at Dooks and for his efforts was presented with a beautifully inscribed watch. Regrettably, as time drifted by, Tom lost the watch and with it a special memento honouring that day’s achievement 50-years ago.

But Tom was in for a surprise thanks to some great thinking by the officials at Dooks Golf Club as they helped Tom reel in the years when presenting him with a duplicate watch on behalf of the club leaving him totally dumbfounded but naturally overjoyed.

Tom was involved in the hotel industry all his life having worked as head chef for 27 years at The Castlerosse Hotel, Killarney. He joined Killarney Golf and Fishing Club during this time and later became a country member of Dooks, playing off a handicap of 22 when he won the prize of his life back in 1966.

During his time at Dooks Tom enjoyed the company of many great friends. Men such as Connie Foley (who initiated Dooks first set of club rules), Joseph P O’Shea, Jimmy O’Donoghue, and, of course, the recently deceased 1963 Captain, Michael Hernon - all of whom enjoyed many a great occasion together on the course and in the club bar.

Tom was also extremely pleased that his great friend Patie Sugrue joined him on the night and Patie’s son, Dan, is now Dooks’ touring and resident PGA Professional.

Certainly for a man who never had a golf lesson in his life, Tom did very well at the game and everyone at the club wished him every happiness in his retirement.

Tom Neville and Denis Guerin.