CLUB NOTES ONtheFAIRWAYS
GOLF
NEWROSSSENIORS
The prospects of holding our Christmas outing on Thursday looked very bleak indeed around the break of dawn with torrential raining pouring down. Thankfully it cleared in the morning and we got the go-ahead in dry but very heavy conditions underfoot.
Then we had a glorious day weather wise, with Old King Sol beaming down on us, Santa Claus coming with lots of extra prizes, and a fit-looking John Murphy arriving suitably tanned from his sojourn in Lanzarote.
But the ‘Dub’, Mr. B.D., said it was all a fake tan slobbered on that morning. With all teams back in the clubhouse having completed their game, the heavens opened, showing that these hardy veterans must have a great pull with the Man up above as he looks after us every Thursday without fail.
An 18-hole champagne scramble was the correct call for the day that was in it, and with bunkers out of play each and every team had a fighting chance.
There were 15 teams taking part and, with a prize for everyone in the audience, no team member went home empty handed-thanks to the procurement of a range of prizes by Tony Harford.
As usual there were tales of missed putts, bad chips, and topped drives at the dinner table afterwards where we were served a sumptuous four-course meal which all enjoyed. Compliments go to the chef and the serving staff, who made sure no one was left hungry.
Then we had the presentation of prizes where the main winners were Tom Murphy (14), Steve Travis (18), Tony Sexton (24) and Tom Kent (26) who brought in a great score of 102 points.
Pipped at the post by a point (101) came John Kennedy (16), Robert O’Dwyer (20), Brian Dolan (22) and Jamesie Wallace (23).
Third spot went to Jim ‘Ross’ Ryan (18), Aidan O’Connor (19), Dan Quigley (20) and Billy Redmond (21), clocking up 99 points. In fourth place with 97 points were Denis Kirwan (11), Willie Whitty (18), Kieran O’Grady (22) and Les Jastrebski (25).
On 95 points, John F. Roche (16), John Murphy, the tanned one (17), Tom O’Neill (19) and Seán O hUginn (20) were placed fifth, whilst Patsy Farrell (14), Peter Goggin, the new Captain (16), Martin Forristal (20) and Frank Boyle (20) took the sixth prize.
All other competing teams shared in the remaining prizes on offer.
Nearest the pin prizes went to Tom Kent (ninth hole), Eddie Keher (eleventh hole), and Robert O’Dwyer (14th hole).
Our last game for 2016 will be on Thursday as the club classic takes precedence over the Christmas period.
PAULINE’SSOCIETY
Our most recent outing to Castlecomer Golf Club in November was also our Christmas outing, held early to avoid inclement weather that may have caused postponements, as was the case last year.
A large turn-out was met by a frozen course which caused a substantial delay in starting our round. Some members had to withdraw for personal reasons, due to the delay, and those who braved the elements played in icy cold conditions that proved a challenge to all on a very tough course.
In first place in a four-man team scramble were Pat McGrath, Robert Ryan, Brendan Dunne and Colin Fenlon who narrowly held off the second-placed team of John Nixon, Craig Treacy, T.J. Kielthy and Stephen Mahon.
Only one nearest the pin prize was won, as no player landed on the green on the back nine. T.J. Kielthy stepped up to the plate to claim the prize.
For those of you who can make it during the run up to Christmas, we have an outing on Saturday, December 17, in New Ross Golf Club at 9.30 a.m.
This will be run off as a singles competition, and names for the above outing can be included in the draw up to 8 p.m. on Thursday, December 15, in Pauline’s Bar.
May we wish you all a very happy Christmas and a prosperous new year. Nollaig Shona.
ROSSLARE
November 27, 16-hole turkey competition: 1, Frank Farrell (21), 34 points; 2, Thomas Walsh (22), 34 points; 3, Jim Hennessy (18), 34 points; 4, Philip Breen (18), 32 points; 5, Paud O’Brien (4), 32 points; 6, Bill Underwood (18), 32 points; 7, Tom Enright (20), 32 points.
BLACKWATERSOCIETY
Our A.G.M. will be held on Thursday, December 15, in Corrigan’s pub in the village of Blackwater at 8.30 p.m.
64GOLFSOCIETY
64 Golf Society Christmas Outing Courtown Golf Club 10th Dec 2016 32 members played on a day that was ideal for golf. The course was in excellent condition for the time of year.
1st: Jimmy Woods (13) 35 points (last 9); 2nd: Brendan Travers (10) 35 points (last 9); 3rd: Malachy Travers (2) 35 points; Gross: Brendan Sheehan (6) 27 points; 4th: Niall Nolan (15) 34 points; 5th: David Kennedy (13) 33 points; 6th: Bryan Hughes (13) 31 points; 7th: Jerry O’Riordan (25) 31 points; 8th: Martin Hempenstall (17) 31 points; 9th: Jim French (16) 31 points.
1st 8: Paddy Stamp (22) 15 points; 2nd 9: Colin Sunderland (7) 18 points. Nearest the Pin (18th): Niall Nolan (15). After Christmas dinner in the club house the Captain Noel McCartan thanked all those who played. He also thanked all those who made the day a success. The caterers were also thanked for the lovely meal.
Our next outing is to the European Golf Club on Saturday, January 28. All members will be informed in the usual manner.
ROSSLARELADIES
We had our Ladies AGM on Tuesday. We bid a sad farewell to our wonderful Lady Captain Catherine Howard. She did a fantastic job in every area all year and finalised by a speech fit for a king.
We also say goodbye on committee to Joan Wallace, (past lady captain and seven years), Gemma Campion (website guru and four years), Carmel Quinlivan (PRO, Competitions and four years); and last but certainly not least Mary Barry. Mary has been a little treasure for six years, treasurer, a brilliant beaver in the background, minded our finances, did our vouchers every week and lots more. Thank you all!
We now give a big welcome our new and very popular Lady Captain Doreen McGovern who did a fantastic job as Vice and thanks to her sister Paula Hore who organised the most beautiful flower arrangements around the club all year!
The rest of the committee are as follows: Fionnuala Kielthy - Lady President, Norrie Goff - Lady Vice Captain, Mary Frances Codd - Secretary, Dorcas Maher - Treasurer, Niamh Byrne - Handicap Secretary, Catheriine Howard - Ex-Officio and Miriam Geraghty, Elizabeth Callaghan, Val Mernagh, Catherine Haugh, Joan Bowe and Kitty Roche.
Tuesday, December 20 is a Ladies Singles Stableford competition. Ladies competition results: Tuesday, December 6 - Scotch Foursomes - 1st: Sheila Hendrick and Neassa Ui Raghnaigh (26 and 31, 18h/c) 25 points; 2nd: Bena Hall and Kitty Roche (15 and 18 11h/c) 24 points B2.
Saturday, December 3 - 1st: Mary O’Shaughnessy 15/10 and Catherine Haugh 22/16, 31 points Bk 9.
WEXFORDGOLFCLUB
A busy week of competition in the club saw competitions played on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
In spite of the heavy rainfall during the week the course has held up really well and this is a tribute to Jake and his ground staff who have done marvellous drainage work on the course over the past 12 months. Take a bow Jake, Pat, Joe and Johnny and the temporary staff who helped out.
Sunday’s competition was a 14 hole fourball and was won by a golden oldie in the person of Seamus (Jimmy) Thomas and Anthony Dowd with a score of 36 points (b.6).
In second place were Jason Kehoe and Peter Corish also with 36 points, and Nicky O’Brien and Gary Martin came third with 35 points (b.7).
On Tuesday we had our monthly 14 hole singles and again the golden oldies were to the fore in the persons of John Lacey, Joe Scott and Brian Judd. John had a score of 32 points (b.7). Joe also scored 32 points and Brian finished with 31 points.
Wednesday’s 14 hole fourball was won by Mr. Seldom is Wonderful himself, Billy Roche, and partner Michael Mahoney with 34 points.
Saturday’s fourball was won by Andy Lehane and John Cleary with 35 points.
The senior section held their Christmas party on Tuesday night. The event was a great success ( as witnessed by the lack of numbers playing on Wednesday), with 60 odd members sitting down to an excellent meal provided by Tommy and his staff in Masters restaurant.
Prizes were presented to the winners of the Christmas competition. That great underrated golfer P.C. Browne won the competition with a great score of 37 points. with Seamus Byrne in second place with 36 points. Other prize winners were Pat Kavanagh, Eddie Cousins Snr,Tommy Byrne, Terry Lyons, Martin Frehill, Brendan Long, Johnny Foley and Mortimer Ambrose. Category prize winners were Paddy O’Reilly, John Lacey, Mick Nolan, Brian Judd, Seamus (Jimmy) Thomas and Aiden Cogley.
Our Christmas draw takes place this Friday night, December 16, at 8.p.m. Please come along and support which is always a good night.
Sunday next is the children’s Christmas party. All members are invited to bring their children and grandchildren along to meet Santa who after his round of golf will appear in the club in or around 4.p.m. For details of all club activities and events see our website wexfordgolfclub.ie. Ladies Section Last Thursday our ladies played with just three clubs and a putter and some impressive results were returned as follows - 1st: Breda Devoy (24) 29 points; 2nd: Mary Fallon (27) 27 points B4; 3rd: Ena O’Donoghue (31) 27 points; 4th: Ger O’ Brien (23) 26 points; Nearest the Pin: Ger Draper 3m 80cm.
On Wednesday another successful Bridge morning was held and the results were: 1st: Kitty Murphy and Pat Flanagan; 2nd: Marie Kehoe and Maureen Keogh.
The overall winner of the November Sunday 10 hole competition was Denise Dunne.
STHELEN’SBAY
Results – Saturday, December 10, Christmas Goodies (9 holes) - 1st: Seamus McCormack (8) 22 points; 2nd: Gerry Byrne (8) 20 points.
Sunday, December 11, Christmas Goodies (9 holes) - 1st: Seamus Kelly (3) 22 points; 2nd: Mark O’Donoghue (8) 20 points (countback).
Fixtures – Wednesday, December 14: Wednesday Club; Saturday, December 17: Christmas Goodies (9 holes); Sunday, December 18: Christmas Goodies (9 holes).
BALLYMONEYGOLFCLUB
Wednesday 9 hole competition (mixed) : Won by Derek Robinson (8) on 17 points.
Weekend Singles Stableford competition - 1st: Eugene O’Brien Snr (11) 40 points, 2nd: Sean Furlong (10) 40 points, 3rd: Robbie Kehoe (12) 39 points.
Winter League Round 1 (delayed match) Group 2: Pat Miskella and Anthony P Doyle beat Andrew Byrne and Stephen Greene (sub for Liam Redmond).
NEWROSSGOLFCLUB
Due to the inclement weather last Wednesday only a very few brave members tackled the elements but we’re hoping for better weather conditions next Wednesday for our 3 Person Mexican Scramble ahead of our Christmas Party.
Golf is by timesheet only and the party starts at 5.30pm. All outstanding prize winners are asked to attend and a special invitation goes out to members who have be absent due to illness, injury or life events. Mulled wine, mince pies and merriment await - and be sure to wear your best Christmas attire!
ENNISCORTHYGOLFCLUB
Men’s section – Upcoming events - Our Monday ladies and gents open singles is still going strong attracting participants from near and far. Entry fee is €5 for members and €10 for visitors. Open to all membership categories.
If you know of anyone who might be interested in this competition then please bring them along. Where else would you get such great golfing facilities for €10?
The next competitions are on December 12 and 19 and the booking sheets are open. The competition will be taking a break over the festive period and starts again on January 9 and the booking sheets will open January 1.
The next Gents Open Seniors will be on Thursday December 15 followed by Christmas dinner and will be sponsored by Morgan Dunne and Councillor Paddy Kavanagh. This will be a nine hole shotgun start at noon. €20 entry fee including the dinner. Booking sheet is open and filling fast. The draw for the free range turkeys will take place after the dinner.
The next round of the PGA winter series will be played on December 17 and 18 and the booking sheets are open.
The Children’s Christmas Party will be on Sunday, December 18, at 2.30 p.m. in the clubhouse. Santa is expected to arrive at approx. 3pm.
There is a packed schedule on the course over the Christmas period with competitions on every day from St. Stephen’s Day through to January 2 except December 31.
Booking sheets open on December 14 for almost all these competitions. Book a game or three and bring along some friends, family and/or visitors and support your club. Walk off the excesses of the festive period.
Two of the club A.G.M.’s will be held on January 8, men’s golf is at 2.15pm and the club A.G.M. is at 3pm.
Anybody who wants to propose a motion needs to have sent it to the Hon. Sec. at least a fortnight prior to the meeting itself, i.e. by December 24.
General news - The golf club Christmas tree was one of many on display in St. Marys Church in Church Street in the annual festival of trees and apparently it was well worth going in to have a look at for its artistic design alone.
There is an ongoing problem with the telephone system which will soon be sorted out. For status of the course please dial 087 969 5726. For everything else ring either 053 92 37777 or 053 92 34519. This is a temporary measure until new telephone system is installed.
We have a donations box placed at the top of the stairs for the annual St. Vincent de Paul Appeal. This will remain in place until Friday, December 16. All donations will then be passed onto the local branch of S.V.P. Please give generously.
The Brittle Bones society played last Monday and for only the second time in their seven year history it was a dead heat and the spoils were evenly divided between the two groups of three, no countbacks allowed apparently! The score was a creditable 51.7 points and the winners were Ger Collins, Jimmy Devereux, Tom Hogan, Tom Kirwan, Joe Leacy and Brian Redmond. On Thursday, after a very heavy nights rain, and the course was still playable, the winners with 52.4 points were Tony Hutchinson (without his golfing soulmate), Paddy Kelly and John O’Sullivan.
There is a raffle for free range bronze turkeys from a local supplier that should weigh 14 to 16 lbs by Christmas time, only €2 a line or three lines for €5 and the draw for these will be held at the gents seniors Christmas Party which will be held on December 15.
The raffle sheet is in the bar and Pro shop and is crying out for names to be put on it.
Winter is setting in and along come the rules to go with it. To protect the course you must place your ball on the fairways within a six inch semi circle behind the ball and take a drop in the rough. Some of the temporary tee boxes are now in use as well. The course sanding has now been postponed until the spring of 2017.
The trial period to change the order of the course temporarily for the month of November has now finished and any permanent change to the course layout will have to be approved by the members of the club by way of submitting a motion to the clubs annual general meeting.