CLUB NOTES ONtheFAIRWAYS
GOLF
BUNCLODY
January 21 and 22, twelve-hole singles: 1, Dan Byrne (15), 31 points; 2, Ray Moore (16), 28 points; 3, John Finn (9), 28 points.
January 25, Wednesday open singles: 1, Michael O’Neill (20, Mountain View), 45 points; 2, Derek Kavanagh (8), 34 points; 3, Stephen Mahan (19, Mountain View), 33 points.
COURTOWNLADIES
The weekend of January 21 and 22 once again brought lovely golfing weather. We have been so lucky so far this year with conditions.
Saturday and Sunday we played a ladies’ and gents’15hole singles competition and it was great to see the ladies returning in numbers.
Results: 1, Maria Dwyer (27), 34 points; 2, Denise Kavanagh (12), 30 points.
Tuesday, January 24, brought the dampest day so far. The sea mist rolled in but it was not bad enough to deter any of our ladies from playing.
Results: 1, Mairéad Sunderland (19), 20 points (countback); 2, Anne Duggan (25), 20 points; 3, Pat Walters (21), 18 points.
Tuesday, January 31, sees the end of the running nine-hole competition for January and the beginning of the February competition.
Play nine holes as often as you like by entering in the ladies’ locker room. The rules of the competition are posted in the ladies’ locker room. Congratulations to all our winners.
BALLYMONEY
Amended result from January 22: 2, Andrew Byrne (18), 40 points; 3, Dermot Noctor (18), 40 points.
Winter league round five results - Group 1: Donal Byrne and Mark Read drew with Robbie Kehoe and Seán Furlong; Mike O’Grady and Peter Byrne drew with Dermot Noctor and Andrew Byrne (substitute for Stephen Greene); Pádraig Grainger and Christy Dodson w.o. from Dermot Noctor and Stephen Greene.
Group 2: Paul Swinburne and Liam Morris beat Joe Breen and Brendan Whyte.
Group 3: John Farrell and Tony Aherne beat Pat and Billy Larkin; Marty Lawlor and John Fitzgerald drew with Ger McNally and John Reville.
Group 4: Brian Delaney and David Fitzgerald beat Paul Hayden and Philip Moore; Charlie Logan and Ron Breen w.o. from Paul and Anthony Doyle.
With a few outstanding fixtures left the teams to far through to the second round are - Group 1: 1, Dermot Noctor and Stephen Greene; 2, Robbie Kehoe; Group 2: Paul Swinburne and Liam Morris; Group 3: Billy and Pat Larkin; Group 4: Brian Delaney and David Fitzgerald.
Wednesday nine-hole: 1, Martin Conroy (18), 24 points; 2, Sammy Walker (8), 19 points; 3, Richard Temple (16), 18 points, holding off Derek Robinson (8).
Weekend singles stableford: 1, Tommy Dunne (9), 38 points; 2, Paul Doyle (12), 38 points; 3, Dermot Noctor (18), 38 points, holding off Donal Byrne (4) and Peter Byrne (21) on countback.
Seán Furlong made a remarkable par on the par three 18th. Seán’s tee shot went in the water hazard but he pitched from the drop zone into the cup for par!
At last week’s A.G.M., Leighton Gleeson was presented with the 2016 matchplay prize. Tommy Dunne received Ron Breen’s President’s prize and Mark Miskella was awarded the Eclectic prize with a stroke score of 54.
64SOCIETY
The 64 Golf Society outing to the European Golf Club, Brittas Bay, took place on Saturday, January 28, with 38 members playing along with five guests.
The day was beautiful for golf but the scores did not reflect the quality of the course and in particular the speed of the greens, which fooled most of the members.
Results: 1, Ralph Lennon (9), 33 points (last nine); 2, Paddy Stamp (22), 33 points; 3, Ollie Quigley (13), 32-1 points (last nine); gross, Tommy Dixon (5), 21 points; 4, Martin Hempenstall (17), 31 points; 5, Ryan Nolan (13), 29 points (last nine); 6, Seamus O’Donoghue (13), 29 points; first nine, Niall Nolan (15), 16 points; second nine, Jim French (16), 18 points.
Following the outing at the presentation in Nel`s, the Captain, Noel McCartan, thanked all those who played. He also thanked our sponsor, Robert O’Connor, for the wonderful array of prizes he presented from his studio on the Arklow Road.
Our next outing will be to Tulfarris on February 25. All members will be informed in the usual manner.
ENNISCORTHY
The winter series continues with the final round on February 4 and 5. The grand final for the top 30 competitors will be on Sunday, February 19.
The gents’ open Seniors will be returning as ever on the second Thursday of every month, starting on February 9 at 9 a.m. There are changes to the age groups and they are as follows: 50 to 65, 66 to 75, and 75+. It’s the most popular and best attended gents’ Senior open in the region.
The ladies’ equivalent starts on April 20t at 9 a.m., and thereafter on the third Thursday of every month.
The Captains’ drive-in will be on February 26. Competition format will be a nine-hole shotgun scramble, teeing off at 12.30 p.m. after the official drive-in has taken place. Timesheets are now open for booking.
COURTOWN
Wednesday sweep, January 25: 1, Eric Nunan (19), 33 points (back nine); 2, John Maher (13), 33 points; 3, John Leader (24), 32 points (back nine); 4, Mark McGrath (21), 32 points (back six).
Any combination fourball, Saturday and Sunday, January 28 and 29: 1, Martin Griffiths (11), Tom O’Connor (16), 40 points; 2, Richard Hounslow (14), Ciarán Doyle (18), 37 points; 3, Pat Noonan (21), Dermot Fitzgerald (25), 36 points.
NEWROSS
The fifth and final round of the winter league was favoured with excellent golfing conditions and scoring was hot over the 14 holes played.
Pat Culleton (19) took the spoils with a great score of 35 points. A point behind in second place was Declan Cloake (18). A better back nine and a final tally of 33 points gave Davy Morris (17) the third prize.
The gross was won by Derek Ronan (2) with 28 points whilst Jim Byrne (9) with 33 points was the Category 1 winner. Category 2 went to Joe O’Farrell (15), also with 33 points, and on the same score, Category 3 was won by Eddie Kent (17).
The final countdown to find the overall winner of the winter league was to say the least very interesting. With the worst card over the five outings discarded and the four best scores totted up to decide the issue, it was down to the wire before the winner could be found.
In the end one point was enough to clinch it for the wily Duncannon golfer, Jamesie Wallace (23), with a grand total of 132 points to emerge victor of the winter league 2017. Second only a point behind, Noel Kendrick was pipped at post with his final total of 131 points.
Heavy going in the heavy rain was the story from last Sunday’s 16-hole stableford competition. It poured down non-stop all morning, meaning that the wet gear was much in vogue. Even so, a few players managed to bring in good scores.
Taking the honours in first place was John O’Connor (7) with an excellent return of 36 points.
A better back nine meant that Michael Butler (12) took the runners-up position with 35 points from third-placed Paul Goff (10). The gross went to long-hitting Hugh Behan with 26 points.
Category 1 was won by Mossy O’Connell (7) with 32 points. Category 2 went to Ted Harrington (11) who carded a 33-point total, and Michael Logue (20) took Category 3, also on 33 points.
Next Sunday, February 5, we have an 18-hole v. par competition, and then on Sunday, February 12, there is a Scotch foursomes format in order to help Martin Carroll identify possible pairings for team competitions.
All players anxious to be considered for selection on teams are invited to take part.
NEWROSSSENIORS
In bitterly cold but dry conditions with a biting south-east wind battering the course, eleven teams went out in search of victory on Thursday. The swirling wind of near gale-force strength was of no benefit on most of the 18 holes played.
With the greens in pristine condition, putting was a joy on them (that is if you could get on in the first place). This led to very good scoring in the prevailing weather, with seven of the eleven teams shooting scores of 80 points plus.
Some teams mastered the conditions better than others who fell by the wayside, with the little white ball careering awkwardly on the wind and away from the intended target. For many the clubhouse and a welcome bowl of soup was some solace even though out on the course the golf may not have been up to their usual standard.
Mastering the conditions better than the other ten teams, the three-person outfit of John Shalloe (4), Pat Traynor (18) and Luke Power (19) collected the Power’s (right stuff for a cold day) with a final tally of 89 points (83+6).
A point behind in second place were Tony Harford (12), Martin Forristal (19), Billy Redmond (20) and Jamesie Murphy (23). The team of Jimmy ‘Ross’ Ryan (18), Aidan O’Connor (19), Tom O’Neill (19) and P.J. McGrath (19) took third place with 85 points. No nearest the pin prizes were awarded as the tapes were not in place.
Next Thursday, February 2, we go with the agreed rota and play the ever-popular champagne scramble format. On the board for February are Denis Kirwan, John Murphy and Dick Cahill.
Once again all players are reminded to rake the bunkers, replace divots and repair pitch marks on the greens which are in remarkable condition for the time of year.
The sympathy of all the Seniors group goes to our colleague, Hughie O’Connor, on the death of his brother, Tom, in Bunclody recently.
PAULINE’SSOCIETY
At long last we hope to come out of our winter break by resuming competition on Saturday, February 18, in Mountain View Golf Club. Our last outing was played in New Ross in December on a very frosty course, and it created a big challenge to all concerned, but did not deter Colin Fenlon from taking first place with a score of 41 points. He was followed closely behind by Brendan Dunne in second, and by Pat Furlong in third place. Nearest to the pin prizes went to Michael Jordan on the ninth, and Ger Foley on the 14th. Well done to all concerned.
Names for the Mountain View outing should be posted on the sheet in Pauline’s Bar before 8 p.m. on Tuesday, February 14, in order to allow for a draw to be made. Condolences are offered to club President Pat McGrath on the recent death of his mother.
NEWROSSLADIES
Good weather continues! Ladies enjoyed nice golfing conditions on Wednesday in a 14-hole stableford, and also playing the first round of the winter league which is to be completed by next Wednesday, February 1. February 8 sees a return to the very popular Mexican scramble - book online only ladies. Bridge has commenced for anyone interested in the clubhouse at 2 p.m. on Fridays. We hope the Bridge doesn’t interfere too much with the golf.
Remember, team selections are only around the corner and we hope to be successful in all categories this year. With the evenings stretching a little, the Wednesday draws will revert to 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. from February 1. The competition will be another 14-hole stableford.
January 25, 14-hole stableford: 1, Tess Ryan (22), 29 points; 2, Liz Bennett (9), 26 points; 3, Eileen Wallace (28), 26-1 penalty = 25 points (last seven).
ROSSLARELADIES
Winter fun: Instead of our regular stableford singles competition being run each Tuesday for lambs, we are having a variety of fun competitions for January to March.
Tuesday was the start of this with a foursomes strokes. Each player from a two pairing takes alternate drives and then alternate shots.
It can be testing for relationships when your partner can land you in the rough, in bunkers, or worse still, lose your ball.
Not so for the two Catherines and best friends, as Catherine Howard and Catherine Haugh came first on Tuesday. Well done.
Tuesday, February 7, will see another fun competition with a three clubs and a putter competition. Watch out for other upcoming fun events like yellow ball team to come.
Saturday, January 21, 14-hole winter fourball competition: 1, Joan Bowe (12/8) and Norrie Goff (20/14-1), 34 points.
Tuesday, January 24, foursomes strokes: 1, Catherine Howard (15/8, 4/8) and Catherine Haugh (22/12, 4.8), 9.6, 38.4.
WEXFORDLADIES
The winners of Monday’s 14-hole Seniors competition held on January 23 were: 1, Ena O’Donoghue (31), 29 points; 2, Delia Brosnan (35), 26 points; 3, Mary Fallon (27), 24 points (back seven); 4, Madge Murphy (22), 24 points. A total of 52 ladies played in the 14-hole stableford competition held on Saturday and Thursday, January 21 and 26.
Results: 1, Jane Duignan (27), 32 points; 2, Patricia Hanton (21), 30 points; 3, Wendy Tiernan (21), 28 points (back seven); 4, Ena O’Donoghue (31), 28 points. Nearest the pin was Una Robinson in 5m 23cm.
The golf, darts and pool triathlon is on Thursday, February 23. Golf can be played on either Saturday, February 18, or Thursday, February 23, with the darts and pool played on the night of the 23rd. To enter put your name on an envelope with the entry fee (€12 including golf) and place it in the score box in the ladies’ locker room by Thursday, February 9.
There is still time to put your name down to play on teams. If interested contact Tara Dunne.
The next Bridge session is on Wednesday, February 1, at 10 a.m. Friends and playing partners are all very welcome. Next Thursday’s competition is a 14-hole three-person scramble.
ROSSLARE
Saturday, January 21, 14 holes fourball (lambs): 1, Syl Farrell (13) and Pat Wright (20), 38 points; 2, Paud O’Brien (4) and Pat Rossiter (9), 36 points (back seven).
Sunday, January 22, singles stableford (lambs): 1, Paul Cummings (17), 36 points; 2, Eamon Purcell (12), 36 points; 3, Michael Geraghty (12), 35 points; 4, Stan Jackson (13), 34 points; 5, David McCabe (17), 34 points; 6, Conor Brett (12), 34 points; 7, Pádraic Dempsey (10), 34 points; 8, Pat Wright (20), 33 points (back three).
WEXFORD
Wednesday’s fourball winners were P.C. Browne (20) and Davy Byrne (13) with 38 points. Seán Buckley (20) and Conor Morris (5) were second with 36 points.
Saturday’s fourball was won by Kevin Murphy (8) and Derek Walshe (11) with 38 points on the back five. Leo Murphy (20) and Mick Dempsey (11) were second with 38 points.
Sunday’s fourball was won by Joe Cashe (7) and Pearse Frawley (15) with 37 points from Brian Morris (6) and Fintan McCleane (19) with 35 points.
Tuesday’s Seniors was won by Seamus Sills with 32 points from Michael Fields with 31 points. Richard Pierce was third also with 31 points, both on the back seven. A Seniors’ outing to Woodenbridge G.C. has been organised for May 22.
Congratulations to Owen Doyle who won €50 in the last Joker draw. If you are not in you cannot win, with entry only €2.
The members’ draw is now open with first prize a free sub for one year, along with other great prizes. See www. wexfordgolfclub.ie for details.
The draw is limited to one hundred tickets, costing €20 each, available from Nicky Reville, the bar or the Pro Shop.
ST. HELEN’S
Wednesday, January 11, Saturday club: 1, Paul Lattimore (26), 20 points (countback); 2, Shay Thornton (17), 20 points; 3, Seamus McCormack (15), 19 points.
Wednesday, January 18, Wednesday club: 1, Eric Byrne (13), 27 points; 2, Michael Vaughan (24), 23 points; 3, Noel Patten (14), 22 points.
Wednesday, January 25, Wednesday club: 1, Jimmy McMahon (14), 25 points; 2, Noel Patten (14), 23 points (countback); 3, Tom Doyle (13), 23 points.
Saturday, January 28, winter league round eight: 1, Declan Murphy (7), 27 points; 2, Jimmy McMahon (14), 25 points (countback); 3, John Sinnott (4), 25 points.
Fixtures: Wednesday, February 1, Wednesday club; Saturday, February 4, winter league round nine; Sunday, February 5, singles stableford; Wednesday, February 8, Wednesday club.