CLUB NOTES ONtheFAIRWAYS
GOLF
TAGHMONSOCIETY
The society played New Ross Golf Club on February 11 in the first of this year’s outings. A total of 42 brave souls tackled the bitterly cold conditions, all for the love of the game.
Some of the regulars were missing but they will appear again soon enough. The course was in great condition and well worth a visit.
A big welcome to three new members, namely Denis Banville, Peter Marshall and P.J. McGrath, with one more, Derek Southam, back after a year or two’s absence. Not forgetting the Pieman, who is back again after his unfortunate injury which prevented him playing for a few months.
The honours went to Joe Doyle who had a very creditable score of 38 in cold and windy conditions. Well done Joe, but the downside is that the long-avoided cut is now in place!
Results: 1, Joe Doyle (9), 38; 2, Peter Marshall (14), 37 (back nine); 3, Edward Cousins (3), 37; Cat. 1, Pat Murphy (10), 34; Cat. 2, P.J. McGrath (19), 34; Cat. 3, Eamon Roche (28), 35; front nine, Jason McLoughlin (16), 17 (last six); back nine, Nicky Murphy (16), 18; nearest the pin, Philip Wadding (14th), 8’ 2”; visitor, Noel Dunne, 33.
There were no winners of the twos club so there will be a very healthy pot carried forward to our next outing.
The prizes, from the Pro Shop in Wexford G.C., were handed out in the clubhouse directly after the game by new Captain, Seamus McLoughlin, who gave a speech as if he had been doing so all his life, like a natural.
The next outing is in Mount Juliet G.C. on March 18 at 10 a.m., and there will be a timesheet in operation so be early please. This outing will be Loughy’s treat to the members!
Please contact a committee member to book in. Bring along a friend or a lapsed member as a visitor.
ROSSLARE
February 11, fourball (lambs): 1, Pat Rosssiter (9), John Murphy (18), 37 points; 2, Bob Quilty (9), Donal Brohan (26), 35 points.
February 12, fourball (lambs): 1, Rob Quilty (15), Tom McGrath (17), 32 points.
WEXFORD
Wednesday, February 15, fourball: 1, Anthony Corish and Paul Carty, 37 points; 2, Richard Buggy and Davy Farrell, 36 points.
Friday, February 17, three-person team event: 1, Billy Roche, Christy O’Gorman, P.C. Browne, 65 points.
Saturday, February 18, fourball: 1, Larry Byrne and Adrian Dunne, 38 points; 2, James Bridges and Martin O’Connor, 37 points.
Sunday, February 19, fourball/better ball: 1, Peter Byrne and Larry O’Neill, 36 points; 2, Adrian Dunne and Billy Doran, 35 points (back seven); 3, Davy Farrell and Richard Buggy, 35 points.
At 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 5, the Captains’ drive-in will take place. All members are invited to attend and wish our Captains for 2017 the very best for the coming year.
At 7.15 p.m. this Friday an introductory meeting will take place in the clubhouse. All new members are requested to attend.
WEXFORDLADIES
Congratulations to Maggie Hearne who won the members’ draw free sub recently.
Monday Seniors competition, February 13: 1, Eileen Burke-O’Keeffe (22), 27 points (back seven); 2, Noreen Power (36), 27 points; 3, Sally O’Neill (20), 23 points (back seven); 4, Mary Fallon (27), 23 points.
Last week there was a keenly-contested 14-hole three-person scramble held on Saturday, February 11, and Thursday, February 16. The winners by .3 were Tara Dunne, Ruth Kennedy and Mary Fallon (3.5) with 48.5 points. Second were Cathríona Walsh, Leonie Furlong and Jane Duignan (5.2) with 48.8 points.
The ten-hole competition was won by Noreen Power (36), 20 points. Nearest the pin was Tara Dunne, 3m 50cm
The triathlon is on this Thursday, February 23. Play a 14hole singles stableford golf competition, followed by darts and pool starting at 7 p.m. in the clubhouse. Supporters are welcome to what promises to be a night of fun and competitive friendly rivalry.
ROSSLARELADIES
Tuesday, February 28, is a team of three, yellow ball competition over 15 holes. Saturday, February 11, 14-hole winter fourball: 1, Carol O’Brien (17/12-1) and Norrie Goff (20/14-2), 30 points. Tuesday, February 14, ten-hole winter singles competition: 1, Kit Codd (13/7-2), 20 points.
ST. HELEN’S
Wednesday, February 1, Wednesday club (eleven holes): 1, Gerry Byrne (15), 24 points; 2, John Lyons (21), 23 points; 3, Shay Thornton (17), 22 points.
Wednesday, February 8, Wednesday club (eleven holes): 1, Aidan Furlong (14), 25 points; 2, Pádraig Tiernan (13), 21 points (countback); 3, Terry O’Toole (19), 21 points.
Wednesday, February 15, Wednesday club (eleven holes): 1, Jimmy McMahon (23), 26 points (countback); 2, Eamon Masterson (17), 26 points; 3, Paddy Dunne (19), 23 points.
Saturday, February 18, winter league qualifier one: 1, Team Colbert (Pádraig Tiernan), 68 points; 2, Team Mallin (Joe Kelly), 67 points.
Winter league qualifier two: 1, Team Connolly (Patricia Williams), 71 points; 2, Team Clarke (Jim Brauneisen), 69 points; 3, Team Heuston (Nick Hayes), 66 points.
Singles stableford: 1, Tom Tevlin (12), 28 points; 2, Pádraig Bail (9), 26 points (countback); 3, Eamon Masterson (12), 26 points.
Fixtures: Wednesday, February 22, Wednesday club; Saturday, February 25, winter league finals qualifier three (Teams, Connolly, Clarke and Mallin); Sunday, February 26, singles stableford; Wednesday, March 1, Wednesday club; Saturday, March 4, winter league grand final, prize presentation in clubhouse at 5 p.m.
NEWROSSSENIORS
Heavy underfoot conditions prevailed out on the course on Thursday, and many approach shots to the green were left agonisingly short. It meant using a lower number if one was regularly to get on the dance floor.
Here, the greens were immaculate for this time of year and we should do our bit in maintaining them by repairing all pitch marks (even if they are not your own).
The old ad used to say this eight beats any ten, and this assertion held good on Thursday to a lesser degree when a three-person team triumphed against the other 15.
The popularity and fairness of the champagne scramble format was once again confirmed when no less than 15 of the 16 competing teams carded 90 points or more.
The trio of Steve Travis (18), Tony Redmond (18) and Martin Forristal (19) brought in the winning score of 101 points (95+6), triumphing only by virtue of a better back nine (47/46).
On the same score and in second place were Tommy Ryan (15), Jimmy ‘Ross’ Ryan (18), Pat Traynor (18) and Tom Furlong (25). A point behind came Andy Ronan (14), Dan Quigley (20), Brian Dolan (22) and Tom Kent (26) with a final total of 100 points - but who missed the tiddler on the 18th green?
Nearest the pin prizes went to Liam Glasheen on the ninth hole and Peter Goggin on the eleventh.
With the weather getting milder and more players joining in, all are requested to be in house by 10.30 a.m. for the draw which is at 10.40 a.m. sharp. Latecomers will not be accommodated.
NEWROSS
The golfing season is about to get into full swing with the mornings and evenings getting that bit brighter, but bitterly cold conditions set the scene for the Scotch foursomes format held last weekend.
With the wind coming from Siberia you’d want to be thatched like a brass monkey before venturing out. Nevertheless it held dry and players got through this novel competition without getting wet.
Taking the honours were Joe Morrissey (14) and P. J. McGrath (19) with 62.5 nett. Placed second were James O’Brien (17) and Ger Freyne (18) four shots behind on 66.5. A further shot behind on 67.5 and in third place came Liam Connolly (8) and Ray Shannon (15).
Next Sunday, February 26, is a singles competition whilst the following Saturday and Sunday we have an open fourball sponsored by Four Star Pizza.
The big social table quiz got under way last Friday night with a fine crowd taking part and enjoying the crack and the finger food at the interval. Mastermind-like very tough questions were set by quizmaster, Murt Hogan, which caused a lot of head scratching among the contenders as to the correct answers.
The second round of the quiz league continues on this Friday, February 24, at 8 p.m. sharp and anyone wishing to put in or make up a team is still welcome to come along. You can play out the three remaining rounds for the fee of €15 per person on the four-person team.
The top team each night qualifies for the semi-finals on Friday, March 24, with the grand final fixed for Friday, March 31.
NEWROSSLADIES
February 15, 14-hole stableford: 1, Elsie Redmond (25), 28 points; 2, G. Mackey (11), 28 - 1 penalty = 27 points; 3, T. Foley (19), 27 points.
There is another 14-hole stableford competition on February 22.
Unless you intend to enter the weekly competition, do not enter your name on the ‘ladies’ competition ‘ line for Saturday or Sunday. Use the other lines for playing winter league or casual play.
The winter league continues with improved scores so the gap between teams is closing. The third round continues until March 1.
The response to the ‘Get into Golf Initiative’ has been marvellous so we are almost booked out.
Thank you to the ladies who encouraged people to join. This is essential for the future of our club.
A registration evening will be held in March with the golf starting in April. Hopefully many of the ladies will help out by making the new golfers welcome - more about that nearer the time.
The Captains’ drive-in will be on Saturday, March 4. A great night was had by all at the first table quiz. Be there next Friday night for the next round! St. Patrick’s Day festivities were announced in an e-mail from the Captain. We hope everyone will turn out to support his efforts.
BUNCLODY
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.
February 5-11, ladies’ weekly: 1, Linda Byrne (12), 32 - 1 = 31 points; 2, Joanne Kenny (14), 20 – 2 = 18 points; 3, Ann Cowman (28), 18 points.
February 11 and 12, twelve-hole singles: 1, Ger Tobin (16), 29 points; 2, Ian Munnelly (17), 29 points; 3, Tony Murphy (17), 26 points.
COURTOWN
Well, we got through the last round of the EBS/Colman Doyle winter league on Sunday with few surprises. There were very few changes to the running order since we last reported on the group leaders two weeks ago.
There was, however, an odd surprise in some of the groups where the leaders were very sure of coming out top, but as we all know the game of golf can always throw up something to upset the running order.
The final is set for next Sunday where the top two teams from each section plus the best two runners-up will play an 18-hole competition for the title.
All other teams, depending on their points total, will play in Divisions 2, 3 and 4.
There will be prizes for each of these groups so every team will have something to play for. Please check our BRS system for your time slot.
As with last year’s competition, the dinner and the presentation of prizes for the final will be held in the clubhouse on the following Saturday evening, March 4.
We look forward to another great day’s golfing next week and we should add that the course - and in particular the greens - is in fantastic condition for winter golf.
As it stands here are the leaders in each group: 1, Geoff Masterson and Jason Kinsella; 2, John Fitzgerald and Joe Butler; 3, Dave Tyrell and Karl Caulfield; 4, Joey O’Brien and Tommy Kinsella; 5, Pádraig Flood and Stephen Ryan; 6, Tom Hardiman and Donal Sheehan; 7, Paul Carmody and Mark McGrath.
Unfortunately, due to bad weather Tuesday’s ladies’ competition was called off.
Men’s sweep results for Wednesday, February 15: 1, Liam Doyle (18), 26 points (back six); 2, Tom Lynch (10), 26 points (back nine); 3, Jerry O’Riordan (25), 26 points; 4, Pat O’Shea (18), 26 - 1 = 25 points.
Saturday and Sunday, February 18 and 19, ladies’ and gents’ singles - gents: 1, Brendan Hobbs (15), 35 points; 2, Pádraic Flood (16), 34 points; gross, George Horan (7), 28 points; 3, Brian Leavy (15), 32 points; ladies: 1, Catherine Quinn (17), 27 points; 2, Eileen Fitzgerald (19), 26 points.
BALLYMONEY
Weekend singles stableford: 1, Frank Layton (18), 43 points; 2, Stephen Greene (19), 41 points; 3, Donal Byrne (4), 41 points (70 strokes gross).
Postponed winter league round five matches - Group 2: Pat Miskella and Anthony Doyle beat Martin Conroy and Tommy Dunne (absent); Group 3: John Fitzgerald and Marty Lawlor beat John Farrell and Tony Aherne.
There is a committee meeting Wednesday at 7.30 p.m.
ENNISCORTHY
The Pro Shop winter series, sponsored by club professional Stephen Fitzpatrick, came to a dramatic finale with the showdown held last weekend, with 27 players taking part. The players started this competition last November, with their best two scores over the winter added together and the top 30 qualifying for this final.
Playing in the last group, Dan Byrne came out on top by just pipping James Morrissey on a countback. Dan played a consistent series with three scores of 34 to win. Many thanks to all who took part and for making it such a successful series.
Prize-winners: 1, Dan Byrne, 102 (34, 34, 34); 2, James Morrissey, 102 (33, 39, 30); 3, Philip Browne, 99 (33, 32, 34); 4, Pat Crean, 97 (30, 30, 37); gross, Frankie Morrissey, 97 (34, 33, 30), gross = 76; 5, John Bail, 94 (32, 32, 30); 6, Peter O’Shea, 94 (33, 34, 27); 7, Tom Cummins, 93 (32, 30, 31); 8, Adam Jordan, 93 (30, 33, 30).
The gents’ open Seniors is on the second Thursday of every month. There are changes to the age groups and they are as follows: 50 to 64, 65 to 74, and 75+.
The ladies’ equivalent starts on April 20 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.
The ever-popular ladies’ and gents’ open singles will be making a welcome return after the winter break on March 6, starting at 8.30 a.m., open to all membership categories. If you know of anyone who might be interested in this competition then please bring them along. Timesheets are now open for booking for virtually every Monday throughout the year.
The gents’ open Seniors is on March 9 at 8 a.m. sponsored by Cllr. Paddy Kavanagh. The timesheet is open.
There will be a club fundraiser on March 17. This will be a four-person scramble open competition starting at 8 a.m.. with a €15 entry fee.
There is course sanding on March 21. The gents’ ninehole midweek starts on March 22 at 2 p.m.
There is a ladies’ and gents’ fourball, any combination, open competition on Saturday, March 25, at 8.30 a.m., and Sunday, March 26, at 8 a.m., sponsored by the Riverside Park Hotel.
For the full report please look at the club website in the news section.