CLUB NOTES ONtheFAIRWAYS
GOLF
BUNCLODY
March 11 and 12, men’s singles: 1, Ger Tobin (16), 29 points; 2, Ken Leech (15), 27 points; 3, Barry Murphy (9), 26 points.
Race to St. Patrick’s Day 2017, week six: 1, Derek Kavanagh (8), 29 points; 2, Willie Harte (10), 28 points; gross, Alan Harrington (4), 25 points; 3, Graham Porter (17), 27 points.
March 20, men’s Senior open: 1, Shane O’Callaghan (21, Curragh), 37 points; 2, Thomas Kinlough (18, Enniscorthy), 37 points; 3, Rory Fitzgerald (6, Tramore), 35 points.
COURTOWN
The Wednesday sweep finale for 2016-’17 with dinner plus wine and the presentation of the Paschal Storan trophy will be held on Wednesday, March 29. Those wishing to attend, please put your name on the list in the clubhouse.
Enquiries may be directed to Chairman Pat McCarthy, Paddy Stack or Tom Lynch. The committee members have planned another successful evening of music, wine and song.
The table for the Paschal Storan trophy up to and including March 15 is: Tom Kitt, twelve points; V. Kavanagh, ten; T. Kinsella, nine; N. Nolan and Pat Kenny, seven each; L. Masterson, Pat O’Shea, Tom Ryan, Eric Noonan, J. Turner and Tom Lynch, six each.
Cheltenham is well and truly over but we are up and running at Courtown. With a fantastic weekend of good weather just gone, we were able to have our first 18-hole competition of the season though this does not qualify for handicap adjustments.
We are hoping that with conditions remaining as they are, we will be able to have full 18-hole competitions from now on. The course was still a little soft in places but for all of that it was in great condition, with the greens being really good for March.
It just goes to show how time is marching on when we are now talking about the matchplay competitions for this year. Anybody interested in playing in the singles, fourball and mixed matchplay competitions should put their name on one of the small brown envelopes along with their entry fee and post it in the box in locker rooms.
The draw will take place in the clubhouse on Wednesday, April 5, following the open singles competition.
For the week ahead we will have the following events: Wednesday, singles sweep final day and dinner; Saturday, April 1, ladies’ and gents’ singles sponsored by The Woodturning Studio, Robert O’Connor; Sunday, April 2, two-person team event.
Wednesday sweep, March 23: 1, Brendan Sheehan (6), 27 points; 2, Les Masterson (21), 26 points; 3, Eric Poole (14), 25 points (last nine); 4, Joe Turner (12), 25 points.
Saturday, March 25, any combination fourball: 1, Gay Dunne (11), Matt Power (13), 40 points; 2, Paddy Stamp (22), Martin Byrne (21), 39 points; 3, Steven Doyle (17), Colin Browne (20), 38 points (last nine).
Courtown ladies turned out in force to play 16 holes on Tuesday, March 21. Conditions were wintery with a very cold wind making its presence felt, but it was dry and the sun made occasional appearances throughout the day.
Regardless of the conditions, some good scoring was returned.
Results: 1, Sarah Donnellan (7), 32 points; 2, Denise Burke (21), 31 points; 3, Breda Nolan (35), 30 points.
The nine-hole competition was won by Brigid O’Brien (36) with 23 points. Well done ladies.
On Thursday, March 23, Courtown ladies held a Seniors’ open and the winner was Jo O’Hara (35) with 22 points.
Tuesday, March 28, brings the first of our sponsored competitions with Cois na hAbhann Garden Centre, Camolin, providing the sponsorship. We are delighted to welcome them as a new sponsor this year and we look forward to having a great competition.
Now if somebody could just sort out the weather we’d be eternally grateful.
ENNISCORTHYLADIES
The Enniscorthy ladies played their first sponsored competition of the season on Thursday, March 23. This competition was stableford and was sponsored by The Logo Centre. Liam Spratt made the presentations to the winners.
Results: 1, Nikki Dunphy (23), 34 points; 2, Mary Breen (26), 31 points; 3, Marie Duggan (17), 29 points (back nine); gross, Laura Dempsey (5), 18 points; Seniors, Paula Creedon (21), 29 points; 36 handicap, Kit Byrne (36), 24 points.
On March 7 the ladies’ competition was a team of three scramble.
Results: 1, Marie Duggan (17), Maeve McCauley (18), Joan Dunbar (21), 52.4 points; 2, Margaret Mooney (9), Mary Breen (26), Mary Halligan (28), 52.7 points. March 14 was a Scotch foursomes competition. Results: 1, Mary Ruth-Tobin (19), Jacinta Kenny (21), 29 points (back nine); 2, Mary McCauley (20), Mary O’Shea (14), 29 points.
Next week’s competition (March 28) is a fourball and is sponsored by Karl Martin.
Keep up to date with activities and results by following us on facebook.com/enniscorthygolfclub.com, Twitter @ enniscorthygolf, or Instagram: enniscorthygolfclub.
64SOCIETY
The society’s weekend away took place on March 24-25, with a fourball in Tullamore on the Friday.
A total of 28 played on a beautiful day for golf, and the course was in very good condition for the time of year.
Results: 1, Karl Caulfield (7) and Niall Nolan (15), 43 points; 2, Pat Walsh (7) and David Kennedy (13), 42 points (last nine); 3, Noel McCartan (11) and Alan Gray (13), 42 points.
The venue was Esker Hills on the Saturday, and 27 members played plus four visitors. The course was in excellent condition.
Their greens were very good, and all the members enjoyed the day although the pace of play at times was a bit on the slow side.
Results: 1, Noel McCartan (11), 36 points; 2, Niall Nolan (15), 34 points; 3, Pat Walsh (7), 31 points (32-1); gross, Dean Grannell (4), 22 points; 4, Brendan Travers (10), 31 points (35-1, last nine); 5, Bryan Hughes (13), 31 points; 6, Ray McGrath (10), 30 points (31-1, last nine); 7, Paddy Dore (20), 30 points; veteran, Pat Crowley (19), 30 points; first nine, Paul McDonagh (14), 17 points; second nine, George Kilbride (14), 14 points (last six).
Following the outing at our presentation and dinner in the Bridge House Hotel, Captain Noel McCartan thanked all those who played and in particular those who helped to make the day and weekend such a success.
Golfer of the year after six outings: 1, Brendan Travers (10), 79 points; 2, Jim French (16) and Niall Nolan (15), 70 points; 4, Ray McGrath (10), 67 points; 5, Jimmy Woods (13), 66 points.
BALLYMONEY
Winter league fourball round two: Richard Temple and Tom Keogh beat Stephen Greene and Dermot on the 19th hole; Robbie Kehoe and Seán Furlong beat Pat and Billy Larkin; Liam Morris and Paul Swinburne beat Brian Delaney and David Fitzgerald.
Winter league plate: Paul and Anthony Doyle beat Mike O’Grady and Peter Byrne; Paul and Eugene O’Brien beat Donal Byrne and Michael Byrne; John Fitzgerald (club Captain) and Marty Lawlor beat Joe Breen and Brendan Whyte; Martin Conroy and David Fitzgerald (substitute for Tommy Dunne) beat Pádraig Grainger and Peter Byrne (substitute for Christy Dodson); Ger McNally and John Reville beat Sammy Walker and Anthony Fortune. Wednesday nine-hole (back nine): 1, David Fitzgerald (13), 20 points.
Weekend singles stableford: 1, Stephen Greene (19), 43 points; 2, David Fitzgerald (13), 39 points; 3, Sammy Walker (8), 39 points.
Best of luck to Pat Miskella and Anthony Fortune and their All-Ireland fourball team taking on Enniscorthy next Saturday afternoon.
ENNISCORTHY
Representatives from the club will be starting out on the annual chase for national honours next weekend with the All-Ireland inter-club fourball against Ballymoney getting under way next Saturday, with three games at home and two away, managed by Joe Delaney.
On Sunday the mixed foursomes team managed by Marie Dunphy and Paul Connolly play Rosslare, with three games at home and two away. Best of luck to all.
Our Junior coaching programme will begin on Saturday, April 22. The programme will run for five consecutive Saturdays with three classes being held at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. Juniors will be allocated a class according to age/ability etc.
The cost for the five weeks is only €30 and is open to boys/girls and both members and non-members. If you know anyone who is interested in joining this course, then contact the Pro Shop on 05392-33191.
Our Split The Pot draw will be on again on Sunday, April 2, with loads of little brown envelopes waiting for your names to go on them.
We are running an Augusta Masters-themed competition prior to everyone’s favourite major. In conjunction with the midweek nine-hole competition on April 5 and for only an additional €2 to your entry fee, we will pair you with one of the pros who make the cut at Augusta in a random draw which will be done on Saturday morning, April 8.
Your midweek stableford score will be added to your professional partner’s Saturday and Sunday score which will be converted back to a stableford score to give you your total. Augusta is a par 72, so if Danny Willett has 68 strokes then his stableford score is 40.
There will be cash prizes for the first three. If you enter twice then your better score only counts unless we don’t have enough players to fill the quota. In the event of a draw then there will be a countback on your score. If this turns out to be a success we will extend this to the other three majors and the Irish Open.
The gents’ singles stableford, sponsored by Kilcannon Garden Centre, is on April 1 and 2.
The gents’ nine-hole midweek makes a comeback on April 5 at 2 p.m.
The gents’ fourball, sponsored by P.K. Tiles, is on April 8 and 9.
The gents’ open Seniors is on April 13 at 8 a.m., sponsored by David Garahy.
Easter Monday, April 17, is an open four-person team (any combination), sponsored by Smyth’s Arro.
The first of the season’s classics is for Ballymurn Church on Friday, April 28, starting at 9 a.m.
For the full report please look at the club website in the news section.
NEWROSSSENIORS
They say a north-east wind is not good for man or beast, but 48 hardy individuals ventured out in our weekly competition last Thursday.
It was bitterly cold for a while but the temperature heated up a bit as the day progressed. Conditions were tough facing into that north-easterly wind, approaching gale force at times and making scoring a difficult task.
However, as the day warmed up slightly the golf too improved and one team put in a scorching performance to run away from the rest of the field. The other eleven teams were left trailing in their wake as the ultimate winners brought in an untouchable 94 points.
Led by John Kennedy (16) and backed up by club Captain Peter Goggin (17), Liam Glasheen (20) and Brian Dolan (22), they eventually finished seven points clear of the runners-up.
In second spot were John Murphy (17), John F. Roche (17), Paddy Mahoney (19) and Martin Burke (25), finishing with 87 points. Third place on 84 points was filled by Denis Kirwan (11), Aidan O’Connor (19), Aidan Kent (20) and Frank Boyle (20).
Nearest the pin prize on the ninth hole went to Liam Glasheen, and nobody got inside the tapes on the eleventh. With the greens now approaching their very best, all players are reminded to repair pitch marks on them (even if they are not your own). We can do our part in maintaining them and also help by replacing divots on the fairways.
Please note that the draw for teams is at 10.40 a.m. sharp, and all wishing to take part in our competitions should be in house by 10.30 a.m. Latecomers upset the smooth running of the event and it is unfair on all those who arrive in good time.
NEWROSSLADIES
Last Wednesday was a very cold day but the hardy lasses in New Ross G.C. braved the elements to compete for the prizes sponsored by Glanbia. Many thanks for your support.
Results, 18-hole stableford: 1, Marie Therese Wall (21), 31 points (last six); 2, Maria Burford (12), 31 points (last nine); gross, Geraldine Mackey, 20 points; 3, Mary Maher (16), 30 points.
The Tuesday fourball is now open to ladies and men, so if you can get a few pals together book online for a spot. Entry is €4 for the nine-hole competition.
The first match of the season for the Intermediate team will be in Waterford Castle against Tramore on Saturday, April 1. It would be great to have some supporters down there. You could treat yourselves afterwards to afternoon tea!
On Sunday, April 2, the Challenge Cup team is out to do battle against Wexford in Enniscorthy. Again, supporters are welcome.
Best of luck to the girls on the teams, we hope you do yourselves proud.
Many thanks to caddies and managers for your generosity, it is greatly appreciated.
March 29 features another 18-hole stableford sponsored by Margaret O’Hanlon of Blossoms Ladies’ Boutique in South Street. Thank you Margaret.
Book online or the draws will be at the usual times.
NEWROSS
The St. Patrick’s weekend fourball competition sponsored by Four Star Pizza was an outstanding success with a huge turn-out of players from many different clubs. Weather was kind too which added to the enjoyment for all competitors.
This time round the top prize went ‘for export’, with the Ballymoney pairing of Mick Walsh (18) and Mick Rossiter (18) taking the spoils with a great score of 49 points.
Second place on 47 points was secured by virtue of a better score over the last six holes by the evergreen duo of Denis Kirwan (11) and John Murphy (17).
On the same score (47 points) and in third spot came Paul Cleary (10) and Ger Freyne (18).
The ladies’ prize went to Liz Bennett (9) and Teresa Foley (19) with 39 points, whilst James O’Brien and Michael P. Cullen took nearest the pin and longest drive respectively.
Once again all prize-winners are asked to attend the presentations out of courtesy to our sponsors on whom the success of the club is depending so much week after week.
Entries are now being taken for the foursomes matchplay - place the entry fee of €15 in an envelope and put it in the men’s competition box with your name and contact details on it.
Many thanks go to those who volunteered time and effort in improving the appearance of the clubrooms and surrounding areas in recent weeks.
These include Martin Carroll, Harry Reinhardt and Michael Cullen who gave freely of their time and expertise in preparing the premises for the coming season.
After a bruising last round of questions in the table quiz last Thursday, Davy Doran & Co. emerged winners on the night whilst the ‘Daisy Cutters’, Hugh Behan, Paddy Shannon, Tommy Tyler and Larry Shannon, were the overall victors of the quiz which has now concluded until the autumn.
ST. HELEN’SLADIES
Saturday, March 25, open singles stableford: 1, Nora Kavanagh (9), 22 points; 2, Janet Slattery (12), 22 points; 3, Jo Devitt (14), 20 points.
Sunday, March 26, open singles stableford: 1, Janet Slattery (12), 18 points; 2, Nora Kavanagh (9), 14 points.