Arrival of spring gives local golfers more time on course
Spring arrived on Thursday February 1 and we could not believe it. Last week, the course remained open for the whole week non-stop up to and including Sunday February 4. And what a taste of summer golf we got, particularly last Tuesday, January 30. But it did not last long, however, as evidenced at the end of last week.
Fair Green TV Winter League
The Winter League is rolling along quite nicely now, and very competitive it is too. At time of going to print, no recent update to the league tables was available. See hereunder for current standings, at the end of Week 14 (of 19 weeks):
Category 1:
1. Adam Conroy (9) 256 points
2. Andrew Maslin (8) 253 points
3. John Plunkett (9) 249 points
4. Joe Kelly (9) 237 points.
Category 2:
1. Rodney Martin (15) 260 points
2. Finian Whelehan (11) 250 points
3. Ger O’Sullivan (16) 232 points
4. Vincent Dolan (15) 229 points.
Category 3:
1. Niall Conroy (18) 269 points
2. John Traynor (21) 242 points
3. John Ahern (18) 237 points
4. John O’Toole (17) 227 points.
Category 4:
1. Mark Gavin (25) 238 points
2. Amby Walkin (24) 233 points
3. Pat Layde (33) 231 points
4. Willie Geraghty (22) 212 points.
Well played and best of luck to one and all in the run-in to the final. The current week is week 16 (Sunday Feb 4 – Saturday Feb 10).
The final will be decided on Saturday, March 23, with tee times between 1pm and 1:30pm.
Many thanks again to our generous sponsor Mick McCarthy of Fairgreen TV.
Sunday competition
Last Sunday, February 4, saw 85 competitors keenly compete in a 15-hole singles stableford
Sweepstake, sponsored by the Men’s Branch. We may be into spring, but weather-wise, this was a blustery winter’s day, so typical of February. The course was soft underfoot and the place was clean, which is only right and proper. Nonetheless the loss of a plugged ball was always going to be a concern.
In such conditions, it was surely an imperative for playing partners to step back behind each player to watch the flight of the ball off the tee, if not elsewhere. Apart from the obvious advantage of assisting with finding wayward balls, this practice also helps greatly to maintain pace of play.
Results for each category were as follows:
Category 1:
1. Patrick Curran (8) 30 points
2. Joe Kelly 29 points
3. John Plunkett 29 points.
Category 2:
1. Dermot Kiernan (17) 32 points
2. Eamonn Shaw 31 points
3. Mick McCarthy 31 points.
Category 3:
1. Michael Gilmartin (19) 37 points
2. Mark Gavin 35 points
3. Brian Conlon 33 points.
Congratulations to all the winners.
Scratch Matchplay
The number of group stage matches completed to date is just 6 out of 48. The introduction of this competition was a great idea and added lots of excitement for all the good golfers in our club. It is a pity that it must be played through such an awful winter as we have had to endure. Even so, it would be great to see the remaining matches completed, to see who will have the bragging rights going into the summer season. Best of luck to all the competitors.
Next week’s competitions
Seniors on Tuesday February 6
Winter League continues, with the current week being Week 16 (Sun 4th – Sat 10th Feb).
Scratch Matchplay group matches to be progressed.
Sunday February 11 will be singles stableford played over 15 holes and will again be sponsored by the Men’s Branch. (Playing handicap limit of 28.)
Ladies branch notes
On the last Wednesday of January there was a great turnout of 60 ladies ready to compete in our nine hole competition kindly sponsored by Rosemary Nolan. The winner on the day was Jackie Mills (12) with a great score of 21 points. In second place was Kay Browne (11) with a fantastic 20 points. Third place was Moira Roe (17) with another great score with 19 points. The Senior winner was Sylvia Tormey (15) and Super Senior winner was Ber Chambers (19) with 16 points. Congratulations to all our Competitors and good luck to all our competitors for the season ahead.
Our thanks to Rosemary Nolan for her very generous sponsorship of our 9 hole Stableford Competition.
Pharmed Winter League
There are currently plenty of matches being played. We look forward to the results of the qualifying teams. Well done to all who have played their matches in wintry conditions.
Please bear in mind there has been an extension given until February 25 for our Pharmed Winter League matches. Best of Luck to all competitors in their matches.
February fixtures
7th February – Ladies 9 hole Stableford kindly sponsored by Nancy Cooney.
14th February – Ladies 9 hole Stableford kindly sponsored by Jean Bennett.
21st February – Ladies 12 hole Stableford kindly sponsored by Siobhan O’Donnell Murphy.
28th February - Ladies 12 hole Stableford kindly sponsored by Miriam Finn.
Alternate dates Saturday and Sunday.
Whether you are a seasoned Golfer or a newcomer to our club, please support each other and enjoy the game.
We look forward to seeing you all on the course.
Other News
Making Memories
The first of February marks the start of spring and we now get to enjoy a recently added bank holiday to our calendar. Last Thursday saw a group of our lady members head off to see The Drifters play in concert. When many of these Ladies joined MGC they arrived with the intention of learning how to play golf.
This outing is another great example of what the sport of golf does, it helps form bonds and friendships that extend beyond the fairways. Our shared love of golf has created lasting connections among our members.