Letterkenny Golf News
Although the threatening rain did not appear until late in the evening, golfers still had to fight against the prevailing winds which made scoring, especially against Barnhill’s “Swilly” holes on front nine, particularly tricky.
Mastering that outward nine on the day was Kevin Rafferty [6] who, with a fantastic level par gross 36 shots giving him 21pts, may have thought that all he required was a steady nine hole finish to run away with it.
But, as all golfers know, never think further than the next shot and, following two disastrous double bogeys at 10th & 11th, Kevin was left “holding on” ’till the finish line which he crossed in exasperation with a return of 36pts.
Following close on his heels was Mark Howard [14] just one point behind with 35pts.
Saturday 22nd weather was much friendlier which showed in the entries received and taking top spot on the rostrum in this Open was Cat 4 member Michael Boyd [21], finally getting back down to business following the celebrations of his “hole-in-one” from last year.
Thinking that his double bogey at 3rd may have scuttled his chances, Michael’s consistancy had him return 21pts on front nine which held him in good stead for a winning score of 40pts, despite a finish of double bogey/blank at 16th & 18th.
In runner-up spot was “Mr. Resiliance” himself Keith Spence [12] who has been showing signs of better form of late.
Despite an unusual double bogey at 6th followed by a “blank” at 7th, Keith’s fighting spirit, honed from the club’s singles’ matchplay and team performances over the years, came to the fore and a level par inward nine of 36 gross shots, 24pts gave him a total of 39pts.
Relegated to third place on that B.O.T. was Kenny King [8] also on 39pts.
A special mention this week again to one of our younger members, this time Finnian O’ Doherty [1].
Although still young enough to be referred to by older members as a “young ‘un”, Finnian’s experience is well beyond his age and his prowess and course management around many courses has been proved many times over and over again.
Finnian’s return of one under par 71 gross shots around Barnhill on Saturday was a tremendous return to “home” soil, put together with birdies at 2nd, 11th, 16th & 18th, with blemishes at par three 8th [double bogey] and a bogey at 17th.
Outward nine count-back was one over par 37 shots whilst inward nine was a fighting two under gross 34 shots for a return of 38pts. Welcome back Finnian!!
Sunday 23rd confined competition was won by Cat 2 handicapper Rory Kenny [11].
Rory’s great start of birdie at 1st was unfortunately eroded by double bogeys at both 7th & 8th, with a repeat performance on back nine of birdie at 14th followed by double bogey at 15th, but Rory still managed a return of 40pts to pip runner-up Peter Mc Ginty [18] by one point.
Peter has been no stranger to the presentation nights this year so far, and, despite a double bogey being recorded at 1st, showed his fighting qualities to finish the back nine on 20pts for an overall 39pts and relegate single figure handicapper Don Ponsonby [6] to third spot on B.O.T.
Don’s birdies at 1st & 6th helped him return a great one under par gross front nine [35 shots], 22pts, whilst his double bogey five at par three 13th probably cost him the overall winner’s spot.
Gross prize was won by Gerard Duffy [5] with 30 gross pts.
Congratulations to James Cullen on following in, and indeed exceeding, many of his peers and pros in scoring that elusive “hole-in-one” that so many of us dream of. James attained his feat at the par three 5th hole in Barnhill last week. Congratulations James!
Dates for the Diary:
The club’s Christmas Hamper will be played for on Saturday 6th December. Online booking now available.
Letterkenny Golf Club’s A.G.M. will be held on Thursday 11th December.
CAT 4: With over thirty names now on the sheet, convenor Gerry O’ Sullivan is proud to announce that the Cat. 4 Christmas Hamper will take place on Sunday 7th December.
This is not a “draw” entry so competitors can book their own tee- time with their own chosen playing partners.
TURKEY TROT:
There will be a confined 11 [eleven] hole “Turkey Trot” competition every day from Monday-Friday [incl.]. Entry fee @ €3.00. Re-entry anytime @ €3.00. Tee-off from 1st hole only.
Unfortunately, it is coming near that time of year when the dreaded winter “mats” will need to be introduced.
We have been very lucky so far, due to the magnificent condition that our greenkeepers have kept our course, but in order to keep it as “healthy” as possible, mats will be used as soon as necessary in the forthcoming days.
As usual, the date for the cessation of the use of mats will be, weather permitting, St. Patrick’s Day Open 2015.
HAVE YOU SIGNED UP?
Letterkenny Golf Club’s newly launched Online Lotto’s third draw took place on Wednesday 19th and, although there was no Jackpot winner, two lotto members who smiled happily were Karen Speer & Michael Collum, winners of the “lucky dip” prizes of €50 each.
Congratulations to you both! The Lotto draw takes place every Wednesday evening, closing time for entries at 6pm Wednesday, and entry page can be found on club website, www.letterkennygolfclub.com and follow the prompts.
Thank you for playing and please continue to encourage your fellow members, friends & family to play our Club Lotto.
“Never practice more than three clubs at a time.
Concentrate hard on every shot and stop as soon as you are hitting them perfectly.
Tags: