Narin & Portnoo Golf Club Notes 13th June 2011

John Quinn won the Clock Tower Medal last Sunday with a fine 70 nett. Six over on the front nine, the Narin man came back in just four over to record an excellent win. Birdies at the difficult Carraig Fada (10) and Hemmersbach’s Gap (13) offset a couple of errant scores and he had a one shot margin in the end over Pauric O’Donnell.

The club’s Ulster Cup side had a rough ride in Gracehill, losing six matches but gaining a precious point through Gerald McDwyer. The return match is eagerly awaited this weekend and with the course playing difficult at present, we hope that the lads can turn this one around and get through to the fourth round.

I was only made aware recently that the final of the 2010 Clements’ Mixed Foursomes was played in November last and that Kevin and Deirdre Patton won out for the second year in succession after a hard-earned victory over Des Turley and Eithne Devlin. Five up early on, the Strabane pairing would have been forgiven for thinking that the result was a formality, but Des and Eithne fought back brilliantly, only to lose out on seventeen. My apologies to both pairings for not documenting their match months ago.

The Donegal League side did not fair well in the away match with Gaoth Dobhair, losing out overall. The damage was done in the home leg, but the lads are to be commended for giving their all to try to retrieve the situation. We wish Gaoth Dobhair well in their next match.

The Bank Holiday Scramble saw another opportunity for ace groupings to demonstrate their abilities and Harold Reid led his charges to the narrowest of victories over P. A. Gallagher, Sean Burke and Pat McIntyre. His partners were Donie McCole and Gerald McDwyer and together they achieved six birdies and multiple pars.

The Dr. McCloskey Singles Matchplay will be drawn on July 1st. This is a club fundraiser. The entry fee of €10 per player and contact numbers should be given to the Pro Shop. The first prize is one year’s free membership.

The draw for the 2011 Clements’ Trophy Mixed Foursomes will also be made on July 1st. The entry fee is 14 euro per pair and players who don’t have a partner organized will be provided with partners for the draw.

Summer coaching for juniors resumed recently, with PGA professionals Connor Mallon and Daragh Lyons conducting lessons in three categories. These will continue every Saturday right through the summer. The time-slots are as follows: Under 10s from 2 to 3p.m.; Under 14s from 3 to 4p.m.; Under 18s from 4 to 5p.m. For Registration call 0749545107. The fee per lesson is only 5 euro per child and there are places available.

Results:
June 8: Wednesday Open: Cancelled due to adverse weather June 12: Clock Tower Medal: 1. John Quinn (13) 70; 2. Pauric O’Donnell (20) 71; 3. Paul Cooney (9) 72; Cat A Barry Doherty (12) 75; Cat B Joe Conneely (14) 73 b.o.t.; Cat C Hugo McGarrigle (23) 74; Nines: Martin Arnold (15) 33.5; Hugh Smith (22) 37 b.o.t.; C.S.S. 74; Twos: 7 balls

Fixtures:
June 19: D&D Insurance, single stableford, open; June 22: Wednesday Open, ladies and gents, single stableford, 20 euro entry for G.U.I. visitors, including green fee;