Narin & Portnoo Golf Club Notes 29th November 2011

The club has moved up the rankings in the “Golf Digest” top 100 courses of Ireland for 2012. We were the biggest mover in Donegal, moving up 8 places to 43rd and we are now in the top 25 links courses in the country. All those responsible for the improvement in our rating improvement in recent years are to be highly commended for their hard work.

The PGA Ulster Alliance rolled into Narin and Portnoo recently and the good weather was enjoyed by golfers of low and high handicaps. The two-day format saw Barrie Trainor win the Monday round with 36 points and David Hughes the following day with 41 points. The home club’s Sean Hanrahan was leading amateur on day two with 40 points.

The club’s Gaeltacht side won 6-4 at home to Cruit Island on Saturday week last, a good victory over traditionally awkward local rivals. The team captain Michael Naughton will be hoping for further good performances in the months to come so as to ensure qualification for the top four play-off the final of which will be played in Narin and Portnoo. Best of the pairings in the stableford event was that of Eamon McGill and Joseph McLoone who scored a huge 45 points. Joseph had three twos on his card, which was remarkable in itself. The next two pairings (Columba Gavigan & Anthony Thompson; Dominic Mullin & Sean McGinley) had 44 apiece, illustrating the quality of the golf on display.

The annual encounter between the ladies and gents was played in good spirits as always, though the number of golfers playing was affected by the Ardara-Glenties league final played the same afternoon. The result was a tie, so the spoils were honourably shared on the day.

Patrick Boyle of Narin was the winner of the latest Wednesday Open with 35 points off 11 handicap over 16 scoring holes. A good first nine of 21 points featured six pars and a birdie on 13 helped towards his three under par overall total. Jack McCann was the previous week’s winner with 34 points off 20 handicap. He had two shots to spare over John McBride in second and it’s good to see Jack back in the winner’s enclosure. Last Wednesday’s Open was cancelled.

Kevin McHugh and Owen Boner won the fourball played on November 13th on a break-off-tie from Michael Naughton and Gerald McDwyer. Their front nine wasn’t spectacular, with a few too many sixes littering the card. The return for home was a different matter as fours and threes predominated. Birdies on 12 and 13 by Owen were most opportune and the par from Kevin on 18 proved the winning score.

Richard Rafferty shot 40 points off 19 handicap to win the stableford on November 20th, edging out Daniel McGeehan in the process. A steady front nine was enhanced on the way home by virtue of birdies on 13 and 16 for a deserving victory.

The Pro Shop has its Christmas Sale in full swing with great bargains to be had. We are now also available on Facebook. With tips from Connor, a few photos and Facebook-only giveaways coming soon – you might just enjoy it! Why not share with your Facebook friends and help us get to 200 “followers” by Christmas! The link is: www.facebook.com/NarinPortnooGolfClub

Results:

November 20: Sunday Open
1. Richard Rafferty (19) 40; 2. Daniel McGeehan (16) 39 b.o.t.; 3. Gerald McDwyer (12) 39 b.o.t.; CSS 73; Twos: 6 balls November 16: Wednesday Open 1. Patrick Boyle (11) 35; 2. Joe Conneely (14) 34 b.o.t.; 3. P.J. Murray (20) 34;

November 13: 4BBB Stroke 1. Kevin McHugh (20) & Owen Boner (16) 73 b.o.t.; 2. Michael Naughton (15) & Gerald McDwyer (12) 73; 3. Seamus Ryan (16) & Hughie Moy (13) 74 b.o.t.; Twos: 26 balls (Mickey Campbell)

November 9: Wednesday Open 1. Jack McCann (20) 34; 2. John McBride (9) 32 b.o.t.; 3. P.J. Gallagher (9) 32 b.o.t.; Twos: 2 balls

Fixtures:

December 4: Mini-Hamper

December 7: Wednesday Open, ladies and gents, single stableford, 20 euro entry for G.U.I. visitors, including green fee;