Narin & Portnoo Golf Club Notes 9th August 2011

Vice-captain, Pat Connaghan teamed up with Willie Quinn to win this year’s Spring Foursomes title after a hard-fought battle with Hughie Moore and P.J. Gallagher. It always looked a tough one to call and after 18 holes of this every-other-shot matchplay contest, the pairings could not be separated. On it went, with the eventual victors winning on the 20th hole. For both golfers, it’s their first win in this format and they will prove a difficult pairing to dethrone in 2012.
John McBride continues to excel, winning the latest Wednesday Open by three points from Fr. Adrian Gavigan in second. The former garda birdied the 2nd following fine approach play and ten pars and a birdie later (on 12), there could be no doubt about the merits of his success.

Joseph Shovlin hits a ball like no other, a hammer blow that Thor would appreciate. Added to this prowess is guile around the greens and he demonstrated his all-round talent on Sunday during the Killybegs Golf society stableford. Five pars on the outward nine laid a fine foundation for a good score, but where others wilted on the return, Joseph stepped up a gear, birdying 10 and parring five other holes for a worthy success.

The fourball scramble last Monday week saw Conor Sharkey, Connell Cooke, Lauren Patton and Lisa Patton record 11 birdies and an eagle on 10 en route to a tally of 55.8. The scoring was so good that Harold Reid’s team’s ten birdies couldn’t even get them on the podium!

Our over-50s senior team under the captaincy of James Quinn negotiated the semi-final of the county matchplay, defeating Bundoran over two legs. Four pairings were victorious, while the fifth were called in, as the result was not in doubt. It was a fine performance and one which bodes well for the final against opponents still to be decided. The gallant team members on Friday were: W. Quinn & E. McGill; C. O’Kane & P. Boyle; F. Kennedy & S. Cafferty; M. Nicholson & J. Quinn; S. Ryan & C. Keeney.

Our Ulster Cup team received a bye into the semi-final following the withdrawal of Foyle from the competition. It’s our first semi-final in 21 years and a great boost for everyone at the club.

Finally, we congratulate our professional, Connor Mallon and his wife on the birth of their daughter last weekend.

Results:
August 7: Killybegs Golf Society
1. Joseph Shovlin (14) 41; 2. Eddie Gregg (9) 39; 3. D.J. Campbell (12) 38 b.o.t.; Cat A Richard Shepherd (11) 38 b.o.t.; Cat B Adrian Maguire (14) 37; Cat C John Callaghan (19) 38 b.o.t.; Nines: Frankie Kennedy (11) 23; Tony Patton (18) 21; CSS 73; Twos: 4 balls
August 3: Wednesday Open
1. John McBride (9) 42; 2. Fr. Adrian Gavigan (9) 39; 3. Colm McFadden (19) 38; CSS 72; Twos: 9 balls each; 146 played
August 1: Fourball Scramble
1. Conor Sharkey (8) Connell Cooke (3) Lauren Patton (14) Lisa Patton (17) 55.8 (11 birdies & an eagle on 10); 2. Henry Cahill (8) Henry Cahill Snr. (22) Carmel Cahill (8) Ruth Cahill (27) 56.5; 3. Shane Whittington (13) Sean Whyte (11) Don Earley (9) Pauric McHugh (10) 58.7;
July 25-27: 3 Club Challenge (Lough Erne, Donegal, Narin & Portnoo)
1. Declan Devine team (Newtownstewart) 100, 96, 92 288;

Fixtures:
August 14: Monthly medal sponsored by Co-Lab
August 17: Wednesday Open, ladies and gents, single stableford, 20 euro entry for G.U.I. visitors, including green fee;