Narin & Portnoo Golf Notes 20th April 2009

The April presentation of prizes will take place on Sunday, April 26th at 8p.m. The main prize-winners of the following competitions should be in attendance or represented: Ulster Bank Medal, Kilcar G.A.A., Brennan’s Bread, J. Kelly & Sons, Stranorlar, Keltic Hygiene, Donegal Oil Medal, Easter Monday Scramble and the Nesbitt Arms Hotel Holmpatrick Cup.

The club sympathises with Conal Eamonn Gillespie on the recent death of his brother, John. Go ndeana Dia trócaire ar a anam dílis. We also remember with affection the late journalist, Jack Magowan, whose articles enriched Ulster sport for so many years. His excellent article on the club in the Belfast Telegraph last year resulted from an enjoyable visit he paid to the club and his yarns and observations then were keen and memorable. We sympathise with all his family and friends.

The draws for the three club matchplay competitions have been made and details may be found on the club website or by ringing the Pro Shop. The closing date for the first round of each event is May 11th.

The club hosted Grace Hill in the first round of the Ulster Cup and as in previous years, the result was not wholly convincing. Four and a half matches were won but the club now need a big performance on the parkland course this weekend in order to progress. Result of the day was that of Pauric McHugh who won seven holes up with six to play. The other winners were Seamus McDonagh, Declan Gallagher and Sean Hanrahan, while Frankie Kennedy battled for a half. Conal Keeney and Connie McGinley battled hard but were up against in-form players and had to give way on the day.

Denis Carbery completed an amazing double last week, winning the Wednesday Open with an excellent 41 points and teaming up on Sunday with Dominic Mullin to massacre the field in the annual Holmpatrick Cup sponsored by The Nesbitt Arms Hotel. The latter performance in particular had members scratching their pates in disbelief. The Killybegs duo won the fourball betterball by seven shots, a most remarkable winning margin, especially considering the size of the field. No score higher than a four was recorded on their front nine, with Dominic’s eagle at the second counting as a nett albatross! A single six was the highest score recorded on the arguably tougher back nine, leaving a nett score of 60 which consisted of five threes, ten fours, two fives and a solitary six.

Whereas Dominic and Denis dovetailed superbly on Sunday, Wednesday was all about the latter golfer. His disquiet at reaching a double digit handicap for the first time in years was all the inspiration he needed to shoot a gross score of five over par, trimming the handicap back to nine. Birdies at seven, thirteen and seventeen were complemented by pars at seven other holes for a total score of 41 points.

The junior camps were a great success and have left the youngsters hungry for more! The buzz about the place was electric and we hope that they all keep that naïve enthusiasm, even when, like myself, they learn how to shank, pull, rib and socket! We also wish the Killybegs Society the best of luck on their Florida jaunt. The resident alligators had better beware!

Results:

April 15: 1. Denis Carbery (10) 41; 2. Michael McGinley (19) 40 b.o.t.; 3. Hugh Boyle (20) 40; C.S.S. 72; Twos: 4 balls each

April 19: 1. Denis Carbery & Dominic Mullin 60; 2. Columba Gavigan & Patrick Gallagher 67 b.o.t.; 3. Kevin Patton & John Moore 67 b.o.t.

Fixtures:

The details of upcoming competitions may be viewed on the club website. A fixture card for both gents and ladies is also available in the Pro Shop.

April 26: Clonleigh Co-op single stableford, Open

April 29: Wednesday Open, ladies and gents, single stableford, 15 euro entry for G.U.I. visitors including green fee