CAPTAIN'S BLOG - NEWS

The final of the Arthur Brassey Trophy for handicap Match Play was contested in absolutely perfect conditions on Sunday. Successfully fighting their way through a congested field of 32 well known and competent  golfers, Brian Hanrahan and Tony Rourke emerged as the worthy finalists. Hitting off at 12.30pm to the roar of the gallery, they proceeded down the first where Tony won the hole. Although Brian played some magnificent shots, Tony was on his game and admitted he had never played better. Tony was never headed and the game came to a conclusion on the 13th green, won by Tony with a birdie. Brian has been a stalwart and ever present combatant in all our competition and has been the successful winner on many occasions in his illustrious golfing career and can hold his head high. Tony, a newer member of the club admitted he had only ever won a minor "trophy" event with his son at another club several years ago and had success in winning the "Golden David" for being the most successful player in this year's White Horse Cup" however, this was his first ever individual golf trophy he had been awarded. Margaret confirmed, it was a very nervous Tony on Sunday morning, waiting for the start of the game. Congratulations to all players in this event which is one of the highlights of the club's calendar and in particular, Tony and Brian. The sign up sheet for the J.W.Draper Handicap Foursomes Match Play is in the Pro shop and anyone can win. Get a partner and sign up.
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The Club Foursomes Championship for the Tom McKay Trophy were played yesterday, Sunday, in very windy conditions. The combatants, Sam & John Mulholland pitted their skills against Jim Phillips and Tony Fitzpatrick over 36 holes commencing at 8.30am.  Although John and Sam had the best of it in the first 18 holes, finishing 5 holes up at the turn, Tony and Jim  fought back to get within two at the 16th with two to go. The Mulholland's finished off with regulation golf on the hole to win the match. The driving of both Sam and Tony were a highlight, as they both hit an exceptionally long drive. With the steadying influence of John and Jim around the green, they all combined to make the match a most enjoyable and worthy competition for the Championship. Although an ordinary day by weather standards, it did not keep the crowds away and there were several in the gallery cheering them on. Congratulations to John and Sam, their first win together and also to the Championship Runners up, Tony and Jim on great effort.

The J.M. Stanford Trophy is a Crystal Decanter for excellence in a Handicap PAR round and this year was won by intrepid relentless member, Brian Hanrahan, with a +2 score on a count back, from new member Chris Barry. Although a large number of members voice their adverse opinion concerning PAR events, including myself, it is usually those members who fail to rise to the occasion. PAR can be ruthless, as there is no forgiveness or softening of the score as we have in stableford, for not achieving your handicap and it only rewards those players who are consistent in their game. As in any competition, the cream rises to to top. Well done Brian and congratulations to Chris, who will be a force to contend with in the future.