Letterkenny Golf News:
The golfing week teed-off once again with the Monday evening Cat 4 competition and, despite the galeforce winds sweeping the Barnhill fairways, Gerry O's band of "hardy bucks" showed up in strength and taking top spot for the 11 hole competition was Garvan Mc Gahey with 20pts.
With the large turnout on Wednesday 13th, it was obvious that a lot of practicing was being done for the club classic on the coming Saturday and showing his potential for the future was visitor Martin Duffy [23] coming home in first place by virtue of B.O.T on 39pts. Starting with three pars on the card, Martin played conservatively to record his victory over runner-up Darragh Heaney [14] who, following a birdie at par 3 fifth, then proceeded to "blank" the par 3 eighth, but still recorded an outward nine score of 22pts. Unfortunately, two double bogeys on back nine left him struggling for enough points to win outright. In third place was the ever present Kenny King [7] who, following his birdie at 1st with a disastrous double bogey at 2nd, steadied the swing to record further birdies at 8th, 16th and 18th for a return of 37pts. Gross on the day was won by competition stalwart Eamonn Mc Glinchey [6] with 32 gross points.
One of the biggest team events in any club, the Club Classic, took place on Saturday 16th at Letterkenny GC and indeed proved to be the biggest classic to date with over forty teams of four taking to the beautifully manicured fairways of Barnhill. Indeed, the praise from the many visitors on the condition of the course, and especially the greens, is very much appreciated by the club and it's members. Gratefully and enthusiastically sponsored by Browns on the Green Restaurant, resident at Letterkenny Golf Club, the multitude of prizes were very well received and none more so than first prize which was won by the Mc Gettigan's "Gala" team from Station R'bout, Letterkenny, captained by the resiliant Clive Davison and ably accompanied by Odhran and Conor Mc Gettigan and Eddie Mc Hugh. With two scores counting, each player served their purpose but I'm sure that they will remember the three birdies posted by captain Clive on 2nd, 15th and 16th [not to mention his eagle attempt on 18th] which gave them a total of 97pts on the day and a five point margin over the second placed "Swilly Drive" team of Kieran Sweeney, Noel Sweeney, Liam Sweeney and Martin Kelly who finished on 92pts. Best Ladies team were Marion O' Sullivan, Tracey Spence, Bridie Gildea and Pauline Curley on 78pts and best Gents team was Ed Margey, Jimmy Gleeson, Paddy O' Gorman and Denis O' Donnell with 89pts. Ladies longest drive, Celine Bradley; Ladies nearest the pin, Kathleen Gallagher; Men's longest drive, Chris Duffy; Men's nearest the pin, Liam Sweeney.
Sunday 17th confined competition saw two of the club's Cat 4 members take top three placings and top of the tree was Martin Doherty [27] with 43pts. With a handfull of pars on the card, Martin's steady fairway play gave him a winning 22pts on back nine, a two point margin over Colin Mc Intyre [16] who wiped away a "blank" at 7th with a birdie at 11th for a 23pts inward nine. In third place was Paul Mc Guckian [24] with 37pts.
Congratulations to the club's Fred Daly team who won their first match of 2015 season in defeating a resilient Rathmore GC side 7&1/2 matches to 6&1/2. Leading 5 matches to 2 from the home leg,
Rathmore's resilience proved stronger than expected but the lads eventually came through this tough encounter. Commiserations are offered to the Ulster Fourball and the Mixed Foursomes teams who failed to progress in their respective competitions.
Friday 22nd the club will host the Letterkenny Chamber Classic. Still a few spots available so phone now to book your team on 07491-21115. A club competition will take place on Saturday until 1pm from which time the club will then host the St. Eunan's GAA classic. Sunday 24th will see the Seamus Clinton PGA Professional Open and on Wednesday 27th we have the Mc Ginley Motors sponsored Open. Members are reminded that those who have not yet paid subs or agreed DD or have spoken to subs convenor Dermot Condon, will forfeit any winning prizes.
A reminder to all members that personal insurance is now available through the golf club for the meagre sum of only €20! Anyone interested in taking out insurance should apply their name on the sheet provided in the locker room or contact club Captain, Gerard Duffy.
Pic Captions:
The Mc Gettigan's Gala team, Letterkenny,