Official Newsletter of Saint Patrick Golf Club, Downpatrick. APRIL 2016 Vol 1 No 2 NEW INCUMBENTS TAKE OFFICE AT SAINT PATRICK S AFTER AGM

Transcription

1 SAINT PATRICK S WORD Official Newsletter of Saint Patrick Golf Club, Downpatrick. APRIL 2016 Vol 1 No 2 NEW INCUMBENTS TAKE OFFICE AT SAINT PATRICK S AFTER AGM Mr Gerry Killen (Captain 2016) Mrs Assunta Morgan (Lady Captain 2016) Mrs Geraldine Grey (President 2016/17)

2 From the Club Captain, Gerry Killen. It is a great honour and privilege to have been elected as your Captain for 2016.I would first of all like to thank Immediate Past Captain Brendan and his predecessor Gerry Reilly for their tremendous help and encouragement to me as vice captain and I look forward to their continued support in the year ahead. Since joining Council three years ago I have come to fully appreciate the commitment and hard work of all the members who gave their skills and time on a voluntary basis to help to run the club which in fact is a 700k per year business. I would like to welcome new Council members,vice Captain Denis Tumelty, Treasurer,Brian Feeney and Membership Convenor,Paul McCrissican.I look forward to working with them and indeed all Council members in the coming year. The development of a 3 year business plan will assist in keeping Council focused on what needs to be done to move the club forward and improve the facilities and ultimately improve the golfing experience of all our members and visitors.it is my hope that we can implement the objectives outlined in the business plan and would ask members to support Council in their endeavours to achieve this is another historic year for our club with the election of our first ever female President. I would like to congratulate Geraldine on her election and look forward to working with her in the coming year. I know that she will be a great ambassador for our club. The outstanding achievement of our Juveniles last year in competitive golf has set the bar at a high level and I look forward to building on that success in the year ahead. I would like to wish our Juvenile Convenor Conor every success in the coming year and would ask any members who have a few free hours to volunteer to assist Conor during the summer months with the juvenile section. These young people are the future of the club and we need to do all we can to encourage them and develop their golfing skills. I would like to thank all the Team Captains for 2016, for volunteering to lead the various teams. I fully appreciate the amount of time and effort that goes into getting teams together and organising matches. I wish you and your teams every success and look forward to meeting you all and will endeavour to attend as many matches as I can during the season to lend my support. The Ladies section within the club continues to grow from strength to strength and I would like to congratulate Lady Captain Assunta on her election to office and look forward to sharing a successful year with her. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the outgoing lady secretary Anne Taggart for all her hard work over the past number of years and to wish her every success in the future. I welcome the incoming lady Secretary Carmel Hanvey and am confident Carmel will bring a new enthusiasm to the ladies section and I look forward to working with her.. My nominated charity for the year is the Mid Down MS Support Group.This is a local charity which is very close to me and my family. It is run by local people for local people who are affected by MS and I would ask members to support this worthwhile cause in whatever way they can. I have left some collection tins in the clubhouse and the golf shop and will be seeking sponsorship for my charity day on the 9 th September. My overall target is to raise 3,000 for the Group. If I raise more than this amount I will donate it to Daisy Lodge which the club also supports. All donations will be much appreciated. Unfortunately on my first day in office I learned that our Bar & House manager Aidan had resigned.aidan has decided that it is time for him to move on to new challenges in his life and I would personally like to thank him for the significant contribution he has made to the club over the past 18 months and to wish him every success in the future. Finally I would like to thank all those members who have congratulated me and sent me best wishes for my year in office. I look forward to meeting as many members as possible throughout the year and would like to wish you all a very successful and more importantly enjoyable golfing year. Remember, golf is only a game. Captain Gerry

3 IMAGES FROM THE AGM s

4 SAINT PATRICK S HOSTS PING PGA Ulster Golfers Alliance IN MARCH. THORNTON CONTINUES HIS DOMINANCE AT St PATRICK WITH ANOTHER GOOD WIN. It was back to business as usual for Simon Thornton at St Patrick's Golf Club, yesterday, as he past the post first for the sixth time in seven tournamants, after having to settle for second place last month, writes Tony McGee. The Royal County Down player posted a four-under-par 65 in the final qualifier in The Race to Concra after one of the yo-yo rounds of the season. Thornton pencilled in seven birdies and three bogeys with only eight regulation scores on his card but it was enough to push Phil Farrell; into second place, just one stroke back. Thornton birdies at the second hole, where he got upand-down from greenside sand for a three, and short fourth, with an eight iron to four feet, were offset by bogeys at one and five. He drove into trees off the first tee and three-stabbed the fifth green. A six-footer rolled in for birdie three at the sixth hole and he finished his outward run with a 20-footer, for another three, to turn in two-under-par 33. The normal tour player glued two more birdies back-toback at long 12 and par four 13 but missed the green at the short 14 th for bogey. However, he shot down his fifth birdie three at the 17 th hole where he got home in two putts from 25 feet, for a home run of two-under-32. Shandon Park 22-handicapper Laurence Hales carded a super 44 points to win the amateurs' nett prize while Colm McIlroy, who plays off three at Holywood, won the gross award with 33 points. The Shandon Park team of pro Barry Wilson and amateurs Jules Wilson (20), Phil Porter (8) and Laurence Hales (22) took the top team prize on 102 points. This was the last qualifier in the Race to Concra where the final will be played on April 4. The qualifiers will be announced today. PGA Ulster Golfers' Alliance 'Race to Concra' Final Qualifier at St Patrick's Professionals: 65 (-4) S Thornton (Royal County Down). 66 P Farrell (Laganview Golf Centre). 68 N Murray (Massereene), S Donnelly (Castle Hume). 69 D Mooney (Nevada Bob's Belfast), G Graham (Groomsport Golf Centre). Amateurs: Nett, 44 pts L Hales 22 (Shandon Pk). 42 J Templeton 13 (Donaghadee). 40 V McCaffrey 12 (Massereene) 3 rd ; 40 C Turley 9 (Clandeboye) 4 th. Gross, 33 pts - C McIlroy 3 (Holywood). Team 102 pts Pro B Wilson with amateurs J Wilson 20, P Porter 8 & L Hales 22 (all Shandon Pk).

5 From the VICE-CAPTAIN DENIS TUMELTY It is both a privilege and an honour to be Vice Captain of Saint Patrick s Golf Club. I would like to take this opportunity to wish Lady Captain Assunta Morgan, President Geraldine Gray, Captain Gerard Killen and all the Teams and their Captains representing Saint Patricks Golf Club the very best of luck for the year ahead. I look forward to meeting every one on the course or in the club house. Denis Tumelty

6 NIGHT AT THE RACES A GREAT SUCESS Saint Patrick's Golf Club takes delivery off a new Greens Iron, partly funded by members John Cusack, Stephen Savage, Robbie Hutton, Denis Tumelty and Aidan Robinson running A night off the Races Included in the photo Saint Patrick's Golf Club Professional Golfer Robbie Hutton, Head Green Keeper Emmet Curran and Vice Captain Denis Tumelty.

7 BAR and HOUSE REPORT Gerry Reilly (Convenor) Members Update On behalf of Council and the Bar and House committee I want to extend a warm thank you to Aidan Robinson who after 18 months in our employ has decided to leave us for pastures new on next Friday 29th April. We are indebted to Aidan for his leadership and stewardship of the bar and catering departments within the club. No task was too small and everything he did was carried out with consummate professionalism. We wish him well for whatever the future brings him and I have no doubt that he will be a success in whatever he does. In the interim period we will be actively seeking a competent replacement and this may take us a bit of time. During this transition I would ask members and visitors for your tolerance and patience while we put new structures in place. Further, I think it is worth advising you that we will take this opportunity to review our provision of bar and catering departments which will inevitably lead to some changes. As soon as this becomes evident I will keep you apprised Gerry Reilly Bar and House Convenor

8 The LADIES SECTION Lady Captain:- Mrs Assunta Morgan Lady Vice Captain:- Mrs Anne Roden Handicap Secretary:- Mrs Yvonne Posnett Lady Secretary:- Mrs Carmel Hanvey LADIES SECTION COMPETITION RESULTS Gerry Carson Memorial(sponsor-Mrs R Carson) 1 st -Alison Rooney 2 nd - Phylis Cranston April 7 th (sponsors E Mullan&MFitzsimons) 1 st -E Mullan 2 nd -C Finn April 14 th (sponsors C Fitzsimons& M Magee)-1 st -Y Posnett 2 nd -P McCormick April 21 st (Greensomes) 1 st -C Finn&M Fitzsimons 2 nd -J Elliott&S Heaney Team News Challenge Cup Team defeated Kilkeel home and away and are through to next round Minor Cup Team were beaten at home by Lurgan. Away fixture-sun 1 st May Junior foursomes-beaten home and away by Spa Intermediate team-halved match at home to Bangor. Away Sun 1 st May Drumlin Shield- away at Ardglass on 3 rd May Gardencare Open 21 st May.- There has been a great interest in this competition and already over 90 names on booking sheet. Gardencare have added a lawnmower for a hole-in-one to the already impressive list of prizes. Lady Captains Away Day- Dunmurray 6 th July. The Ladies Section is currently enjoying the Presentations of Dr Denis McBrinn on Thursday evenings on the subject of Golfing Success and The Power of the Mind. Watch this space for big scores in the coming season!!! Saint Patricks GC Minor Cup team, won 1n 1/2 matches in first round!! Lurgan 3 n 1/2. Return match at Lurgan Sunday 1st May. Team captain Eileen Mullen.

9 GREENS REPORT (APRIL) Phil Posnett (Convenor) In our first month as the new Greens committee I hope the members will see some of the policy changes we have put in place. The new committee for 2016 will be, myself as convenor, David Gibson, Ernest Kenmore, Liam Higgins, Lawrence Craig and Elizabeth Mageean representing the Ladies. In attendance will be our head greenkeeper Emmett Curran. The committee is concerned, as at all golf clubs, the age profile of membership is increasing therefore we will be putting into effect, generally wider fairways and shorter carries to the fairways from the tees. We feel that with less rough this will make the course more player friendly, will bring more into play some of our best hazards, the trees, and will of course still present the lower handicaps with the best challenge. Many of you have commented favourably on the job we have done in removing the trees on the right of the 10th hole and when the fairway is cut right up to the water hazard on the right it will bring the same more into play. Over a period of time the removal of the bunkers on the left of the ninth has caused some discussion, I feel I need to point out what the main thinking in this is. The original designs of this hole did not have any bunkers and the main hazard were to be the trees, we now have extended the fairway out on the left and this will have the effect of bringing these trees into play. I very much hope that members will now see the original idea of the hole and play it as was the original ethos of the hole. One other long term item the committee will be looking at over the next few months is the removal of some other trees that are no longer in play and also clearing room around the more natural trees on the course allowing them to flourish and therefore come more into play. I hope you all like the efforts that your committee and staff are making on your behalf and I will of course keep you all informed of our plans in these pages as the season progresses. Phil Posnett (Greens Convenor, St Patrick s GC)

10 VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED Our head greenkeeper Emmett would like a few volunteers to help with divoting and coring on Tuesday 3rd May and Monday 9th May 2016 Any Members who would be willing to help with some of this light work please report to Emmett at the Greenkeeping complex at 1.00pm on Tuesday 3rd and 8.00am on Monday the 9th May 2016.

11 COMPETITIONS MAY Su 1 MURPHY JEWELLERS M 2 OPEN MIXED SINGLES [LG] T 5 PEGGY NELSON [S FORD] S 7 NORTHERN FINANCE OPEN Su 8 PIERCE PURCELL QUALIFYING [CC] T 12 NANCY DICKSON [STROKE] S 14 MAGEE 4 BALL QUALIFYING Su 15 MAGEE 4 BALL QUALIFYING T 19 GREENSOMES PINK DAY S 21 GARDENCARE LADIES OPEN Su 22 EAMON KEARNEY [GOY 3 STROKE] Tu 24 PRESIDENT S TEE TIME BALLOT 8pm T 26 PGA QUALIFYING S 28 DOWNPATRICK LION S OPEN Su 29 CLUB SINGLES M 30 OPEN MIXED G SOMES LADIES WEEKEND 9 HOLES Further details will be posted in Ladies Locker room. JUNE T 2 PRESIDENT S LADIES PRIZE [S FORD] F 3 PAUL MAGEEAN MEM OPEN S 4 PRESIDENT S DAY [P] Su 5 OPEN 4 PERSON TEAM [LG] T 9 LOCKE CUP STROKE (INGLENOOK CUP) S 11 M.B McGRADY OPEN Su 12 FORD IN GOLF TROPHY T 16 DAISY FERGUSON F SOMES [S FORD] S 18 DANNY MORGAN MEM TROPHY Su 19 BoTL OPEN SINGLES Tu 21 CAPTAIN S TEE TIME BALLOT T 23 LADY CAPTAIN S CHARITY OPEN S 25 DOWN WINDOWS SYSTEMS OPEN Su 26 SUMMER MEDAL [GOY 4 STROKE] LADIES and GENTS FIXTURE LIST FOR MARCH AND APRIL 2016 CLUB SPONSORS FOR 2016 Our Thanks to: B Feeney & Co Solicitors Down Window Systems M. B McGrady & Co Chartered Accountants Northern Financial Premier Electrics RJ & SE Scullion LLP Heaney School of Motoring Strangford Fuels Gardencare at DFG The Golf Hut Magee Family Maranco Builders (Dundrum) Frank McCann Carole Toner Geraldine Magill & Ethna Moore Anne McCormick & Doreen Cranston Cate Finn Alastair Killen Colette Fitzsimons Mary Magee The Carson Family Complete Window Systems McCann Pharmacy C Wellan Eileen Mullen & Martina Fitzsimons Phylis Cranston & Jacqui Elliott Eamon McGrady Accountant Anne Roden & Anne Teggart Angela Kenmore & Pearl Gick A Dunlop Agricultural Machinery (Balloo) We also have a number of sponsors who wish to remain anonymous Tu 28 THE CAPTAIN S GUEST DAY 1.30pm] [SG 2.00pm] T 30 CAPTAIN S PRIZE FOR LADIES SLOW PLAY DON T BE GUILTY

12 COMPETITION RESULTS APRIL 2016 HUT OPEN (2/4/16) 1. Stephen Love Paddy Wood Ethan Press David Watson 40 G. Barry Fitzsimons 66 Cat 1 - Paul Fitzsimons 37 Cat 2 - Mal McGrady 38 Cat 3 - Andy McMenemin 40 Cat 4 - The Captain 35 Captain's Singles (3/4/16) 1. Barry Toner Michael Gracey Stephen McAneney 35 Saturday Masters Team (9/4/16) 1. Liam Higgins, Michael O'Reilly, Robert Connolly Paddy Flynn Daniel Teggart, Ryan Teggart, Paul Brannigan, Colin Craig 95 (47/48) Sunday Masters 4 Ball (10/4/16) 1. Colm Brendan and Aidan O'Prey Philip Traynor and Stephen Shields Damien Carson and Gérard McStay 44 Final Winter Sweep (13/4/16) 1 GERRY REILLY 37 PTS 2 TONY TOTTON 37 3 MARCUS CRICHTON 36 4 PADDY FLYNN 35 5 GERARD McSTAY 34 6 ADRIAN CARSON 34 GOLFER OF THE YEAR: WINNER GERRY REILLY TOTAL 209 PTS Fred Daly Singles (16/4/16) 1 Malachy Laird 40 Pts 2 Eamon Tumelty 40 3 John Cochrane 40 G Barry Fitzsimons 69 Cat.1 David Beswick 38 Cat 2 Paul Galloway 38 Cat 3 Michael George 39 Cat 4 John Passmore 34 Martin Vance Trophy (17/4/16) 1 Conor McMenimin 62 Nett 2 Darragh Cotter 63 3 Stefan Mason 64 Gross Barry Fitzsimons 71 Cat 1 Chris Prior 70 Cat 2 Raymond McCormick 66 Cat 3 Jordon Carson 64 Cat 4 Gerard Hanna 71 Mick O Reilly Trophy (20/4/16) 1. Michael George Barry McAteer Andy McMenemin 41 G. Conor Deegan 66 Cat 1. Anthony Carson Conor McMenemin Denis Tumelty The Captain 40 Mick O'Reilly trophy has been won by Barry McAteer with 41 points. (Having played in 8 or more winter Wednesday Competitions) 4 Man Scramble (23/4/16) 1. C Prior, M Carson, R Magee, P Fitzsimons A Magee, P Magee, M McKenna, J Gallagher 54.9 Sunday Foursomes (24/4/16) 1. B Madine & S Laird G McStay & P McCrissican 66.5

13 CAPTAIN S DRIVE IN Fifteen couples played in the Captain s drive in where Gerry Killen and Assunta Morgan officially took office on the course. After golf the players enjoyed a post golf meal in the clubhouse with the following players taking the prizes for the day. Captains' Drive In Mixed Greensomes 1. Ernie & Angela Kenmore Jack McConvey & Henrietta Beswick Phil & Yvonne Posnett 26

14 INTERCLUB MATCHES 2016 Date Day Competition Venue Tea m Ca pta in s By 18 April Ulster Cup Holywood Ryan Teggart & Gary O Connor By 18 April All Ireland 4 Ball Hilton, Templepatrick Tom Higgins & Gerard Savage 1 May Sun Jimmy Bruen Shield Raymond McCormick 8 May Sun Pierce Purcell St Patrick 8.30 Colm Brennan & Martin McDonnell 15 May Sun Irish Mixed Foursomes Daniel Teggart 22 May Sun Senior Cup Concra Robbie Hutton 29 May Sun Junior Cup Mark Carson By 5 June Junior Cowdy v Rossmore Brendan McCartan & Brian Feeney By 5 June Rossmore Cup V Mourne Colm Brennan & Martin McDonnell 12 June Sun Barton Shield v Warrenpoint Robbie Hutton By 19 June Ronan Rafferty V Cloverhill Conor Deegan By 26 June Senior Cowdy v Tandragee Mark Blythe & Stephen Quigley By 26 June Sam Rutherford V Down Royal Lawrence Craig 11 Jul Mon Irish Junior Cup Foursomes Conor Deegan 21 Aug Sun 9 Sept Fri Jack Craig Memorial Mixed Kilkeel Daniel Teggart Cowdy Captain s Loughgall N/A 13 Sept Tue Cowdy Seniors Rossmore Jimmy Fitzsimons

15 SENIOR MONDAY CLUB DAY AWAY AT ROCKMOUNT Club Vice-Captain Denis Tumelty watches the flight of his tee shot from tee one during play. The event was a four person waltz played on the Rockmount Golf Club. The course was in top condition and the overhead conditions were good, but the players had to contend with a strong wind. Results:- Winning team Gerry Reilly, Martina Fitzsimons, Mary Wylie and Ghost 72 points Second team Phil Posnett, Gwyn Lewis, Alison Rooney and Anne Tumelty 69 points.