The Forest News Taken on one of the days when the course was covered in snow WELCOME TO 2018 December in Ireland is not ideal for golf. The inclement weather conditions have closed the course throughout the month. Snow and frost have covered the course for periods of time, causing competitions to be cancelled. The avid golfer has been forced to take more time off the course than on it over the past month. There were days during the month after the heavy snow lifted that many local courses were still closed whereas New Forest was open for business. It is remarkable to see that on the shortest day of the year, and after all the poor weather all the machines were out cutting greens, fairways and rough grass prior to Christmas week. Hopefully the weather improves and allows all of us golfers to get prepared for the season ahead. The management at New Forest would like to wish all members a happy New Year, and continued success in all inter club team competitions. New Forest Golf Club s Signature hole, the 9 th covered in frost
New Forest Estate Events Venue 2018 After a great 2017 we would like to bring more events to New Forest in 2018 New Forest Estate can now cater for all types of Events and Functions including: All Types of Family Gatherings Christenings Communions Confirmations Weddings Accommodation Coach Tour Groups Corporate events Business meetings Training Days Golf Tournaments Golf Societies Product Launches Athletics Meets and Events Charity Functions Dances Concerts Shows Etc If you, a family member, friend or Colleague require a venue for any of these or other function please contact us. Thank You
Men s Winter League Division 1 DECEMBER COMPETITIONS Name 1 2 3 4 Total 1 Don Gibney 28 29 29 33 119 2 Michael Ennis 24 27 32 32 115 3 John Kirby 27 28 28 32 115 4 David Masterson 28 28 29 29 114 5 Darragh Ayers 27 28 29 29 113 6 Joe Daly 26 26 28 29 109 7 Allan Doherty 25 26 27 30 108 8 Conor McGuiness 25 26 27 28 108 9 Eunan Duignan 22 26 28 31 107 10 Gerard Mulligan 24 25 27 28 104 Name 1 2 3 4 Total 1 Martin Halferty 30 33 34 34 131 2 Ray McLoughlin 29 30 31 31 121 3 Noel Davey 29 29 30 30 118 4 Ziggy Safranovic 27 27 29 32 115 5 Barry Kelly 23 27 29 32 111 6 Eammon Clarke 26 26 27 32 111 7 Dave McCann 24 25 26 31 106 8 Laurence Connell 24 25 27 28 104 9 Ger Jackson 21 23 28 29 101 10 John Paul Hermes 17 20 22 27 86 Name 1 2 3 4 Total 1 Leo McLaughlin 29 30 32 32 123 2 Barry Egerton 28 28 30 32 118 3 Michael Kane 28 28 28 33 117 4 Frank Ryan 27 28 29 30 114 5 Eric Cahill 25 27 28 31 111 6 George Foran 27 27 28 29 111 7 Adam Carroll 26 27 27 30 110 8 Kieran Blundel 25 27 29 29 110 9 John McDermott 23 26 29 30 108 10 Peter Scally 21 25 25 33 104 Name Division 2 Division 3 Division 4 1 2 3 4 Total 1 Gerry Noonan 26 26 26 28 106 2 Dermot Bennett 21 26 28 30 105 3 Noel Donegan 22 23 24 25 94 4 John Power 22 22 23 25 92 5 John McGuiness 24 35 59 6 Joe Carroll 23 30 53 Ladies Winter League This competition is played over 9 holes throughout the winter. Due to work being carried out on the 5 th green the back 9 has been used for the past month. The incoming Lady Captain, Patricia Lambe and Sandra McKevitt are leading the way in the best of 6 series, followed by and Carmel Scally, Teresa Heery and Mary Fallon who have 2 more rounds to count. The best stableford score so far is 18 points, had by Teresa Heery & Sandra McKevitt Turkey Winners The presentation of all Turkey Competition winners and the Christmas Hampers took place. Each Turkey winner received a meat voucher from Daly s Family Butchers. There were in total 15 winners. 4 th & 5 th Zbignev Safranovic & Frankie Glennon 11 th & 12 th Martin Halferty & Eammon Clarke & Dave McCann 17 th & 18 th John Kirby & Zbignev Safranovic & Darragh Ayers 26 th Darragh Ayers & Barry Egerton 2 nd & 3 rd John McGuinness & Tommy Smyth & Leo McLaughlin 16 th & 17 th John Kirby & Leo McLaughlin JANUARY COMPETITIONS The Winter League will continue to be played on holes 1,2,3,9 and the back 9. The committee have decided to include a division 4 to the league. This gives players with a handicap of 23 or higher to compete in the winter league. There will also be weekend competitions continuing throughout January. The Ladies Winter League will continue to be played on the back 9 holes in their best of 6 series league. The Winter Open Series will be played over 18 holes. The format is for a team of four with 2 scores to count, playing off 9/10 of the handicap. The entry for this is 5 for a member and 20 for a visitor.
AIG Junior Cup: Lower handicap limit reduced from 5 to 4. GUI Team News AIG Jimmy Bruen Shield: Lowest individual handicap limit reduced from 6 to 5 lowest combined from 17 to 15. Pierce Purcell Shield: Lowest individual handicap limit reduced from 12 to 11 lowest combined from 27 to 25 GUI All Ireland Fourball: Lowest individual handicap limit reduced from 16 to 15 lowest combined from 36 to 34 New Forest Golf Club Interclub Competition Dates & Venues Senior Cup Vs Newbridge at Moyvalley Sun 24 th June Barton Shield Qualifier at Dunmurray Springs Sat 12 th May Junior Cup Qualifier at Edenderry Sat 9 th June Jimmy Bruen Qualifier at Mullingar Sat 16 th June Pierce Purcell Qualifier at Mountrath Sat 19 th May Irish Mixed Foursomes Home Vs Glasson Played before 8 th April Barton Cup Home Vs Tullamore Played before 15 th April All Ireland Four Ball Away Vs Moate Played before 2 nd April Provincial Towns Away Vs Moate Played before 22 nd April Central Towns Trophy & Tudenham Cup & Duggan Cup draw has not been posted Membership 2018 Membership rates will remain the same for 2018. All rates exclude the GUI levy and insurance. To avail of senior membership you must be 65 or over at the start of the year. The age structure membership for under 30 males is based on the age from January 1 2018. Reciprocal Golf 2018 Birr Golf Club In 2017 New Forest Estate opened a reciprocal arrangement with Birr Golf Club in Offaly and The Heritage Golf and Spa Resort in Laois. This arrangement commenced on the 1 st May. All members who availed of these offers were given free golf and encouraged to utilise the bar or restaurant facilities of the club. The offer was to remain in place until December 2017. The reciprocal arrangements have been reviewed and amended for the season ahead. New Forest Estate has now opened up another reciprocal arrangement with Dunmurry Springs Golf Club. All members who use this offer may bring up to 3 guests to play at the clubs guest rate. Each member of New Forest will be entitled to play 2 rounds on each of the above mentioned courses free of charge. All rounds must be pre booked through the New Forest Professional Shop. The offer only applies to members who have paid in full or have a payment plan in place. Members must produce their current GUI / ILGU card on arrival. The offer is only valid from Monday Friday and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, open competition or society. Full Ordinary Male 699 Full Ordinary Male Senior 599 Full Ordinary Female 300 Country Member 399 Male Under 30 599 Male Under 27 499 Male Under 24 399 Student 199 Junior 14-17 99 Junior Under 14 FREE GUI Levy 24 ILGU Levy 29 GUI & ILGU Junior Levy 5 Insurance for All members 29 If you would like to avail of the direct debit option or would like to continue paying through direct debit please contact the pro shop. The annual subscription renewals for 2018 have been sent to all members by e-mail. If you have not received this, you may collect it from the pro shop.
2018 New Forest Golf Calendar LEGEND: Members Events: Men s Events: Ladies Events: Open Events: FEBRUARY: 24 Sat Winter League Final Yellow Tees MARCH: 3 Sat Race to Augusta 4 Sun Race to Augusta 10 Sat Race to Augusta 11 Sun Captain s Drive In (4 Person Scramble) 11 Sun Race to Augusta White tees 12 Mon Ladies Open Day Red Tees 16 Fri Callaway Open Series 17 Sat Race to Augusta 18 Sun Race to Augusta 9 Mon HOLLOW CORING 23 Fri Callaway Open Series 24 Sat Race to Augusta 25 Sun Race to Augusta 30 Fri Callaway Open Series 31 Sat Race to Augusta APRIL: 1 Sun Race to Augusta 6 Fri Callaway Open Series 7 Sat Super Sweepstake Singles 8 Sun Super Sweepstake Singles 8 Sun FINAL Race to Augusta 13 Fri Callaway Open Series 14 Sat Single Stableford 15 Sun Single Stableford 16 Mon Ladies Open Day Red Tees 20 Fri Callaway Open Series 21 Sat Vice Captains Prize 22 Sun Vice Captains Prize 27 Fri Callaway Open Series 28 Sat Monthly Medal Stroke 29 Sun Monthly Medal Stroke
MAY: 4 Fri Callaway Open Series 5 Sat NEW FOREST GOLF CLASSIC 6 Sun NEW FOREST GOLF CLASSIC 7 Mon NEW FOREST GOLF CLASSIC 11 Fri Callaway Open Series 12 Sat Monthly Medal Stroke 13 Sun Monthly Medal Stroke 14 Mon Ladies Open Singles Red Tees 18 Fri Callaway Open Series 19 Sat Ladies Midland Senior Cup 20 Sun Ladies Midland Senior Cup 25 Fri Callaway Open Series 26 Sat Past Capitan s Prize 27 Sun Past Capitan s Prize JUNE: 1 Fri Callaway Open Series 2 Sat Single Stableford 3 Sun Single Stableford 4 Mon Open Single Stableford 8 Fri Callaway Open Series 9 Sat Monthly Medal Stroke 10 Sun Monthly Medal Stroke 15 Fri Callaway Open Series 16 Sat V Par 17 Sun V Par 22 Fri Callaway Open Series 23 Sat Captains Qualifiers Stroke Blue Tees 24 Sun Captains Qualifiers Stroke Blue Tees 30 Sat Captains Plate Stroke Blue Tees JULY: 1 Sun Captains Prize Stroke Blue Tees 6 Fri Callaway Open Series 7 Sat Single Stableford 8 Sun Single Stableford 13 Fri Callaway Open Series 14 Sat Professional s Prize Blue/White/Yellow 15 Sun Professional s Prize Blue/White/Yellow 21 Fri Callaway Open Series 22 Sat Monthly Medal Stroke 23 Sun Monthly Medal Stroke 28 Fri Callaway Open Series 29 Sat Singles Stableford 30 Sun Singles Stableford AUGUST: 2 Thu OPEN Blue Monster Challenge 3 Fri Callaway Open Series 4 Sat OPEN Blue Monster Challenge 5 Sun OPEN Scratch Cup Junior & Intermediate 6 Mon OPEN Blue Monster Challenge
10 Fri Callaway Open Series 11 Sat Single Stableford 12 Sun Single Stableford 17 Fri Callaway Open Series 18 Sat Monthly Medal Stroke 19 Sun Monthly Medal Stroke 21 Fri Callaway Open Series 25 Sat President s Prize Blue Tees 26 Sun President s Prize Blue Tees 31 Fri Callaway Open Series SEPTEMBER: 2 Sat Singles Stableford 3 Sun Singles Stableford 8 Fri Callaway Open Series 9 Sat Single Stableford 10 Sun Single Stableford 14 Fri Callaway Open Series 15 Sat OPEN Matt Poynton Memorial 16 Sun OPEN Matt Poynton Memorial 21 Fri Callaway Open Series 22 Sat Monthly Medal Stroke 23 Sun Monthly Medal Stroke 29 Sat Callaway Series Grand Final 29 Sat Club 4 Ball Betterball 30 Sun Club 4 Ball Betterball OCTOBER: 5 Fri Open Competition 6 Sat Open Green Keepers Challenge 7 Sun Open Green Keepers Challenge 12 Fri Open Competition 13 Sat 1 Christmas Hampers 14 Sun 1 Christmas Hampers 19 Fri Open Competition 20 Sat 2 Christmas Hampers 21Sun 2 Christmas Hampers 27 Sat Singles Stableford 28 Sun Singles Stableford 29 Mon Open Monday NOVEMBER: 5 Mon Winter League Yellow Tees
New Forest Golf Club GOLF CLASSIC Saturday 5 th May Sunday 6 th May Monday 7 th May To all members of New Forest. The committee has made the decision to change the dates of our annual Golf Classic. The bank holiday weekend in May has been chosen. The format for the Classic and Prizes will be announced in the upcoming newsletters. Every member is encouraged to get involved by entering a team or sponsoring a tee box for the weekend. Posters and Flyers will be available in the coming weeks from the professional shop. All members playing away courses are encouraged to bring posters and ask for them to be posted on club notice boards.
New Forest Seniors On Wednesday, December, 6 th, the very popular New Forest senior Christmas hamper competition, which was run over seven weeks, came to a successful conclusion. Each player s best five scores were taken into account and this led to a very sporting and keenly contested competition. Despite the inclement weather during November and the beginning of December, New Forest G.C. remained open, an extraordinary achievement and testament to the superb condition of this magnificent championship course. This intrepid group of sprightly evergreen players came out in great numbers each week and competed bravely in order to win the magnificent hampers on offer. Some excellent scores were returned each week over the thirteen holes, and it was apparent that players would have to score in the high twenties at least, in order to finish in the top four, such was the standard. When each player s scores were counted, the four winners finished with an average score of 130 points a fitting end to a brilliantly contested competition. The truly deserving winners of the coveted hampers were, Ollie Egan, Martin Halferty, Gerard Mulligan and John Kirby. Well done, gents. Presentation of Hampers On Wednesday, 13 th December, a large number of seniors gathered for the presentation of the hampers in our fine restaurant. Delicious, hot savoury finger food was served up by restaurant manager, Mr. Jimmy O Sullivan. One could not fail to observe the friendliness, good humour and genuine sense of camaraderie of the seniors, as they chatted and bantered about the competition. Chairman of the seniors, Mr Noel Jackson, welcomed all to the presentation and commented on the large number that turned up. He extended a very warm welcome to Noel Baker on his first visit back to the club since his illness over a year ago. Also welcomed back was Gabriel Bollard who had been away. Men s captain, Mr. Michael Donegan sent his apologies for being absent. However, he was represented by Mr. John Mc Cormack, Vice-Captain. Noel, on behalf of all seniors, congratulated Michael and John on their new positions and wished them every success during 2018. A lively discussion ensued regarding competitions, handicaps, outings and finances. Mr. Peter McKenna gave a full and comprehensive financial report. He stated that the seniors had sponsored competitions over the year. The Wednesdays were a resounding success with the seniors competing regularly every week. It was also wonderful to witness many seniors finishing on the winners podium in club competitions on a number of occasions. Finances are in good shape, stated Peter, and he was applauded for his excellent work throughout the year. Mr. Ollie Egan gave a detailed account on the handicap system for the hamper competition and all agreed that it worked quite well this year. Noel announced that he was stepping down as chairman of the seniors. Ollie Egan was elected unopposed. Congratulations, Ollie. Martin Halferty and John Kirby were elected to the committee. Noel was thanked for the wonderful job he did as chairman. Noel then presented the winners with their hampers amid wild applause. A raffle was also held and, much to the delight and amusement of all, nobody went home empty handed! John Cunningham and Stephen Barrett, owner and director of golf respectively, were thanked most profusely for their continued support and encouragement. Jimmy, restaurant manager, and Chanel, restaurant staff, were praised for always being on hand every Wednesday to provide food for the seniors. Donna was also thanked for her help every Wednesday. Also thanked were Tom Maguire who, in his own unassuming way, always helped, and Donal and the ground staff for having the course in immaculate condition. Senior committee for 2018 is; Ollie Egan, Noel Jackson, Peter Mc Kenna, John Mc Cormack, Martin Halferty and John Kirby.
Seniors Christmas Hampers Presentation Ollie Egan collecting a hamper from Noel Jackson Gerard Mulligan & Noel Jackson John Kirby & Noel Jackson Martin Halferty & Noel Jackson Senior Members
New Year at New Forest With the new season of golf on the horizon it s time to take the clubs out of the hibernation. Take a look at your grips. Sometimes all you need is a new set of grips to feel like you ve got your hands on a whole new set. Come in to check out what s on offer. Ask about grip fitting. We have all sizes of grip to accommodate for every hand size. QUESTIONS & ANSWERS Q: Do you have to make a reasonable effort to find a ball that may be lost or out of bounds if you would prefer to continue play with a provisional ball that you have played to the middle of the fairway? A; No, there is nothing in the Rules to say that a player must search for their ball. However, if the original ball is found on the course before the player has played their next stroke with the provisional ball they have to continue play with it, even if it is unplayable. (Rule 27-2c). If they do deem their original ball unplayable they are penalised one stroke and must choose one of the three relief options available under Rule 28. Q. According to Rule 27, if a player hits his tee shot into the woods and tees up and plays another ball without announcing it as a provisional ball, the second ball becomes the ball in play and the original ball is lost. In such a case, is the player precluded from searching for his original ball? A. No, the player is not but the player may not play the ball if he finds it and must not unduly delay play. (When in a situation of a possible lost ball you should announce to your playing partners that you intend to play a provisional ball)
Staff picture from the Christmas Party The stage is set for Diarmuid Guinan Some of the members of the winning Central Towns team Big Crowd in attendance Members enjoying the Christmas Party Members enjoying the Christmas Party