Narin & Portnoo Golf Club Notes 23rd January 2011

The Captains’ Drive-in will take place this Saturday at 11a.m. It will be followed by a fourball mixed scramble. Brian McGonagle and Bernie Tonry are this year’s captains and the ceremonial launch of their tenures will prove a proud moment for both. We wish them both the best of luck, both on Saturday and for the rest of the year.

Mícheál McGinley opened his account with a fine two point victory in last Wednesday’s Open. The score of 39 points was formidable, especially if one considers that he garnered the points over just 16 holes! A birdie at the second eased him into his stride and by the time another feathered friend dropped into the cup at the eighth, Mícheál was on his way to 22 stableford points for his front nine. A trio of three-pointers on the last seven holes allied to eight other points culminated in a total that wouldn’t be touched.

Kieran Cunnea won his first competition of the year by a margin of three points and in so doing, he finally pulled that most elusive of crackers! His golf was outstanding on the front nine, with pars aplenty. Six were achieved by the turn but a blip at ten rocked his progress somewhat. The strong wind and frequent showers made life tough for the whole field, but Kieran kept his head down and eked out enough points on the back nine to ensure that he would be the only golfer to break par.

The club’s Gaeltacht team under the captaincy of Michael Naughton won their second match on Saturday (yes…in that weather!) against Portsalon. Four excellent points won in Dunfanaghy before Christmas had stiffened the resolve of the Narin men. Dominic Mullin set out his stall, practising all week and seeing the pay-off on the day with a fabulous 40 points when paired with Shane Whittington. A good start has been achieved and one wishes the lads every success in the months ahead.

Results:
January 12: Wednesday Open 1. Mícheál McGinley (18) 39; 2. Kevin McCready (20) 37; 3. Neily Gildea (10) 35 b.o.t.;  Twos: 3 balls January 16: Club Open: 1. Kieran Cunnea (16) 38; 2. Tony Gildea (18) 35; 3. Joseph McLoone (11) 33 b.o.t.; Twos: 4 balls.

Fixtures:
Saturday January 22: Captains’ Drive-in 11a.m.; Fourball scramble to follow.

Sunday January 23: Club Open, single stableford Wednesday, January 26: Wednesday Open, ladies and gents, single stableford, 20 euro entry for G.U.I. visitors, including green fee;