Narin & Portnoo Golf Notes 12th April 2010

Winners of the Scramble played on Easter Monday at Narin and Portnoo Golf Club were Connor Taggart, Dudley Coyle, Ann Coyle and David Bowman. The first three named received their prize from club captain, Seamus McDonagh last Sunday night.

Tom Rawdon of Killybegs has been in excellent form of late and he was thrilled to receive the winner’s prize in the Keltic Hygiene event from Narin and Portnoo Golf Club captain, Seamus McDonagh.

The eloquent Tony Gildea is a new addition to the Narin and Portnoo Golf Club and he has made his mark already, triumphing along with Barry Keeney in the Nesbitt Arms Hotel fourball betterball. He received his prize from club captain, Seamus McDonagh.

Myles Cunningham won the Diver’s Centra event with 37 points at Narin and Portnoo Golf Club. He is pictured with club captain, Seamus McDonagh.

Entries are being taken for the annual two-day Pro-Am to be played on June 26th and 27th. The entry fee remains at 500 euro per team of three. Entries will be open to club members until April 30th.

Stephen McGinley prepared well for the latest monthly medal, working on his short game with his guru and building on his already fine long game. A frustrating runner-up finish for the Ardara golfer in the March medal was, alas, repeated on Sunday, with the Patrick Johnny Sally competition featuring scoring of the highest quality. His conqueror on this occasion was Anthony Molloy, a man used to winning silverware, and he will be a proud recipient of the April medal at the next presentation. Anthony had nines of 43 gross for an 86 total, and once the handicap was subtracted, it emerged that he had the edge over Stephen on a break-off-tie. Ardara made it a one-two-three with president, Bart Whelan chasing the lads down, but coming up just short. And we were so looking forward to his gracious winner’s speech! Maybe next time. Anthony has thus qualified for the Golfer of the Year matchplay event to be played at the end of the year.

Our Ulster Cup side grabbed three points at Ormeau Golf Club on Sunday. Connie McGinley, J.P. Byrne and team captain, Cathal Donoghue enjoyed fine wins and the other four golfers were in good enough form to suggest that the club can progress in the return leg. These included Joseph Shovlin, Sean Hanrahan, Charlie Tully and John Bán Gallagher. With Anthony triumphing in the medal on the same day, it was a good weekend all-round for Glen!

Sean Connaughton is on fire at present and last Wednesday’s Open victory was the reward for some excellent golf of late. Out in 22 points, the Glenties fire-fighter survived a blank at 13 to return with 16 points for an excellent total of 38.

The members sympathise with the Clancy family on the recent death of their mum. Ar dheis lámh Dé go raibh a hanam.

The Dolmen Centre competition on April 18th will have the added bonus of being a qualifier for the 3golf national competition. The qualifiers at local level will travel to Murvagh for the regional event.

Michael Glynn’s Ulster Fourball have a tougher task ahead after winning three-two at home to Portsalon. The result leaves the tie favouring Portsalon slightly, but the lads have recorded several excellent results away from home in recent years and hopefully, they will do enough to qualify for the next round. Winners on the day were Manus Boyle Snr. and Kevin Gilgunn, Pat Connaghan and Connell Gavigan and Paddy B. Boyle and Frank McGinley. The pairings of Patsy Harkin and Hugh F. Shovlin and Tom Rawdon and Michael Glynn were up against excellent players on the day, with Michael birdying the third just to halve the hole and Tom holing a chip at the fourth after finding the water to narrowly win the hole!

New deadlines have been fixed for the Winter Matchplay closing stages and those still involved should ring the club for details. The entry sheets for the Spring Foursomes. Clements Mixed Foursomes and Dr. McCloskey Matchplay will be posted in the clubhouse shortly.

Members are advised that they must have played in four sponsored events in 2010 in order to win the Captain’s Prize in August.

The club is now featured on Twitter and Facebook, as well as having an up-to-date website. The online booking system is also proving popular with members and visitors alike.

Results:
April 7: Wednesday Open 1. Sean Connaughton (22) 38; 2. Anthony Thompson (17) 37; 3. Martin McGing (15) 36; Twos: 7 balls each.
April 11: Patrick Johnny Sally Medal 1. Anthony Molloy (20) 66 b.o.t.; 2. Stephen McGinley (15) 66; 3. Bart Whelan (15) 67; Cat A P.J. Gallagher (12) 69; Cat B Seamus McDonagh (13) 71; Cat C John Kelly (21) 71 b.o.t.; Nines: Joe Conneely (15) 32; John McBride (10) 35; Twos: 5 balls each; CSS 73

Fixtures:
Friday April 16: Fourball Invitational Stableford, open Sunday April 18: Dolmen Centre, single stableford open Wednesday April 21: Wednesday Open, ladies and gents, single stableford, 20 euro entry for G.U.I. visitors including green fee;