Cloverhill Golf Club - Gavin McErlean Wins Captains Prize

The growing stature of the club was reflected in a record number of members teeing off for the biggest prize of the year Mr John Byrne Captains Prize. The turnout for the Dublin native reflects his popularity with the members and is testimony to all his efforts as club captain.

It all began on Thursday for Captain John when the Seniors section of the club played for his prize. Fittingly it was Gerry McShane the man from Cooley who brings the scones and the cake every Thursday morning who was the first prizewinner with his 43 points fending off the challenge of Vincie Gorman.

Saturday saw the ladies and the invited Captaiins visitors take to the fairways in search of honours. Boding well for the future it was young Charlotte Hillen with 38 points who scooped first prize from her Lady Captain Ann McGivern who had 32 points.

There were some good golfers in the 30 plus field of visitors but none could better the fabulous return of 45 points from Brendan Carroll of Greenore a frequent visitor to the Friday Open which paid off handsomely. Shaun Ward from Dundalk golf club was runner -up with 38 points. There was a great sing song after the meal for the visitors which set things up nicely for the big event on Sunday morning which had a 7 am start.

Liam Harte(20) from the third fourball out set the target to beat which was 41 points. for a couple of hours Liam could not be passed but was then equaled by Gavin McErlean (14). The tough pin position on the fast greens were taking their toll with only one player Shane Muckian (24) bettering the joint leaders by a single point to become the ;leading qualifier with 42 points. The focus then switched to what points would be needed to make the top 12 plus ties for the extra 9 holes to be played at 5-30. Eleven more players Christopher Reel (18) and Cathal Hughes (26) both with 39 pts,Paul Kelly (12), Colin Pilkington (6),Andrew Brodigan (21) and Brendan Byrne (18) made it through with 38 pts with the next 5 players Noel McParland (28),Jim McKay (7), Sean Campbell (9), Peter Smyth (25) and Seamus McGivern (19) with 37 getting the last places for the third nine.

The superb evening brought a lot of spectators for the playoff with a lot wagered on Gavin to take the top prize. The weight of money on his shoulders did not deter the favourite who survived a nip and tuck battle with leading qualifier Shane with a return of 23 points for the 9 holes giving him a grand total of 64 points which was 2 better than runner-up Shane. Gavin who is a new member this year was a very popular winner (except for the book) having established himself as a successful Rossmore Cup and Sam Rutherford team member.

In his acceptance speech Gavin speaking on behalf of all the new members was overwhelmed by the friendly reception and welcome acceptance afforded them since joining the club and was greatly honoured and humbled to accept the beautiful prize put up by Captain John.

There was a great atmosphere and crowd for the prize presentation that evening where the Captain thanked Colin for the magnificent shape the course was in which drew wholesome praise from his visitors on Saturday. Another memorable and very successful Captains Day was rounded off with food and music into the wee hours following the formalities of the speeches and presentation of prizes. The full list of winners from Captains Day is as follows-
Captains Prize ; Gavin McErlean
R-up ; Shane Muckian
Third ; Paul Kelly
Fourth ; Andrew Brodigan
Gross ; Colin Pilkington
Leading Qualifier ; Shane Muckian
Front Nine- Liam Harte
Back Nine ; Christopher Reel
Third Nine ; Noel McParland
Amen Corner ; Steve O Hara
Best Dressed ; Peter Byrne
Ladies Winner ; Charlotte Hillen
R-up ; Ann McGivern
Seniors Winner ; Gerry McShane
R-up ; Vincie Gorman
Visitors Winner ; Brendan Carroll (Greenore)
R-up ; Shaun Ward (Dundalk)

The Tuesday Juvenile competition at 11 am was won this week with 48 points by Shane O Neill with Eoin Reel second with 43 pts and David McKinley third with 40 pts. David is the current leader in the Juvenile Golfer of the Year with 22 points from David Garvey who has 20 with Shane O Neill and Mark Rowland joint third with 16 point