Cloverhill Golf Club - LADY CAPTAINS DAY

MARGARET CULBERT WINS LADY CAPTAINS DAY

Lady Captain Ann McGivern was blessed with super weather for her Captains Day on Friday Sept 2 which attracted a playing field of 24 made up of visitors and members. Competition for the beautiful array of prizes on offer was intense with only 0ne point separating four ladies from winning the top prize. There was great rejoicing amongst the small band of lady members when it was announced that the 36 points from Margaret Culbert saw her win for the very first time in club competition. The few lessons from Joe Frawley certainly did the trick. Improving teenager Charlotte Hillen courtesy of a better back nine claimed the runner-up spot ahead of Maire Owens and Ann Murphy. The visitors prize was won by Pauline McGovern with Delia Fitzsimons (Warrenpoint) the runner-up. Nearest the Pin saw Michelle Boyle (Cloverhill) pick up her first trophy but not her last in her short golfing career. The longest Drive went for export with Roisin McGivern taking it to Warrenpoint. The golf was followed by a scrumptious meal provided by the Lady Captains chef son Ryan and served up by her daughter Jenny.

On Saturday it was the turn of the men and male visitors to seek out one of the 8 prizes that were put up by the Lady Captain. Big hitting Gerard McGarvey (24) got it all together on Saturday as he blitzed the field in scintillating fashion with a massive return of 48 points. Steven Poacher (18) who was out in the first fourball at 7-30 had led to the death with 43 points one ahead of third placed Colm Trainor (15). Mickey Crawley with 22 points won the front nine with the back nine going to Paddy O Gorman with 23 points. Longest Drive -Colin Pilkington Nearest the Pin -Anthony Hillen Visitors -Michael McGivern (Warrenpoint). Ryan provided every golfer with the choice of steak or chicken baguettes with full fillings and to die for cheescake or apple tart. The Lady Captain could be conscripted for a few more years at the helm if she promises to host her big day in the fashion that this one was conducted.

Seamus McGivern's Rossmore Cup team will take on Banbridge at home next Sunday Sept 11 at 12noon in the first leg of the final with the second one taking place the following Saturday in Banbridge. Best of luck to Seamus and the boys in their quest for a first ever Rossmore pennant for the club. Sunday's competition is a novel 3 club competition off the Red Markers. Members can only have 3 clubs of their own choice in the bag.

Next Thursday is the big day in the Seniors calendar with the Annual Dinner and prize Presentation taking place. The Golfer of the Year, Maratime Trophy and the matchplay trophies have all to be handed out and as is the norm everything has been handled in superb fashion by Seniors boss Noel Williams

GREAT WEEK FOR JARLETH OG BURNS

Juvenile Captain Jarleth Og Burns had a week to remember to begin his term of office. On Tuesday he showed his mettle by putting the disappointment of the previous week behind him to capture Mr John Byrne Captains Prize for Juveniles with Conor Reel second and Gareth Kilgallon back in third place. Tuesday marked the end of the Summer long competitions with complimentary food and minerals served prior to the prize presentation.
On Wednesday morning at 9am Jarlath Og led a team of 12 juveniles to Killinbeg on Wednesday morning to take on the home side in a Ryder Cup format match with the Cup for the winners kindly donated by PGA Professional Joe Frawley. The 6 holes of fourball better ball ended level at 3 each. By the time the second six holes of foursomes were finished the home side led 6 1/2 to 5 1/2. The last 6 holes would involve 12 games of singles which provided tremendous excitement and a thrilling climax. With 2 matches left on the course the match was dead level at 11 points each. The last two games were both all square after 15 holes. Cloverhill vice-Captain Gareth Kilgallon won holes 16 & 17 to edge his team in front. Jarly Og halved the last 3 holes to leave the final score 12 1/2 to 11 1/2 and the Cup was heading back to Cloverhill. This first venture between the clubs at this age level proved a great success with the quality of golf from both teams breathtaking. Killinbeg , in particular Eamon,were tremendous hosts and next years contest is eagerly awaited by all involved.

The Crash Repair Centre, Newry Wednesday Cup off the front nine white markers was to provide 5 time runner-up Mark Shevlin with his hour of glory in stupendous style with his 27 points making him an all over winner of the last place in the 18 hole final.

The Friday Open saw a return to form of the out of sorts Kieran McParland who was able to parcel up all his golfing troubles and deliver a winning 43 points which condemned visitors Joe Fitzhenry 40 pts and playing partner Stephen O Hare 39 to the minor placings. Friday Open Entry is £10 or €12 GUI Card required. Tel 028 30 889 374

Dromintee GFC will be holding their annual Golf Classic on Saturday Sept 10.