The members of Fernhill Golf Club in Carrigaline received a shock last week when they were informed that the owners would not be renewing club memberships in January 2017. Having confirmed 2017 membership terms only a few weeks ago, the latest from the owners is that they can no longer fund the ongoing losses. It’s unclear if the course will close from January or if it will revert to a pay and play facility. In recent years the owners developed a covered driving range and short game area.
This is second time that the club is facing closure. At the outset of planning for the N28 over a decade ago, the owner decided not to renew the arrangement with the club members. At that stage there was speculation that the course may be used for development, but it continued to operate as a pay and play facility. In 2007 the club was re-established and it was also re-affiliated with the Golfing Union of Ireland. A ladies club was also established.
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The closing date for nominations for the Provincial Council of the Munster Branch is Tuesday next 1st November. Nominations are currently open for the 17 provincial council positions, as well as the four officer posts. Chairman John Moloughney will be leaving the post as he goes on to take up the role of President Elect of the Golfing Union of Ireland.
David Ryan (Cahir Park) and David Foley (Dromoland Castle) came joint top in Dooks today in the first outing of the Munster PGA Winter Series. The two David’s were the only golfers to finish under par, shooting an impressive 70 in cool windy conditions. The pair had a four shot cushion over the field. Dooks was in great condition for the Ping sponsored event which attracted PGA professionals from all over the province. Third prize was shared between Limerick’s Tim Rice and Tralee’s John Sugrue after they both finished with a 74. Rice will miss the next outing as he’ll be in Tarragona, Spain hoping to earn a place at final qualifying for then European Tour. Rice qualified for the second qualifying stage last month, and will be hoping for another good performance there. Monkstown’s Cian McNamara and his amateur partner Alec O’Donnell took the pro-am prize.
The Munster PGA Winter Series gets underway this week with a visit for the first time to Dooks. The Glenbeigh course will hold the first event of the calendar on Monday next which is a pro-am. The event is sponsored by Ping and a large number of entrants is expected. Dooks’ resident professional Danny Sugrue will be hoping to take advantage of his extensive local knowledge, but Liam Higgins could also make that claim so it should be a very competitive event. It’s been a busy few weeks for the Munster PGA committee and Captain Stephen Hayes. They have been planning an extended series of eight events which will take place from October to March. As well as prizes form each competition, golfers will also be competing for the PGB Order of Merit.
Cathal Butler (Maynooth) added a second 69 today at round two of the inter-varsities in Lahinch, and he no in second place just two shots off the lead. Munster Youths winner Jack McDonnell is the leader on -8 after recording a 67 in his second round. First round leader Kyle McCarron shot a 72 which sees him remain in second place level with Butler.
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