Liam Burns from Youghal reports that the course is in great condition

St Patrick’s weekend always marks the start of the golfing season, and this weekend a large number of Cork clubs are kicking off their season with the start of the open competitions.  Youghal is one of those clubs, they are holding a three person champagne scramble over Saturday, Sunday and Monday.  Youghal kept all 18 holes open through the winter but with members playing 14 or 15 hole competitions it meant that several holes were rested allowing for winter maintenance.  A sanding programme was completed over the winter and the greens have been running true and quick over the past few weeks.  The club recently concluded their spring league which ran over four weeks, and open and counting competitions will return for members and guests.  The entry fee this weekend is just €20 and bookings can be made through Liam Burns in the Pro Shop on 024 92590.

Fermoy have brought a nice twist to their champagne scramble on Monday, the winning team will receive magnums of champagne.  And with an entry fee of just €15 per person it offers some great value on the bank holiday.  On Saturday Fermoy have an open singles competition for €20, and on Sunday you can play in the open two ball scramble for €20, and that includes a meal.  Bookings can be made by calling the club on 025 31472.  Fota Island have open events running over four days.  From tomorrow through to Sunday you can experience the tour quality course and the famous clubhouse burger for €55 per person.  On Monday there’s an open singles on the Deerpark course for €40 per golfer.  Fota’s Spring singles continue every Wednesday where the entry fee is again €40 per person.  Monkstown have an open singles competition tomorrow and every Friday for the next few months, and the entry fee of €25 is great value for the popular parkland course.  And after the golf why not drop into the restaurant.  The Monkstown restaurant has recently been nominated for the “Best Private Dining and Club Restaurant” award in the 2019 Irish Restaurant Awards.  Kinsale, Charleville and Macroom all have open competitions on Saturday and Sunday, with Blarney and Lee Valley also holding events on Monday.  Castlemartyr have kicked off their ladies open singles each Wednesday, with an entry fee of €30 the event takes place each week through the spring and summer.  Outside of Cork there are options in Killarney (singles), Tralee (four person team), West Waterford (singles) and Castlegregory (four person team).  More details of open events for this weekend and beyond are available on Golfnet.