The Douglas Senior Scratch Cup takes place on Saturday and it marks one of the last opportunities for a major title in Cork this season.  The 36 hole competition is set to attract a strong field for is usually a very competitive event.  Holder Morgan Cain is not around to defend his title.  The Cork member is the US now having moved to Tusculum University in Tennessee last month to start his first year with Pioneers golf programme.

2021 winner Peter O’Keeffe will be among the favourites for the event.  After finishing in second place on five occasions he finally won his home scratch cup two years ago.  He’ll be hoping to add a second title this weekend in his first competition back from competing in qualifying for the European Tour in Switzerland two weeks ago.

The current trophy dates back to 1956, although the competition itself goes back long before the 1950’s.  In addition to O’Keeffe, Douglas favourites John Morris, Peter Morris, Karl Bornemann, John McHenry all have their name on the trophy.  JP Hughes was the only golfer to record back to back wins for the home club, he won in 2005 and 2006.  Karl Bornemann is the only Douglas golfer to have won three times, in 1992, 1994 and 2008, and he could be in the mix on Saturday afternoon.

Muskerry hold their junior scratch cup on Saturday and there are limited places still available.  The last scheduled scratch cup of 2023 is set to take place in Doneraile.  The north cork club has traditionally provided a great event and this year should be no different.

Bandon was a busy place over the three days this month as the gents club held their annual scratch cup weekend.  Two titles stayed at home while two of the cups headed to Doneraile and Macroom.  Bandon’s Dave McCarthy made it a home win when he shot a winning 68 at the Bandon Senior Scratch Cup.  The home favourite had a three shot lead over the field with John Barry from Douglas taking second place with a 71.  Ger Tobin also finished on 71 to take third place and Blarney’s Darren Kelleher was fourth with a 72.  The Intermediate scratch cup was won by Doneraile’s John Hickey with an impressive 73.  James Galavan (Raffeen Creek) was second with 76 and Cork’s Aidan Kelleher was third also with 76.

Macroom’s Martin Corkery was the winner of the Intermediate scratch cup, his 83 was one better than Muskerry’s David Crotty who finished in second place.  Brian Meade (East Cork) finished in third place with 85 and Bandon’s John Shiels was fourth, also with 85.  Dave Hill shot 88 to win the minor scratch cup, winning by one shot from Eoin Fleming.  Michael O’Mahony was third with 90 and Oliver Coomey was fourth with a 91