John Hickey (CIT) and Chloe Ryan (UCD) winners of the Irish Intervarsity Championship, Lahinch Golf Club, Clare, Ireland. Picture: Golffile | Fran Caffrey
John Hickey (CIT) captured the Irish Intervarsity Championship today after he put together a great six under par round. After shooting a flawless 68 yesterday, the Cork Golf Club golfer went two better today. Hickey had a steady front nine and turned on two under thanks to birdies on the 4th and 7th. He parred the 10th and then had three consecutive birdies to get to five under for the day. He added another birdie on the 18th to get to nine under for the tournament. Hickey had to sit on the clubhouse lead while the last three groups played out the final holes. Overnight leader Jack McDonnell was the closest challenger, nut he had a very mixed opening nine, and a bogey on the 15th dropped him back to -7. He did birdie the last but that meant that the CIT golfer won his first national title by one stroke. Cathal Butler (Maynooth) slumped to a 77 after a disappointing back nine, he finished in a tie for 9th place alongside James Sugrue (CIT) who shot a 72 in Continue reading
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.
Dooks are running a special open society competition at the end of the month, and the prize is a society outing for 16 people next year. The event is sure to be popular with Cork golfers and take place on Saturday 29th October. The format is a team of four competition and it will give societies a great way to round off their year. Although the October rack rate for green fees is still €75, the entry fee is only €50 and that includes a breakfast bap and dinner. As well as the society challenge, Dooks also have an open day on Friday next (21st) with the entry fee set at a tempting €40 per golfer. The West Kerry links course is often regarded as a hidden gem in comparison with it more famous neighbours of Waterville, Ballybunion and Tralee. The team in Dooks have been working hard to develop their own brand and as a result they have had a very busy summer season. The Iveragh peninsula is an exciting golf destination as many golfers will be waiting to see what changes have been made by Robert Trent Jones Jnr to the old Skellig Bay course. Ron Kirby of Old Head and Castlemartyr 
Mallow’s Edward Walsh won his singles match yesterday as Ireland had a great win over England. Castletown Golf Links on the Isle of Man was the venue for the Under 16 international match. It was a dramatic final day on the Isle of Man as Ireland battled back from a 5-3 deficit. Ian Halpin held his nerve at the last to seal a one hole win against Callum Macfie to tilt the match in Ireland’s favour.
Fota Island have used the Oktober theme to launch a new golf and food offer for the month of October. For €59 golfers can avail of Golfest which includes 18 holes of golf, the special Golfest menu at the recently refurbished Clubhouse and a pint of Chieftan IPA. In addition to the offer, there are several prizes to be won, including a bumper trip to Germany. The golfer with the best score registered at the end of the month will win the top prize of a weekend trip for two to Munich including flights and accommodation. Other prizes include a weekend break for two at Fota Island Resort and also dinner for four at The Kingsley. The offer is available seven days a week, although tee times may be limited on certain days.
Mallow’s Edward Walsh had more good news this today when he was confirmed as a member of the Irish Boys (Under 18) panel for 2018. Walsh has moved on the Under 16 panel and is one of just two Cork golfers to make the national panels. Muskerry’s Jack Egan has made the Under 16 panel.
Peter O’Keeffe notched up his third Senior Scratch Cup win this month with a fine 67 in Doneraile today. O’Keeffe finished with a one under par 67, despite carding two bogeys and a double bogey. The Douglas man did have five birdies which did help the card and he was cruising nicely until the 11th when he had a double after trying to go for the par 4 green.
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