Senior Scratch Cup

Woodbrook win for Peter O’Keeffe

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Peter O’Keeffe (Douglas) Picture: Niall O’Shea

Peter O’Keeffe got back to winning ways last Sunday.  O’Keeffe set a course record on his way to winning the Pinergy Woodbrook Scratch Cup in an impressive performance over 36 holes.  O’Keeffe ended up six shots clear of the field, his Irish teammate Rob Brazill finished in second place on -4.

The Walker Cup panel member shot a course record 65 in his first round.  That included five birdies and an eagle on his way to shooting a seven under par 65. That left him four shots clear of the field going into the second round.  O’Keeffe produced another great round in the afternoon, he ended up three under and was the only golfer to break 70.  After opening with two birdies Peter went on to drop a shot on the sixth to go out in one under.  He had another three birdies and one bogey on the back nine to sign for a 69 and win the event in style.

Jason lays down the Law in Cork

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Jason Law beat the field and the course in Cork last weekend to win the Munster Amateur Open.  The East Cork golfer survived six rounds of golf over three days to become the latest winner of the Cork Scratch Cup.  The 48-year-old in fine form all weekend and he brought that into the final where he got the better of Harry Gillivan in the final on Bank Holiday Monday. Continue reading →

Walsh stays the course in Lee Valley

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BoyleSports Lee Valley Scratch Cup winner Robbie Walsh (Douglas) pictured with Peter Tuite from BoyleSports and Lee Valley officers Jack Noonan and Liam Power. (Pic: Niall O’Shea)

Robbie Walsh produced a great performance to win the BoyleSports Lee Valley Scratch Cup last weekend, winning the 54 hole event after leading from start.  The Douglas member hung in there in the final round, displaying huge determination to stay ahead of a stellar chasing pack.  Walsh led after the opening round, shooting the low round of the tournament with a three under par 69.  He followed that with a level par 72 to hold a three shot lead heading to the final round.

As final rounds go, it proved to be an entertaining contest.  Walsh birdied the first two holes and when nearest challenger Gary O’Flaherty bogied the first the lead was six shots.  Things changed though when Walsh dropped four shots in the next three holes.  With nine holes left his lead was down to two shots, but that’s as close as the field got to him.  He reeled off eight birdies and a single bogey on the way home and although David Reddan and Jack Murphy threatened they never got close enough.  In front of a large gallery Robbie Continue reading →

Fermoy Senior Scratch Cup on Sat 6th May

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Lar Fant Chairman, Brendan Lyons Hon.Sec, Nuala O’Sullivan Lady Capt, Paddy Roche Capt at the launch of the John Whyte Senior Scratch Cup

The John Whyte Memorial Scratch Cup is less than two weeks away.  The competition takes place on Saturday 6th May and this year it will be run over 36 holes.  The course in Fermoy has recovered well from the heavy rain of March and early April, and it’s sure to be in great condition for the event.

2022 winner Dean O’Riordan will be back to defend his title and a full field is expected.

Previous winners include European Seniors star Denis O’Sullivan, Fermoy native Tom Cleary and current tour pro James Sugrue.  The event has a prize fund of €1,600 with several prizes on offer.  Entry is just €35 and includes lunch.

Anyone interested in playing can book through www.fermoygolfclub.ie or by calling the club on 025 31472.

Lee Valley set for 20th Scratch Cup

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Gary O’Flaherty is a four time winner of the  Lee Valley Scratch Cup. Picture: Niall O’Shea

The 20th staging of the Lee Valley Scratch Cup takes place in April and the Ovens club is planning for another bumper event.  Already it looks like a top class field will be competing including the holder Gary O’Flaherty.  The Cork Golf Club member has taken a shine to the event, last year was his fourth time winning the scratch cup since his first win in 2012.

Lee Valley Captain Liam Power is looking forward to the return of the two day competition.  “As the 2023 Captain and like all other previous Captains you’re excited to put your calendar together for the year ahead with annual Lee Valley Senior Scratch being high on the list to lock in dates.  As Captain, I’m really looking forward to seeing the best amateurs test their skills against Lee Valley course.  I’ve played in a few of them and can testify the challenge that faces the lads.”

Power is hoping for a home win, the first since 2011.  Given the success of the Lee Valley Senior Cup team last year there’s every chance that the home side will challenge.  “We came close last year with local member Ian Bohane in the last group with a great chance of winning but unfortunately it wasn’t to be Ian’s day. Not being biased, it would be Continue reading →