It was a busy year for Lee Valley, but one that they will remember. 2018 marked the 25th anniversary for the club, and while everyone celebrated the milestone the club also went on to win their first Cups and Shields pennant. From the celebrations in January, through to the AGM this month, the club pulled together to celebrate. This time last year the club made Lee Valley owner Jerry Keohane and honorary Life President of the Club, and it was an honour that was very much appreciated by Jerry. He was involved in the consortium who purchased the land and commissioned Christy O’Connor Jnr to design the course. Jerry and his family would later take over full control of the Clashnure venture, and since then they have continued to develop and improve the course with a consistent focus on presenting a championship experience for every golfer. Lee Valley remains a Continue reading
Solid Season for Sugrue
Although the competitive golf season is well and truly over, James Sugrue was back in the news last week when he picked up an award. He was one of two recipients for golf at Mayor Patrick Gerard Murphy’s Co Council reception last week. Although Sugrue didn’t hit the high of a championship win, he continued to progress with two local wins and some great individual performances during the year. The season was book-ended by his two wins, the first in the Fota Island Senior Scratch Cup in early April, and the second in September when he won the John Whyte Fermoy Senior Scratch Cup to close out the season. The two wins may be highlights, but to be fair the Mallow golfer has had a very impressive summer of golf which was recognised with his selection to the Irish team. Sugrue joined the Irish Mens panel this year and represented the Irish selection at the South African and Spanish Amateurs in the early season, and in October he travelled to South America for two international events. His full cap finally came when he was selected to play for the Home Internationals which took place last week. Capped on multiple occasions in Boy’s golf, this was a big step up for Sugrue but one he took in his stride.
The easy going 20 year old went on to win four matches as Ireland finished as runners-up in the four team tournament. “There was actually no real difference, I didn’t feel as if I was under any extra pressure. I know all the lads and I know Neil Manchip for a long time as well” said James. “I was really happy with the way I played down the stretch in a few matches. In the opening foursomes we were two up with three to play and I hit an approach to around six inches to close out the match. On the second day I had a four iron on a par three into the wind, and I managed to get it to inside a foot to close out that match.” You can feel the confidence in Sugrue as he tells that story. Continue reading
Another Monday, another win for Danny. Munster PGA
Dan Sugrue made it three from three in Castlemartyr on Monday when he won the third Munster PGA outing of the 2018 Winter Series. In fact it was a double for Sugrue as he teamed up with his brother John and Tim Rice to claim the team prize. Sugrue had a flawless front nine of 32 with birdies on 4,6,8 and 9. He had a further birdie 2 on 12 followed by his only drop shot on 13 – his first in 49 holes of competitive golf. His final birdie came on 15 for an inward 35.
David Barry started with 3 birdies in the first four, he bogeyed 7 and 11 but birdied 17. Tim Rice birdie 3,7 and 8 to turn in 33, he had a lone bogey on 10 and finished with 8 pars. Cormac Flannery birdied the first, bogeyed 3, he doubled the 5th which included a 2 stroke penalty for playing from the wrong tee but he finished the front nine strongly by eagling the 8th and birdieing 9. He birdied 12 and 13 with his lone bogey on the back nine coming on the 16th. Dan Sugrue, John Sugrue and Tim Rice had thirteen birdies between them to win the team event by three points. The event was hosted by Castlemartyr’s PGA Professional Alan Gleeson.
Munster PGA Winter Series, Castlemartyr Links
Singles
1st – Dan Sugrue – Dooks GC 67
T2nd – David Barry – Douglas GC 70
T2nd – Tim Continue reading
Trackman Sim now at Cork Golf Centre
Even though it’s less than two years old, Cork Golf Centre in Ballincollig continues to develop their offering to Cork golfers, with resident PGA Professional Wayne O’Callaghan investing in a new Trackman Simulator. November can often be the quietest month of the year for anyone involved in golf, but not so for Wayne who has remodelled his teaching bay to incorporate the state of the art technology. The new simulator was built earlier this month and already there has been a huge amount of interest in the new service. “The trackman 4 was purchased with the aim of bringing the experience of playing golf to the range environment” explained Wayne who has been the resident pro since the range opened in 2017. “Having owned previous Trackman models I knew what a quality product the Trackman 4 simulator would be Continue reading
Two from Two for Sugrue
Danny Sugrue receiving first prize from Cormac Flannery (Killarney) and Padraig Dooley (Captain, Munster PGA)
Danny Sugrue claimed his second win of the Munster PGA Winter Series in Killarney yesterday, shooting a 69 on Killeen. Although the ground has softened and the air temperatures are cooler, the course in Killarney was in great condition. Sugrue made the most of the clam conditions, posting his second bogey free round of the series to win by one stroke. The Dooks Club Professional, who served his time in Killarney, is clearly back on form after taking time off to recover from serious surgery. Cahir Park’s David Ryan was second with a 69, helped by a great recovery on the 8th hole after being blocked out after his drive (scroll down for video). There was a tie for third place with Gary Howie and Paul O’Neill finishing on 73. The day also featured a team three ball event, just to keep everyone on their toes. The first prize was taken by David Hayes, Gary Howie and Padraig Dooley with David Ryan, Shane O’Sullivan and Colin O’Gorman taking second place. The next event in the series is scheduled to take place in Castlemartyr Golf Links. Continue reading
Higgins & Sugrue claim Fota Island win, Munster PGA Winter Series
Munster PGA Captain Padraig Dooley pictured with Cian McNamara and Brian, Liam and David Higgins prior to the Munster PGA event in Fota Island on Monday. Picture: Niall O’Shea
The Munster PGA got their Winter Series off to a great start on Monday with a very successful competition in Fota Island. Close to thirty club professionals turned out for the first event of the series, one of four events planned to take place before Christmas. Fota Island was the venue for the first outing, with the three time Irish Open venue hosting the popular fourball as usual. Comeptition was close, that was until the card from David Higgins and Dan Sugrue came in with the Kerry pair claiming first place. Higgins is a regular winner in the series but it was the first win in a while for Sugrue. The Dooks based Professional was in hospital following a very serious operation just 11 months ago, but it was like old times on Monday when the Kerry native came home in first place. Sugrue had five birdies, including three in a row from the 5th to the 7th. Sugrue’s -5 was Continue reading
Paudie on course in Castlemartyr
It’s just a year since greenkeeper Paudie O’Sullivan was appointed as Head Superintendent at Castlemartyr. Now in his third decade as a greenkeeper, the Little Island man has had a busy year at the prestigious East Cork golf resort. “It has been a whirlwind twelve months, to get the Head Superintendent job at Castlemartyr was a fantastic step in my career” added Paudie. “Everyday is a learning day in Castlemartyr as you never know what each day will bring. In the twelve months since being given the Head Superintendent position, we have been through storm Ophelia in October, from November to February we had over 500mm of rainfall, and in March we were covered in snow and closed for 12 consecutive days. Any then this summer we went through the driest summer I have incurred.” That dry spell in July was O’Sullivan’s biggest task in a challenging year. Weeks went by without any meaningful rain, which isn’t ideal when your trying to maintain over 100 acres of cultivated grass. “Looking back now on the summer, Castlemartyr has come out quite well” explained the man in charge. “One or two areas needed overseeding due to Continue reading
Gallery: Munster Under 14 Amateur Open 2018
Pictures from the prize-giving in Lahinch: Continue reading
Cork Pro’s fundraise for Colleague
A large number of PGA Professionals in Cork have embarked on an ambitions fundraising drive to help Tramore native Ian St John as he battles to recover from a devastating illness. Led by Cian McNamara, eight Cork based professionals have committed to raising €4,000 as part of a €40,000 nationwide fundraising campaign. The project is aiming to collect €20 each from golfers, pro’s and supporters with the aim of collecting €4,000 in each of the ten selected regions. The funds are being raised to purchase a piece of specialised equipment to help Ian’s recovery.
While all Munster PGA’s are involed in the campaign, the eight Cork Pro’s designated are Liam Burns, Peter Hickey, Ger Broderick, Paddy O’Boyle, Stephen Hayes, Alan Gleeson, David O’Sullivan, and Cian McNamara. Each of the eight have sponsorship cards, and all Cork (and Munster) based PGA professionals have more details on the campaign. The campaign will run for another three weeks.
More details on the fundraising campaign are included Continue reading
Douglas advertise for new GM
Douglas Golf Club is now open for applications for a new General Manager, as Conor O’Brien will retire from the post in the coming months. Founded in 1909, and now boasting a large membership, the club is in the middle of an ambitious development plan which includes enhanced practice facilities, a new six hole short game course, and eventually the redevelopment of the famous clubhouse. Further details are available below.
Cork Golf News 