Muskerry Golf Club launched their 2019 Senior Scratch Cup last week, and with a new sponsor and increased prize fund the competition is sure to attract a top class field.  The 36 strokeplay competition takes place on Saturday 30th March and bookings are now open.  The event will be limited to 66 golfers with lunch and refreshments included.  Investec are coming on board as main sponsors, build o their strong presence in Cork and their support of amateur and professional golf nationally.  “We are delighted to be associated with a leading global brand like Investec and are look forward to building this event into the leading 36 hole scratch cup in the country over the next few years” said Muskerry Captain Diarmuid Linehan.  “Investec are the new sponsors, and they allow us to have an increased prize fund of €1,500 this year, but many thanks must go to our previous sponsors such as the Shine family and the Sadler family who have kept this competition alive through the years.”

This is the 46th staging of the competition, it dates back to 1974 when Youghal’s Denis Clifford was the inaugural winner.  Needless to say the cup hold the names of the good and the great from Cork golf over that time, with more than a fair share of winners from Cork Golf Club represented on the famous trophy.  Denis O’Sullivan, Pat Lyons, Tom Cleary and more recently John Hickey were all multiple winners.  Cleary won the first of his six Muskerry titles in 1976, then representing Fermoy.  He also won in 77, 79, 93 and 94, and then in 2010 he rolled back the years to claim a sixth title.  Denis O’Sullivan was a prolific winner at the time, and Muskerry accounts for four of his haul of titles, stretching from 1981 to 1991.  Douglas golfers have also featured regularly, John McHenry won back to back titles in 1983 and 1984 while Karl Bornemann won four titles between 2000 and 2007.  Peter O’Keeffe also won in Douglas colours in 2006.  The home club are well represented, Harry Shine was the first home winner in 1978, Jim McKenna won in 1982, Niall Turner won in 2003 while Dave O’Donovan claimed two titles in Continue reading →