TheShortGame

Irish international Michael McGeady (City of Derry) shot a disappointing 80 in the final round to finish well down the field in the Lake Macquarie Amateur Championship at the Belmont Golf Club, New South Wales.

The City of Derry player was just one shot off the lead after three rounds and never recovered from a bad start in the final round.

Jarrod Lyle of Shepparton Golf Club Victoria, became only the second player to defend the title in the 46-year history of the event by recording a final round of 69 to finish on 13-under-par 275. He pipped James Nitties (Charlestown GC) and Robin Hodgetts (Tasmania) by one shot. Portmarnock's Noel Fox shot a final round of 76 for a 289 total; Darren Crowe (Dunmurry) a 74 for 290, Stephen Crowe (Dunmurry) shot 82 for 295 and Brian McElhinney (North West) a 78 for 299.

The road well travelled

The road between Belmullet and Westport will be a well worn path for both clubs after the draw for the Connacht section of the 2004 Bulmers Cups and Shields were announced last week. With the Northern Zone of the Irish Junior Cup to be played at Belmullet on June 26th-27th, Westport was guaranteed at least one trip to the magnificent course at Carne. However, following the draw, no fewer than five other competitions paired the two clubs in the opening round. They will meet in the Connacht Seniors, Cecil Ewing Shield, Connacht Shield, Pierce Purcell Shield and Irish Mixed foursomes competitions.

Leinster Alliance

The Leinster Alliance annual programme will get under way at the picturesque Seafield Golf Club in Wexford on April 4th when the new captain John Bourke will drive into office. Other outings are planned for South County (Irish Times Shield) on June 13th, the captain's prize is scheduled for the Castle GC on July 18th with the President's Prize at Tulfarris on September 12th. The final outing of the season is at the European Club on October 4th.

Terry Lilly, a regular supporter of the Alliance, of Terry Lilly Commercials, will sponsor the golfer of the year award. The Alliance is also keen to build-up a data-base of members and can be contacted at Michael@irishgolfbooks.com.

Hilary honours shared

Sutton and Beaverstown members shared the major honours at the first Hilary outing of the winter series, sponsored by the BMW Group Ireland, at Laytown and Bettystown on Sunday. Tony Higgins and Mark Coates (Sutton) took the honours in the nett with the Cullen brothers from Beaverstown winning the gross and professional prizes. Played over 15 holes Higgins shot a 55 to win the nett on the back nine from Coates. Neil Cullen covered the back nine in two-under-par to win the gross while Gary took the professional prize with a level par 59, helped by an eagle two at the par four ninth. Coates and Neil Cullen were joined by Black Bush's Shane O'Grady and Greg Cooke of St Anne's to win the team event with 48. The next outing is at Portmarnock Links on February 8th.

Heskin takes office

Ann Heskin of Douglas GC was confirmed as president-elect of the the Irish Ladies' Golf Union at the recent a.g.m. As a player Heskin represented Ireland on five occasions between 1969 and 1977. She was captain of the Irish Home International team in 1982 and 1983 and she also captained Ireland to victory in the European Team Championship in Belgium. Heskin was an executive council member of the Ladies' Union based in St Andrews, a position she is retiring from two years early to take up the office of president-elect.

Boost for Junior game

In another boost for Junior golf in Ireland Cidona are to sponsor the boys' Inter-Club Foursomes and the girls' Inter-Club team competitions this year. The Provincial GUI section will get under way in April and the ILGU section in July, culminating with the All-Ireland semi-finals and finals at Castlebar GC on August 16th. Qualifying venues are: Boys - Munster, Fermoy, July 1st; Ulster, Roe Park, July 30th; Connacht, Ballina, August 9th; Leinster TBA. Girls: Leinster, Howth, July 19th-21st; Munster, Charleville July 21st-22nd; Ulster, Knock, July 23rd and Connacht, Athenry, July 29th.

Compiled by Shay Keenan and Kevin McKenna

skeenan@irish-times.ie