Of course Whyms is a real winner

MARTIN WHYMS is living proof that you are never too late to take up golf!

Indeed, the 87-year-old honorary member of Ballinasloe Golf Club caused something of a stir a few weeks ago when arriving at the first tee on his new battery operated buggy to help him get around the challenging parkland course.

The new machine obviously provided some inspiration because last Wednesday, Martin shot just two shots over his age - an 89 - to take the weekly Seniors competition at the club with 39 points, playing off 20.

Martin only took up golf when he retired at the age of 65 and, at one stage, managed to reduce his handicap to eight. Several years ago, he even managed to shoot his age ... and there aren't too many members in Ballinasloe willing to bet that he won't accomplish such a feat again.

Thurles, who won the Jimmy Bruen Shield in the Bulmers All-Ireland Cups and Shields Finals at Tramore last September, returned to their scene of triumph for the Munster area final with West Waterford last weekend.

But Thurles were forced to go right to the wire to progress to the Munster finals at Muskerry next Sunday, requiring a birdie four at the 19th hole in the last match to give them victory.

Swinford Golf Club aim to turn June into a month long party to celebrate their 75th anniversary. The festivities tee-off this weekend when the Anniversary Classic takes place on Saturday and Sunday with teams from all over Ireland; the Anniversary dinner is scheduled for Sunday week, and the following week John Kelly's Captain's prize will take place.

First played back in 1961 the Father & Son Open Foursomes at Castle Golf Club has attracted some notable pairings, including Joe Carr and his son Jody and former President Paddy Hillery and his son John.

This year's event, which is being held on July 5th-12th, will be sponsored by Guardian Life, commencing with a qualifying round on July 5th with the top 64 pairs progressing to the matchplay stages which start the following day.