A round-up of today's golf news in brief
Irish Links Initiative wants clubs to buy into scheme
THE Irish Links Initiative (ILI) which was set up to 'preserve, protect and promote' links golf in Ireland, has called on links clubs to support the initiative by each becoming a part owner of the scheme. The ILI, the brainchild of Royal County Down greens convenor Brian Coburnis a not-for-profit organisation set up in 2008.
The ILI has held three major seminars on links golf courses in different parts of Ireland, the latest held recently at Co Sligo Golf Club, Rosses Point. The seminar, which attracted over one hundred delegates from 30 links clubs, was held over two days. The delegates included club captains, club secretaries, greens convenors and course superintendents. It is the third such venture following successful seminars in Royal Co Down and Portmarnock Hotel and Links. The seminar at Rosses Point consisted of a series of practical sessions highlighting new techniques to help preserve and protect links courses.
The Irish Links Initiative has the backing of the RA, the GUI, Failte Ireland and the Toro Company, all of which have agreed to continue backing the initiative in 2010.
Coburn, the founder, said that while it was wonderful to have the backing of these organisations that the ILI still needed further funding.
He said that the links heritage was truly the preserve of the clubs involved and to that end he felt that the clubs should own the Initiative.
3 bring out free text service for clubs
MOBILE network 3 has announced a free texting service for golf clubs and their members.
Sponsors of the 3 Irish Open, the Irish Mixed Foursomes, Irish Ladies Open Strokeplay and the Irish Colleges Golf Association, 3 is making a free news and information text service available to every golf club in the country.
“3golf text” is a free SMS service to all golf clubs signed up to 3Business. Using it, a club can keep all of their members up-to-date on the latest club news, competition results, course closed notices, re-scheduled meetings/agms etc.
The service also allows groups to be created which will allow the clubs to contact particular members, committees or those involved in administration.
As 3golf text is internet-based, no software needs to be downloaded so it’s ready for immediate use. For more information, check out www.3golf.ie
John McHenry, golf consultant at 3, said: "We at 3 want to ensure that our extensive golf sponsorship portfolio should allow Irish golfers an opportunity to share in the technology we have to offer. Free real time information on club activities can now be a reality.
“We believe that by offering 3golf text exclusively to golf clubs we are recognising and supporting the importance of the club in this great game.”
Local man Joyce scores at Rosslare
LOCAL knowledge proved beneficial last Monday when the Rosslare Alliance held their latest outing over the Co Wexford course, an event which attracted a huge entry to a course in top shape.
Returning a fine score of 39 points to take the honours in the nett category on what was a benign day was Murt Joyce, playing off a handicap of five. That proved two better than his nearest challenger Callans John O'Dwyer, also playing off five, who edged out nine handicapper Anthony Corish(St Helen's Bay) on a countback.
In the gross section, there wasn't much to choose as scratch golfers Peter Jonesof Coollattin and Mick O'Sheafrom Callan both recorded 36 points to head the pack, ahead of Paul Flynnof Faithlegg (2) by a single point.
The next Rosslare Alliance outing is on Monday, December 7th and places on the timesheet are still available (phone the club on 053 9132032.
Killymoon pair third in Gulf test
THERE was no joy for the Irish at the recent Gulf Air International Pro-Captain Challenge at the Royal Golf Club in Bahrain, although Killymoon's Gary Chambersand Gerry Breslinshot a final round 69 to claim a share of third place on six under par for the Cookstown club pair.
Victory went to Millbrook, whose captain Duncan Steelesank a sensational 25-foot birdie putt on the last hole for the title.
Steele and head professional Rob Brightmancarded a scorching eight under-par second round of 64 for an 11-under-par total which secured a one-stroke victory over Parc Golf Academy's Richard Dinsdaleand Steve Williams.
Website for society golfer
MYGOLFSOCIETY.IE, a website dedicated to society golf and society golfers, have brought out their first Golf Society Bible which will ensure societies get the best rates available at clubs throughout Ireland.
This time of the year is the busiest for societies, choosing dates, booking courses and planning the all important captain’s day for next year. The magazine will allow them to view and compare the best offers from golf clubs around Ireland and help them decide where to play and stay in 2010. Mygolfsociety.ie has joined with some of Ireland’s top courses and golf resorts to offer societies the best deals.
The magazine will be distributed free to thousands of golf societies and golf resorts and endeavours to provide everything a society needs throughout the year, from the best green fees available, offers on golf weekends and golf holidays, tailored golf prizes and top tips to running your golf society.
Mygolfsociety.ie operates as a one stop shop for everything a golf society needs throughout the year. Mygolfsociety.ie directly books and organises golf, golf weekends, golf holidays and golf prizes for hundreds of golf societies scattered throughout the country.
Mygolfsociety.ie, Tel: 087 7725661 E-Mail: frankiebannon@gmail.com.
Ireland find A game too late at Roda
IRELAND missed out on back victories in the PGAs of Europe International Team Championship at Roda Golf and Beach resort in Spain last week.
Having won at a canter 12 months ago, by eight strokes, this year John Kellyof St Margaret's – who was on last year's winning team – was joined by Peter Martin(Riverside Golf Academy) and David Ryan(Cahir Park) for the 72- hole event involving 24 nations.
It was only in the final round that Ireland made a real challenge for honours. Going into it the Irish were on four-under, seven strokes off the pace. but they really found their top game and a round of eight-under (the two best scores counted), courtesy of all three members carding rounds of 68, saw them finish joint fourth with France on 12 under.
However, it was to fall short as victory went to Wales on 16 under par after a final round of five-under to finish three strokes ahead of their England and Switzerland, who were tied for second place, with the Irish a further shot back.
England had led from day one until the final round.
