The Short Game

The McGinley family were the form team over the weekend. While Paul shot a five-under-par 67 in the last round to finish third in the Dubai Classic, his brother Michael covered the last four holes in four-under-par to win the gross prize at the Hilary Golfing Society outing at Laytown and Bettystown. McGinley looked out of contention when he bogeyed the 10th and then took a double bogey at the 14th to go three-over-par for the round. However, a bridie, par, birdie, eagle finish took him to the top in the gross section. McGinley won on the last six from Gavin Lunney of Naas after both players had shot 35 for the back nine.

Kieran O'Byrne made it two wins from two outings for Sutton members when he won the nett with a 66. O'Byrne had one shot to spare over Richie McDonnell of Co Louth with Tom Fox - both shot 67. O'Byrne was also a member of the winning team, shooting 58 in partnership with Eamon McCartan of Greenore and another Sutton member, Sean Russell.

Peter and Paul Henshaw will be defending their title when the 10th annual World Invitational Father and Son tournament takes place at Waterville from August 18th to 22nd. This year's event will be limited to 50 teams and will again include entries from the UK and America. The event is over four days, one practice and three tournament days. The top 10 teams and ties after 36 holes will qualify for the top flight on the final day, while the remaining teams will have the opportunity of playing in the plate competition. Past Irish winners include Noel and Noel Fox of Portmarnock, John and Mark Power of Lahinch, Dermot and Brett Desmond from the K Club and Joe and Gary Stafford from Sutton, as well as the Henshaws.

The Spratt family were to the fore in the South East Alliance outings last week. Nora won class one in the Women's Home Alliance in West Waterford, while son Austin just edged out cousin Raymond in the Men's Alliance at Mount Juliet. Nora had 25 points to win class one, Ann Rochford (21) took class two with 26 points, while class three went to Brigid Broderick (37) with 24 points. Austin's 69 at Mount Juliet beat Raymond on the last nine. The gross prize went to Irish Close Champion Eddie Power (Kilkenny) who shot a 74.

Donal O'Keeffe, the captain of Craddockstown, is the form player in their Winter League. An eleven-handicap, Donal won class one over the weekend with 38 points and is also the captain of the leading team. His team of Sean Doyle, Brian Pluck, Larry O'Toole and Kieron Curtain lead on 167 points.