It has taken its time coming, but victory in the North Dublin Uden Cup fourball (12 to 15 handicappers) finally arrived again for Howth golf club last Monday at the K Club. It was way back in 1974 that they were last victorious in this ever-popular event and in their bid to win this year they selected a team blending youth with experience.
Having overcome some stern tests along the way to the decider, including wins over Clontarf, Royal Dublin, Turvey and Balcarrick, Howth made the ideal start to the first leg of the final, held over their own course, and headed for Straffan last Monday with a one-point lead (4-3).
The second leg, played in perfect conditions, went to the wire before Howth secured the necessary four points to secure an 8-6 overall win. They will hope they don't have to wait as long for their next win in the competition.
The club have in recent years spent much time and effort not only developing the clubhouse but also improving their youth policy and it is now bearing fruit, and this latest win should spur on the middle-handicap members to further success.
Leggett doubles up
Willie Leggett, a five handicapper at The Island, brought off a unique double last week when he won Michael Tully's captain's prize in the Hole-In-One Golf Society at Forrest Little. Leggett, who won with a total of 40 points, also won Ursula Butler's captain's prize in 2002.
Things did not look too promising for Leggett when he amassed just 16 points for the first nine. However, he then moved up a gear, coming home, in four under for an excellent 24 points.
He then made the short dash to St Anne's for the Annesley Motors Mixed matchplay with his wife, Mary, but unfortunately they lost out on the 19th. Runner up on the day was Dorothy Nolan of Charlesland with 39 points; Barry Keeley (Castle) was third on 38 points off a 10 handicap.
Certs for youngsters
Tiger Woods may be opting out of the World Matchplay at Wentworth in favour of a juvenile clinic at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.
And down Limerick way, in Rathbane Golf Club today, 30 budding Tigers will receive "Certificates of Completion" after undergoing eight weeks of tuition. Similar to the US First Tee programme, which establishes nine core values and then teaches the children these social skills through the medium of golf, the Rathbane programme targeted local children who for social, economic or other reasons would normally find themselves excluded from the game. The syllabus was planned under eight headings - honest and integrity; sportsmanship; respect; confidence; responsibility; perseverance; courtesy; and judgement. Each class lasted an hour, and the 30 graduates receive their certificates at a function this afternoon.
Lewis wins local duel
It must have been the local air that was proving such a hit with the main contenders at the Wicklow Boys Championships, sponsored by Schlumberger, last week at Greystones golf club. As the event drew to a conclusion, two near neighbours were fighting it out for honours and proving the value of local knowledge. Craig Lewis was the man who ended up victorious in the 72-hole strokes tournament, but it was only after a mighty duel with Delgany's John McDonald, who had set the early pace with two rounds of 68 and held an eight-stroke advantage at one stage. But Lewis kept battling away to eventually emulate his older brother Kenny, a past winner of the event.
Doherty has Cup date
Oliver Doherty, a 26-year-old golfer from Buncrana and the gold-medal winner at the Special Olympics in June, will be one of a high-class field in next week's Tennent's Letterkenny Scratch Cup. This is the fourth year of the amateur tournament after a break last year for redevelopment of the course.
"We are delighted that Oliver has agreed to play. Oliver plays off seven handicap and as such will be a tough man to beat," said club captain PJ Keating.
The addition of three new holes by designer Declan Brannigan has ensured the course will be even more challenging than in recent years. Past winners include Paddy Gribben, who is now part of the Pro Tour, former British Amateur winner Michael Hoey, Enda McMenamin, Ken Kearney and present Cup holder Ray Leonard from Banbridge.
Lucan get mix right
Lucan are the new National Pitch and Putt Mixed team champions. The team of Tommy Coogan, Barbara Coogan, Rita Murphy and Joe Murphy shot a total of 157 points at Fermoy on Sunday to win by two from St Bridget's B (Teresa Sullivan, Paddy Logan, Bridget Logan and Austin O'Malley) with Templebreedy next on 154. Best 18 of the day was returned by Syl and Fran Collins (Glenville). Fran holed in one at the sixth while Syl aced the very next hole as the pair carded a brilliant 48 points.
Cooke on fire
It was almost the perfect day for St Anne's member Greg Cooke recently during their open singles competition. The seven handicapper came to the 17th hole knowing he had a good score in progress, but it just got better as he watched his five iron disappear 180 yards away for his first-ever hole-in-one. Four points were added to his tally and when he totted his score he had 40 points, which cost him a full shot - his new handicap is 5.9.
However, the 2000 Captain's Prize-winner in Deer Park had to settle for runners-up spot in the competition behind Iain Hall of Enniscrone, who, playing off three, fired aimpressive 42 points.
Meanwhile, 17 handicapper Peter Shine was also celebrating a hole in one last week when he partnered Hilda Wyse in the Heath's open mixed competition. Shine, also a noted squash player, aced the second with a well struck six iron.
Naas keep it at home
Local knowledge proved crucial at the Intermediate Scratch Cup last week at Naas as local members dominated. The only man breaking the Naas stranglehold was County Louth's Neil McMahon, playing off 12, who was runner-up with a score of 75. He lost out to another 12 handicapper, Ken Murray. Third in the gross was Oliver Teahan with 76. And the Naas club made it a double as the nett winner was Tony Whelan (14) with a 62.
Beaumont Challenge
The Beaumont Hospital Transplant Foundation are holding their Fifth Inter Club Golf Club Challenge on Saturday, September 20th, in City West Golf and Country Club. For further details ring their office on 01 2850021 or 01 4947162.
