SEPTEMBER OPEN WEEK

We started in rain and finished in sunshine! Yes, the weather was kind to us and the course was busy for the week. After a ‘shaky’ start and damp underfoot conditions we were full each day from Monday; with generous sponsorship of prizes the club benefitted from a high level of revenue for the week. An anonymous member donated an electric caddycar and other valuable golf equipment for Saturday. Dermot Ahearne of Gleeson’s (Tipperary Water and Finch’s Orange etc) was present to distribute prizes on Sunday – for the second time this year. Monday saw the turn of new sponsors; our own 60.com group picked up the tab for a lovely array of prizes for the mixed scramble (any combination). The Ladies’ Park Hotel competition on Tuesday was postponed due to the rain, but they still played with reduced numbers. The sun shone on Wednesday, drawing huge crowds of members and visitors, and Thursday was packed (as usual) for the weekly Ulster Bank singles. Ned Connors Foodstore (Ballinroad) sponsored lovely Newbridge Cutlery prizes on Friday for a 3-Person Rumble (any combination), and the weekend fourball was sponsored, as ever, by the Norris Brothers Nicky and Johnny, who displayed a beautiful array of tiffany lamps. Congrats go to Pat Murphy, former Captain and now playing at West Waterford; he had a hole-in-one at the 16^th on Sunday. The other good news is that ex-President Tom Coffey, working hard to reduce his handicap, is credited with a two at the par five twelfth on Sat 12^th. It must be a mistake!

INTERPUBS CLASSIC

The Interpubs Classic for the Tom Shanley Memorial Trophy  kindly sponsored by Carlsberg will be played on Friday the 25^th & Saturday 26^th of September. At 100 euro per team of 4 of Ladies/ Gents or Mixed this represents great value for this enjoyable format classic. There are 2 scores to count on holes 1 – 12 and 3 scores on holes 13 – 18. Re entry per team is 80 euro. Timesheets are in operation now. We look forward to seeing you there.      

MEMBER QUERIES

A high level of satisfaction is reported again this year on how we address member queries at Dungarvan Golf Club. Notices around the clubhouse invite members to air their issues, concerns, observations, criticisms etc. – no matter what the topic. Officers and committees are kept on their toes, usually resolving minor matters which are expressed orally and informally. On occasion our members commit their thoughts to writing – sometimes using the suggestion box. So, keep them coming: whether your interest is in pace of play, prize vouchers, timesheet, handicap, ideas on new sponsors, competition format - or whatever, you are welcome to voice your opinion, ask a question, or, indeed, disagree with the status quo around the place.

RULES AGAIN

The lazybones among us asked for answers to last week’s questions, so here goes. Do you incur a penalty when you knock a leaf or two in your practice swing? Not necessarily – it depends on whether you improved your swing plane. May you drop away without penalty from a tractor tyre mark? No, unless it has been marked as GUR by the committee. My ball is outside a hazard but near a yellow stake which is in my swing plane; have I a ‘free’ drop? Yes, unless the ball is touching the stake – in which case it is in the hazard (as the stake is part of the hazard). Is it true that you may put a second ball into play when there is a doubt as to procedure?  Yes, but not in matchplay; you must nominate which ball you wish to count if the rules allow. We saw my ball going into a tree; it must be lodged there but I can’t see it; what will I do? It is a lost ball, so you play from where you last played, with a ‘stroke and distance’ penalty. My ball is within a metre of the green: may I repair a pitchmark on the green? Yes. May I have the flag attended? Yes. May I brush away the sand which is between my ball and the green? No. My ball is in a drain which is marked by red stakes; what are my options? You may play the ball without grounding your club; you may play a ball from where you played your last shot; you may drop out sideways – on either side, not nearer the hole; the latter two options are subject to a one stroke penalty.

VOLUNTEER PANEL

The Tuesday evening programme of voluntary work has succeeded well throughout the summer. They just turn up in their work gear, to paint, trim, fill, tidy, move, varnish, empty and fix. Michael Kelly has done a wonderful job in convening and harnessing the energy of the several willing volunteers. They find plenty to do, and nobody is over-taxed. By the way lads, would you ever oblige by taking just a little off the top of the shrubbery – so that the Johnny and the lads in grouch corner upstairs can see the entire 18^th green!

JUNIOR GOLF NOTES

South East League. Trial matches will take place every Friday at 5p.m. Our U15 team will challenge our U 18 team. Each panel has 10 players with only 7 making each team, so you are playing for your place lads.

Coaching. Tuition for our beginners and pre juniors continues this Saturday at 3p.m.

Matchplays. Our 2 matchplay tournaments are drawing to a close so keep playing your matches in time. 

45 DRIVE.

Its coming towards that time of the year again when our fair weather golfers retire for indoor pursuits! The Cards will be starting again on Thursday 24^th @ 8.30 p.m in the clubhouse. All are welcome.   

FIRE! FIRE!

‘Three fire brigades fought valiantly but to no avail.’ The Dungarvan Leader, on September 22^nd 1989, had a photograph showing the burnt out remains of our beautiful limestone clubhouse – a former Coastguard Station which had been lovingly and painstakingly converted. The front page recounted how ‘no one was injured as the clubhouse went up in flames.’ The story went on to tell of barman ‘Clagga’, along with members Niall O’ Kennedy, Frank O’ Riordan and Michael Kelleher, and how their frantic efforts with fire extinguishers came to nought as the fire raged. Dungarvan Fire Brigade, aided by units from Cappoquin and Kilmacthomas, fought for an hour: if the truth was told it was all over in twenty minutes as the flames were fanned by a southerly wind. Those on the course on Ladies Day lost all the personal belongings they had left in the locker-room; indeed the golf equipment of many members went up in smoke, the whole episode leaving happy memories for the many who had used our unique-style clubhouse for fifty years. The fire is remembered each year when we play our home and away friendly competition with Lismore, appropriately named ‘The Ashes’. Watch this space or ask Vice-Captain Des about details of this year’s competition.

CLUB CONTACT DETAILS: Pro Shop (058) 44707 Club (058) 43310, Website www.dungarvangolfclub.com for online booking & timesheets.