Four Mellows Pitch and Putt members represented Galway at the Leinster Strokeplay Finals last weekend.
Carly Wiebe competed in the junior ladies, Kevin Walsh and James Fleming in the intermediate men, and James McLoughlin taking part in the senior men category. All four qualified through the national qualifying process.
Wiebe got the ball rolling as she played 36 holes on the challenging Killineer Pitch and Putt course in Louth. The Canadian newcomer finished an impressive third as her rise though the ladies’ ranks continues.
In the men’s intermediate competition, Fleming and Walsh took to the Laytown Pitch and Putt course in Meath. The Mellows men started well in the 36-hole format, with the top twelve to qualifying for a final 18 holes. While Walsh’s challenge faded, Fleming finished with a flourish to finish in third place after 36 holes. After the final 18 holes, Fleming finished tied for first with Glenville’s Thomas Egan to force a nine-hole playoff. Egan came out on top with Fleming taking second place.
It all came down to McLoughlin, a new member in Mellows this year to close the show. McLoughlin started strong at Laytown shooting 21 under through 36 holes, four shots behind former National Matchplay Champion and Irish International Eamon Gibney of Castletown Pitch and Putt. The top 12 went onto play in the final 18 holes and McLoughlin showed off his class storming off the tee box with 12 birdies in a row. He continued with two more birdies to hit 14 under to land an outrageous total of 54 holes at 35 under par to bring home the trophy.
“I did not expect to win that today,” said McLoughlin after receiving the cup.
“I just wanted to represent my wonderful club Mellows, and my county Galway well, but in the final 18 I just kept pitching good balls and stitching them to the pin, it was a real privilege to play with a legend of the game in Eamon Gibney, and I’m just so proud to win this for my club.”
Mellows club chairman, Frank Naughton was “over the moon” with the performances of Mellows’ four representatives.
“I truly believe this is in no small part due to the commitment of the players and the support we give here to bring our players on, and also the financial support we give, it’s a proud day for us all here; onwards and upwards,” Naughton added.
