Ballina
After weeks of inactivity due to the severe weather the 2010 golf season finally got under way at Ballina Golf Club last Sunday. The course was still very damp underfoot after the recent snow and frost but was in surprisingly good condition despite everything. Temporary greens were in use but this only added to the enjoyment of all those who played. Gerry Tuffy and Stephen Langan battled it out for the top prize with Tuffy winning out on 25 points, the same score as Langan, but his better back six saw Tuffy take the win. The time sheet for this weekend’s competition has been placed on the notice board..
The club will be holding a race night in the clubhouse on Friday January 29, tickets are available from all committee members or from the club office. It costs €20 to purchase a horse for the night and it’s an important fundraiser for the club for the year, a good night’s entertainment promises to be in store for all.
The club subscriptions for 2010 are now due, this year an easy pay direct debit scheme has been set up for payment. There is also an early bird draw for all subscriptions paid on or before January 31.
Ballyhaunis
Golf also got back into the swing in Ballyhaunis last weekend with the winter league taking centre stage. Phil Glynn was the winner in the ladies’ sections with a score of 37 off 23. She finished four ahead of second placed Christina Keane who finished with 33 off 27. The gents’ competition saw Padraic Duffy win out by one with a score of 40. Just behind him in second place was Tommy Grogan with a score of 39, the same as third place Derek Walsh who lost out on handicap for the runner up spot.
Westport
In Westport there was a feeling of confidence that the course would be open in the early part of this week. The course is reported to be in magnificent condition considering the time of year and the big freeze that came down. It is imagined that the six week closedown will benefit fairways and greens as we move into springtime. The deadline for acceptance of the direct debit payment for the 2010 subscription has being extended to Friday, January 29. A who’s who of the membership head out to Portugal on Saturday next for the annual early season golf trip. The results of the opening competition, which will be played next Sunday, will be published in next week’s notes. Safe trip to all concerned.
