Ballina
Last Sunday’s competition was reduced to a nine hole Stableford due to the frosty conditions. There was a sizeable turnout on the morning and the competition was won by John Horgan with a score of 23pts. The regular club competitions have been pencilled in to continue over the next few weeks and a time sheet is on the club notice board. All members are asked to pay their subscription for the year as early as possible and they can be paid at the club office.
Ballyhaunis
Last weekend’s Stableford competition sponsored by An Lochán Bar and Restaurant was won by Pat Freeney with a score of 40pts playing off 21. Kevin Henry came second after he finished just one point behind, playing off eight. The ladies’ section was won by Ann Curley who finished off with 39pts, playing off 24.
Claremorris
Due to the bad weather round three of the winter league was postponed last week. Weather permitting it will be held this coming week and can be played up and until Sunday January 30. The club is currently on a new membership drive. Membership starts at €225 and further information can be had by contacting Chris at 094 9371527.
Westport
With more than 35 years of service as head greenkeeper at Westport, John Garavan retires this week and can look back on a job well done. He leaves his position, secure in the knowledge that he has played a major role in securing the reputation of the championship course in Carrowholly as the premier parkland golf destination west of the Shannon.
Ryder Cup hero Paul McGinley acknowledged John Garavan’s contribution in an open letter to the members, which was published in the club’s centenary book, Westport A Hundred Years of Golf. When referring to his first visit to Westport, to caddy for his dad in the ’77 Irish Amateur Close, he recalled: “All the talk that week was of a US Open set-up.”
