TheShortGame: Thursday, April 1st, is the day one of Ireland's most exciting golfing developments, The Heritage at Killenard, will formally open its doors for green fees and corporate and golf-society events.
With membership potential for 400, this wonderful venue, which will also host the AIB Irish Seniors Open in 2005, has already attracted 240 members. Besides golf, the Heritage incorporates a development of elegant and spacious homes, each coming with a special "share", granting membership of the only Seve Ballesteros-designed golf course in Ireland, co-designed by Jeff Howes. Not surprisingly, Phase One of the development is sold out and only 20 houses remain in Phase Two.
Complementing the golf course is the Seve Ballesteros Natural Golf School, which has already attracted 600 members, and an indoor bowls arena.
For details on any of the above, contact The Heritage at Killenard: Telephone: 0502-45994; Fax: 0502-42392; email: info@theheritagegolf.com
Suir to help the cause
The Suir Engineering and Mechanical Golf Society are holding a charity golf outing on Good Friday and Easter Saturday, April 9th and 10th. This, their first such venture, will involve three games of golf played over two days in the three golf clubs in Dungarvan. The hope is to raise about €8,000 and the nominated charity is the Share a Dream Foundation. Anybody interested in sponsoring the event or becoming involved should contact Kieran Quigley on 051-894116 or 086-6029492.
Outing to The Island
As part of the fundraising calendar of events, the annual St Michael's House golf outing will take place at The Island Golf Club on Tuesday September 7th. Proceeds will go towards the purchase of a specially adapted minibus, which will cost around 40,000. Entry fee is 650 per team and includes golf and dinner for four, sponsored hole and corporate name on sponsor board. For details ring Linda Courage or Liz Hutt: 01-2987033.
Cullen blows hot
Despite the gales and rain, Neil Cullen (Beaverstown) and Clem Walshe (St Anne's) shot excellent one-over-par 73s in the BMW-sponsored Hilary Golf outing to County Louth on Sunday.
Cullen took the nett award on countback from Walshe, with another St Anne's man, Michale McEniff, third on 75. Sutton's Mark Collins won the gross with a two-over-par 74 while the professional prize went to Peter O'Hagan (K Club) with 74.
Mount Juliet reopens
Mount Juliet Conrad reopens this week following completion of a 1-million refurbishment of the bedrooms at Mount Juliet House, the Georgian mansion at the centre of this 1,500-acre estate.
The refurbishment was completed in readiness for the arrival of Tiger Woods and co for the AMEX World Golf Championship in September.
Tour heads get day out
The Ireland Golf Tour Operators Association will hold their golf event and annual awards dinner at Dromoland Castle Hotel and Golf Club on Monday next. This event will follow the association's golf outing to Lahinch Golf Club and Doonbeg Golf Club, with over 160 golfers signed up from the Irish and international golf-travel industry.
The awards to be announced at the dinner include Golf Hotel of the Year, Golf Manager of the Year, Golf Course of the Year and the Jerry Donworth award for Outstanding Contribution to Irish Golf.
Sport mourns Kevin
The world of Pitch and Putt is in mourning this week following the death of Kevin Lambert, former PPUI treasurer, who died on St Patrick's Day after an illness.
Kevin enjoyed an amazing administrative career in Pitch and Putt, which began almost as the Pitch and Putt Union of Ireland itself was born. A founder member of Campions (Balgriffin) in 1963, he spent almost 40 years as vice-chairman of the club. His aptitude for administration was recognised early on and he was club secretary at Campions for 10 years, guiding it in its infancy.
While never achieving major success on the course, he was soon PPUI national treasurer, a position he held for 17 years (1971-1988). He also introduced lucrative sponsorships to the sport, which he cultivated in his own inimitable style.
Kevin was inducted into the Pitch and Putt Hall of Fame in 1993 for his services to the sport.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
Plant shoots albatross
Is there a more perfect way to start a round of golf than with a hole-in-one at a par four? Well, that's exactly what Paul Plant did recently at Highfield Golf Club in Co Kildare. Starting off in the weekend singles competition at the 319-yard par-four first, the nine-handicapper holed out with this tee shot, using his driver to master the severe crosswind for what was a truly remarkable shot. Not only did he record an albatross at the hole, but he also picked up five points in the stableford event.
Paul went on to win class one on the day with 39 points, with John O'Toole (16) winning class two with 40 points and Con Brehony (20) taking class three with a best-of-the-day 41 points.
skeenan@irish-times.ie
