Handicaps came tumbling down at both Elm Park and Ballinascorney last week. At Elm Park Anne Gibney won the medal with a 64 off 19 handicap, student Emily MacNicholas (21) also shot 64 as did Breeda Clafferty (27). Each lost two shots while student Jennifer Gilmore had her handicap of 35 reduced by three after shooting a 65. Breeda is the tennis professional at Elm Park and only took to golf in the last 18 months but it looks as if the bug has really bitten as she has lost 11 shots so far.

Meanwhile, conditions at Elm Park proved just perfect for Mary O'Hart when she won the Lady Captain's (Dorothy McCarthy) prize on Saturday. A brilliant 24 points on the front nine was followed by 19 on the way home and O'Hart had three points to spare over Marie Mansfield and Aine Brady, who both shot 40 points. O'Hartlost four shots off her handicap.

Michelle Carroll of Ballinascorney, who will celebrate her 18th birthday later this month, has set a new record of 75 for the Dublin club. She has lost five shots in the last two months - coming from 13 to eight.