By SHAY KEENAN
Killeen Castle launch Solheim Cup challenge
AFTER the success of last year’s Solheim Cup in Meath, which saw the European team claim a dramatic victory over the USA, Killeen Castle has launched the 2012 Solheim Cup Challenge, offering club golfers the chance to compete for a trip to the 2013 Solheim Cup in the United States.
The Solheim Cup Challenge, supporting Irish Autism Action, will run throughout the summer on the Jack Nicklaus Course, with the first of four qualifying events taking place on Sunday next, June 10th.
The event is open to male and female club golfers throughout the country in any combination teams of four.
The event will see five teams from each of the four qualifying rounds contest the Grand Final which will take place on September 23rd at Killeen Castle.
And the prize on offer to the overall winner on that day will be a superb trip for four to the 2013 Solheim Cup at Colorado Golf Club in Denver, USA on August 16th-18th, 2013.
Entrance fee for a qualifying event is € 400 per team which includes a goodie bag, refreshments, a Solheim Cup gift and team prizes on the day.
The four qualifying dates are: Sunday, June 10th, Sunday, July 22nd, Sunday, August 19th and Thursday, September 6th. Grand Final Sunday, September 23rd. Details on www.killeencastle.comor 01-6893000.
Murray claims St Rule Trophy again
SCOTLAND’S Laura Murray won the St Rule Trophy at St Andrews for the second time in three years over the weekend, Murray won by two shots from Emma Goddard from Royal Liverpool with scores of 73 over the New Course on Saturday and 74 and 73 over the Old Course on Sunday for a seven-under-par total of 220.
Goddard posted the target of five-under-par 222 but in the end only Murray overhauled the English player. Joint third place went to three players, Scotland’s Louise Kenney, England’s Bethany Garton, whose final round of 70 was the best of the tournament, and Sweden’s Jenny Haglund, all on 223.
The Lawson Trophy for the highest finishing under-18 year old was won by England’s Emily Taylor who won the Irish women’s open amateur strokeplay championship at The Island last weekend.
Ireland international Aedin Murphy from Carlow won a special prize for a hole in one with a six-iron at the 140 metre eighth hole in the second round over the Old Course. It was her third ace. Murphy finished on 236 after rounds of 80, 90 and 78 while Karen Delany carded rounds of 80, 80 and 83 for 243.
Seán Ryan will defend the Stackstown Senior Scratch Cup which will take place on Sunday, June 17th over 36 holes. The timesheet is live on club website or contact office 01-4941993.
Robinson marks his big year in style
IT IS already sure to be a memorable year for Niall Robinson at Tulfarris Golf Club, but just recently the year of 2012 got all the more memorable for him.
Now a hole in one is indeed a “rare bird” for anybody during their golfing career, but a hole in one by a club captain during their year in office is surely something all the more unique. Yet that feat has just been achieved by Robinson.
Robinson, is the captain for 2012 at Tulfarris, and recently playing in his visiting captains competition he aced the 180-yard par-three 16th hole, holing out with a three wood hit into a strong breeze.
And no more happy were his playing partners, who included fellow club member Noel Fannin, Paul Dunne, the captain of Roundwood and Margaret McMahon, Lady Captain at Glenmalure who described his ace as “a perfectly hit three wood landing two feet from the hole, one bounce and straight in”.
Four-in-a-row for Mount Anville
THE HAYDON Chartered Accountants-sponsored Primary Schools Cup, organised by Junior Golf Ireland on behalf of the Golfing Union of Ireland Leinster Branch and the Eastern District of the Irish Ladies Golf Union, had its biggest event to date at Castle Golf Club, last Monday.
One hundred and forty two pupils, consisting of 19 boys and 15 girls teams from 25 surrounding schools competed for the Castle Primary Schools Cup in a nine-hole stableford competition. The boys cup was won Willow Park School Blackrock, while Mount Anville Montessori Junior School won the girls cup for a fourth year running. Best individual boy was Thomas McCarthy of St Mary’s NS, Donnybrook and best girl was Keeva Bowe from St Pius X Girls NS.
A former junior member of Dún Laoghaire GC, now living near Stranraer in Scotland, will set out on his home course, Gatehouse GC, on June 14th, to play 100 holes in one day – 11 times around a hilly 9-hole track, plus one extra to make up the ton. Mark Dunne is seeking to raise funds for Our Lady's Hospice (Blackrock and Harold's Cross) and would appreciate donations ( www.mycharity.ie/event/100_holes_in_a_day_-_golf_challenge/) for the charity.
Anniversary event at Forrest Little
FORREST LITTLE GC is this year celebrating 72 years since its foundation. Founded as Corballis Golf Club in Donabate in 1940, the club moved to its present location in 1971 when its name was changed to Forrest Little Golf Club. In the past few years the club has invested substantially on the course and in refurbishing the locker rooms and the professional’s shop.
To mark the anniversary, the club is holding an open four person team event on Saturday, June 16th, which will be sponsored by near neighbours, the DAA. As in previous years the St Francis Hospice will receive a contribution from the club.
There will be two shotgun starts at 9am and 2pm. The morning slot will cost € 200 (with breakfast roll or soup/sandwiches) whilst the afternoon cost is € 240 to include a four-course meal. In addition, each team sponsor will receive a fourball voucher value € 100. Details from margaret@forrestlittle.ie or 01- 8401763.
McGeogh and Lavelle in form
CONNEMARA PLAYERS Mary McGeough and Margaret Lavelle had an excellent bank holiday weekend. On Saturday in the open fourball they recorded 33 points to secure second place, behind Geraldine McGettigan and Eilis Cryan who scored of 40 points.
On Sunday in the open singles Lavelle (9) won with 38 points, one clear McGeough (13). Kathleen Burke (16) was the gross winner.
