SHORT GAME:The USGA will start their preparation early for next year's Walker Cup by inviting 16 golfers, including three reigning USGA champions, to participate in an informal practice session next week at Calusa Pines Golf Club in Naples, Florida.
The 2013 Walker Cup will be contested at the National Golf Links of America in Southampton, NY on September 7th-8th.
Among the invitees are four-time US Mid-Amateur champion and two-time Walker Cup Team member Nathan Smith and 2012 US Amateur champion Steven Fox, a member of the victorious 2012 USA World Amateur Team.
Also in the group are 2012 US Amateur Public Links champion TJ Vogel, 2011 USA Walker Cup Team member Patrick Rodgers, and two past US Junior amateur champions: Cory Whitsett (2007) and Jim Liu (2010).
Thomas takes Alliance honours at Rosslare
Tramore’s Alan Thomas took the spoils in the last Rosslare Alliance outing of the year last Monday.
The scratch golfer fired an impressive 38 points to take the gross honours in their final 2012 outing, while 36 points from nine handicapper Ted Tierney, who plays with the host club, Rosslare, was the winner in the nett category.
The Alliance take a break over the Christmas holiday period and will return with their first outing of 2013 on Monday, January 7th. Places on the timesheet and any further details are available from Johnny Young at 053 9132032.
Ceann Sibeal reap their reward
There was tremendous satisfaction and pride last week at Europe’s most westerly golf course when the Golf Digest Top 100 rankings were announced.
Ceann Sibeal, or Dingle as they are also affectionately known as, have seen their efforts over the years to improve their course, recognised by those who were compiling the 2013 rankings list.
The Co Kerry club have made many improvements to their facilities in recent times to produce a fine course for both their members and visitor.
That has seen their course rise a huge 17 places in the rankings to number 81, the most significant rise amongst the top 100 clubs.
Meanwhile, last week the club announced that Maighread Uí Chiobhain, a seven handicapper, had won the 2012 ladies golfer of the year crown.
Plenty of value at Hollystown
Affordable golf will again be on offer at Hollystown GC west Dublin in 2013 with a number of options for those wishing to join.
Full membership comes at €795, Five-day plus membership cost €565 for Monday to Friday players.
They also offer a special Flexi-membership at €295 with a green fee of €16 Monday to Friday and €20 on the weekends.
For those in the under 28 category the cost per year is €595 with no green fees and a student membership comes at €250 per year with no green fees. All members are eligible to compete in club competitions and inter-club teams.
McKibbin hoping to build on early promise
Tom McKibbin, a nine-year-old from Newtownabbey, will compete in a series of high profile tournaments in Florida against some of the world’s best junior golfers as he aims to qualify for the 2013 World Championships.
The Ben Madigan pupil will follow in the footsteps of his hero, Rory McIlroy, by playing at the prestigious PGA National course in Palm Beach, Florida, at the Junior Honda Classic this week.
And this will be closely followed by the 2012 US Kids Golf Holiday Classic on December 21st-22nd.
He will also take time out from the various competitions to train under the tutelage of renowned PGA golf instructor Don Law at the Port St Lucie PGA Golf Academy.
Tom’s meteoric rise over the past 12 months has seen him win the Irish Kids 2012 World Championship qualifiers at Portmarnock Links .
Tom has been selected as a member of the GUI Ulster Branch panel and is coached by Johnny Foster, the current coach of European Tour professional Gareth Maybin.
PGA launch wide-ranging coaching audit
The PGA has launched a wide-ranging coaching audit aimed at creating a better understanding of the coaching landscape and market across Britain and Ireland.
The audit, compiled by the PGA’s coaching team, comprises a survey for professional and volunteer coaches and runs until the end of December with findings helping to assemble a comprehensive picture of golf coaching in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
To access the survey links visit PGA.info
