AUGUSt SEPTEMBER
2015
BEAUFORT GOLF CLUB Future secure
LEE VALLEY
.
Prepares to welcome the world
MALLOW GOLF CLUB Hosts Munster Boys
GOLF PROS Padraig Dooley, Jamie O’Sullivan and Marian Riordan
BLARNEY DRIVING RANGE 22 years and counting
RULES Barry Rhodes explains it all
HISTORY with Paul Gorry: Gwen Brandom PLUS LOTS, LOTS MORE.
Best Value Golf Packages
Best Price Golf Packages
Proud supporters of Golfmarket.ie SNAG golf & Golf Voyager
irishclubhouse.ie facebook.com/irishclubhouse
Best value electric trolley centre in Ireland x-demo Motocaddy electrical trolleys from €250 inc E battery & charger ain service agent for Motocaddy, Powakaddy, M Golf Glider & Hillbilly Full battery testing facility - new lithium batteries available Used electric golf trolleys from €99.00 inlc warranty
NATIONWIDE SERVICE
ully stocked shop, cart bags from €99.00 and waterproof F cart bags from €169
Golf Concepts “Lifes Caddy” J. Harrington Ind Est, Tramore Road, Cork. Ph: 021 4840692 Mob. 087 7450691 Delvyn Germeney PGA Pro Email: info@golfconcepts.ie Web: www.golfconcepts.ie
“Voted Irelands best Trolley Repair & Sales Centre 2014”
LETTER TO MEMBERS
Publisher / Editor: Diarmuid Sheehan | Design: DOODLE CREATIVE | Printers: Collins Print, Cork Golf Contributors: Padraig Dooley PGA Pro, Jamie O’Sullivan PGA Pro, Marian Riordan PGA Pro Fashion Writer: Briona Gallagher. | Rules expert: Barry Rhodes | History writer: Paul Gorry
content
Golfers,
Welcome to the latest edition of the Irish Clubhouse Golf Magazine. In this edition, which for the first time will be distributed to 200 golf clubs, we bring you our usual mix of information from golf professionals, golf clubs and golf related businesses located around Ireland.
We also look at Mallow Golf Club’s successful hosting of the Munster Boys Amateur Open where over 150 boys from around Europe took to the fairways of this terrific parkland course.
8
We at the Irish Clubhouse hope you enjoy this magazine and would appreciate your support for our advertisers as without them there would be no magazine. Yours in Golf
22
Editor: Diarmuid Sheehan | Diarmuid@irishclubhouse.ie
LETTER TO MEMBERS
4
MARIAN RIORDAN Pitch Perfect
6
LEE VALLEY GOLF CLUB All set for the world stage
8
JAMIE O’SULLIVAN Closing the gap
10
History Paul Gorry looks back at Gwen Brandom
12
THE SHORT GAME ACADEMY
14
GOLFING QUOTES
16
PADRAIG DOOLEY A golf Workshop
20
RULES QUIZ
22
MALLOW GOLF CLUB Hosts Munster Boys Amateur Open
24
BEAUFORT GOLF CLUB
30
BLARNEY DRIVING RANGE 22 years and counting
33
CLUB LISTINGS
4
The Irish Clubhouse takes a look at Beaufort Golf Club which we are delighted to announce has been secured as a golf club for years to come after being rescued from NAMA.
Padraig Dooley, Marian Riordan and Jamie O’Sullivan also give us tips about or games while Sean Conway’s Short Game Academy on the outskirts of Mallow is open for the golfing world to see.
2
24
“Please quote Irish Clubhouse Magazine to avail of these special offers”
pictured Marian Riordan, Ballykisteen
Pitch Perfect As a Club Professional I listen every day to the highs and lows of every golfer’s round, it’s a debrief from hole 1 to 18, blow by blow. The good drives, the bad fairway shots and the ugly 3-putts.
At the same time I notice it’s very rare I hear them comment on their short game. I wonder is that because it is excellent or is it because they as the player have reserved the right to expect nothing from 70 yards and inwards?
faced with 14-shots that are 70 yards and closer to the green. That is equivalent to the same amount of drives that you may play in a round assuming there is four par 3’s and you don’t use driver.
I might be a little harsh but I expect it is the latter. Look at it like this, have you ever reflected on your round with honesty and noticed that you had six pitch shots from 70 yards and closer and did you get any of those pitches inside 25 feet of the flag? My belief is that you leave the golf course panicking because you 3 putted 4 of those 6 shots. Maybe you need a putting lesson?
If we know the statistics, why do we spend so much of our time and efforts on the Driver. Is it because it’s exciting, companies have us brainwashed with marketing techniques to buy the next sexy driver and gain twenty yards. Hmmm the jury is out.
On any round of golf the average club golfer is going to be
4
I know one thing for certain. I want to enjoy my golf, I want play better, I want to reduce my handicap and I want to win. Now that’s exciting.
Let’s focus on Pitching
As golf professionals we observe club golfers play and execute pitch shots in all different ways. Some will work from time to time and some won’t but what is most obvious is the poor connection between the player the golf club and how they execute different distances. A player who has good technique and understands that the back swing controls how far the ball goes will have a far better chance of executing the shot with consistency.
Pitching Technique Grip down lower on the club. Place 65% of your weight on you forward left leg and hold it there. Push hands slightly forward. Ball position centre of stance.
In just 40 balls you have managed to create your own practice zone that will help you understand and discover pitching and distance control. This drill will take you 20 minutes, and after a little bit of practice over a couple of weeks repeating and recording the same drill you will achieve 4 different distances covered with just 2 clubs. Let’s think again, if this drill alone will help you to improve from 30 yards, 40 yards 50 yards and 60 yards what can that do to your golf game? Is it easier to walk into a golf shop and purchase the latest driver, absolutely no doubt. Will it guarantee lower scores? I dare you as a golfer to step outside your comfort zone and do something you might have never done before. Practice with a purpose. Set out the goals make a timeframe and reflect after each game. 3 week timeframe Practice “Pitch Perfect” twice a week 20 minutes session Record average distance and note them down on notebook. Post round reflection of pitch shots needs to be undertaken and results noted. Commit to plan. I believe that everyone can improve and lower their scores, and in turn enjoy the game so much more. The word practice should not be viewed as a dirty word - you might surprise yourself and actually enjoy it. I hope this helps in some small way but if you are in doubt about any of the above, please go to your PGA professional so s/he can help you improve your pitching.
Distance Control The Length of your backswing controls how far the ball will travel. Hit down and bruise the ground as you accelerate through to target. Hold the follow through. Practice Drills Using 5 balls set a pitching area with no target. Swing back to 8 o’clock and through to 3 Record average distance for 5 balls. Repeat and record above. Do the drill with the SW and PW.
Distance Control The Length of your backswing controls how far the ball will travel. Hit down and bruise the ground as you accelerate through to target. Hold the follow through.
Practice Drills Using 5 balls set a pitching area with no target. Swing back to 9 o’clock and forward through to 2. Record average distance for 5 balls. Repeat and record above. Do drill with 2 clubs SW and PW.
5
Lee Valley is all set for the world stage CORK has more than its fair share of golf courses and fortunately for the county’s golfers it also has more than its fair share of top class courses. While there are plenty courses and clubs on the east side of the city there are not as many within striking distance on the west side however one of the clubs that does stand out on the western side of Cork is Lee Valley Golf and Country Club. Lee Valley Golf and Country Club is not just a magnificent option for golfers but the resort also has a back story that is genuinely inspirational in the local area.
to cut the tape and open Lee Valley to the world but credit must go to Jerry who carried out most of the building work himself while also running some of the most successful pubs in Cork city. “After coming home from England in 1978 where I had gone to work on the buildings when I was younger I set up a building company with my brothers. From there I got into the pub business.
Lee Valley Golf and Country Club has been transformed from the 150 acres of agricultural land once owned by the local Allen family into the superbly maintained and picturesque course that held the GUI Inter-pros back in 2013 and next year Lee Valley Golf and Country Club will host a world ranking amateur event. “This place is a labour of love for me” said Jerry Keohane, the man that brought the facility from farm land to parkland.
Successful “I had the Town in County, then the Ashburton before buying O’Flaherty’s on Parnell Place in 1993. O’Flaherty’s was one of the most successful pubs in the city and I loved it. In the mid 90’s we had sold on Lee Valley but I was drawn back to the place when I heard it was back on the market in 1999.
“I bought the land back in 1990 with some partners and engaged the services of Christy O’Connor Jnr to design the course we have today. “Christy was a gentleman, he flew down in his helicopter every week and would walk the course and tell us what needed to go where. He never used a drawing but never asked for anything to be changed. He had a vision right from the start and stuck to it all the way through. “When we finished in 1993, Christy got legendary American golfer Fred Couples to come over and open the course. It was a proud day for us all.” Couples and O’Connor may have been the ones
6
With the heavy investment and some sceptical members to win over Jerry had plenty of work to do to make Lee Valley a success but hard work was never likely to knock this west Cork born man off his stride. “Of course the members were wary at first but it was my job to show them that we meant business here. “We showed them by our deeds not our talk, and I think with the help of the committees (that we meet every month), the members and the local community that supports us through thick and thin, we have got one of the most welcoming clubs in Ireland.” While the golf course is clearly the main draw
to the Ovens location, Jerry maintains that the bar and restaurant as well as the businesses’ staff are what has kept this beautiful resort going over the past few recessionary years. “During the summer we employ 34 people here with 24 of those working all year round. At its heart, Lee Valley Golf and Country Club is a family run business and all my family work here. “Myself and my wife, Peg, are always here with my two sons David and Paul also heavily involved with the business. Paul’s wife Anthea, daughter Laura and his son Ben also work during the year so the members know there will always be a family member on hand. “All of our senior staff have been here since day one and they are all like family at this stage. Our head green keeper, James Mulcahy is one of those long standing employees and James has brought the course to the exceptional level that golfers find it in today.” At 70 years of age it would be fair to assume that Jerry would have hung up his boots at this stage but nothing could be further from the truth as he can be found out on the course everyday doing what needs to be done.
Upgraded “When we came here there was nothing, we built sheds, bought the equipment and planted over 18,000 threes. The trees have now grown up and the equipment is upgraded regularly but the work in a place like Lee Valley is never done. We are
PICTUREd Jerry and David Keohane Contact us: (0) 21 733 1721 reservations@leevalleygcc.ie www.leevalleygcc.ie currently on a sanding program and are just after improving and extending some of our tee boxes. This year we have already spent €120,000 in upgrading works and we will continue to invest to make this club as good as it can be for our members and visitors alike.” With Lee Valley Golf and Country Club under the stewardship of the next generation of Keohanes it would be easier for Jerry to sit back and enjoy the fruits of his labours however with this genuine, Cork, entrepreneur’s attitude, his work ethic and his love for Lee Valley Golf and Country Club, it is unlikely that Jerry will put his feet up any time soon. “Sure why would I stop now. I love what I do. Every day I look out over the course and I just love it. I have never regretted for one minute building Lee Valley Golf and Country Club.” Rough days in the past for golf club LEE VALLEY Golf and Country Club over the last few years has become renowned around Cork as one of the county’s top golf courses. Nestled on high over Clashanure, Ovens, this family-owned club has not only managed to survive the downturn in the Irish golf industry over the past number of years but Lee Valley Golf Club has now found itself perfectly placed to make the most of the upturn in the Irish economy. While good press and word of mouth are very important factors when it comes to reputation, a club must have the product to back it up – and to be fair to all at Lee Valley Golf and Country Club, they have got an exceptional product to back it up. This 18-hole, par 72, parkland course provides everything the visiting golfer could want. The course is immaculately maintained with challenging par 3’s some over 200 yards in length. The par 4’s are a mixture of lengths and difficulties while the par 5’s are a good test, both off the tee and particularly for the second.
Fast Lee Valley’s greens are receptive yet deceptively fast, letting puts run straight and true. Golfers will get opportunities to birdie at Lee Valley yet the course has plenty to catch golfers that get too aggressive. Lee Valley has water on six holes which provide just enough trouble to keep the player on the straight and narrow. This Christy O’Connor Jnr designed course will test every aspect of a golfer’s game without proving to be too much of a problem. The course is challenging yet fair and provides excellent value for money to those who make the informed decision to give it a go. While golf venues are usually all about the course when it comes to Lee Valley nothing could be further from the truth. The atmosphere in the clubhouse is second to none. The family run facility provides the perfect mixture of relaxation and fun with a cliental made up of golfers and locals from the ovens area. Lee Valley Golf and Country Club has an ideal location, wonderful staff and a golf course that rates as high on the quality charts as any club in the area. Lee Valley’s quality has meant that the club now has members from the far side of the city with patrons from Glanmire and Douglas regularly travelling across the city to join this progressive, family owned club. Lee Valley Golf and Country Club has benefited tremendously from the Ballincollig bypass which has meant that a journey from the north side of the city that used to take 70 minutes can now be done in 20 minutes. This accessibility to the Lee Valley area has meant that the club is now much more on the minds of golfers that once would have its location was its downfall. Lee Valley Golf and Country Club is a credit to the staff, the members and most importantly the Keohane family who have put their time, their money, and most importantly their hearts into this beautiful, top quality and challenging course. Lee Valley Golf and Country Club has gone from strength to strength over the past decade and looks like continuing in this vane for many years to come.
STAT BAR Name: Lee Valley Golf and Country Club Owners: The Keohane Family Location: Clashanure, Ovens, Cork. Opened: 1993 Holes: 18 Par: 72 Length: 6762 yards Course Type: Parkland Water: Yes, on six holes Practice facilities: Yes Bar: Yes Restaurant: Yes Members: 510. 110 Ladies and 400 Gents. Fact: Out of last six winners of Senior Scratch Cup, Three have turned pro Most famous, Shane Lowry winner in 2009. Major events: Held 2013 GUI Inter-pros. (Winners Ulster) Upcoming events: A 2016 World ranking amateur event. Value for money: Most definitely
7
Jamie O’Sullivan Closing the gap Any top player will tell you that it’s not the long game that wins events, it’s the short game. Watching Rory Mcilroy in full swing will show the massive advantage his length and accuracy off the tee can yield, but without a fantastic wedge game this wouldn’t be as dramatic. Modern club manufacturers have been obsessed with length and to achieve this they have over the years strengthened the lofts of their irons by up to 6 degrees. For the lay person this means that they have turned the old 7 iron into an 8 or 9 iron. The improvement in length has obviously helped to sell irons and I don’t think any golfer will argue that this is not an advantage. It’s a lot easier to hit a green with a 9 iron than a 7 iron!! Irons that are made in the modern era are also made with harder metals and longer shafts which also have the effect of increasing distance, but there is one small issue that all this distance gain causes. The gap between the modern wedge and iron is ever increasing, because the modern wedge even with its groove depth restrictions are all made with soft materials and sharp grooves for maximum spin control. As the old saying goes, ‘irons are for accuracy not distance, that is why they all have different numbers on the sole’. The good wedge players are fantastic at distance control and accuracy. The old sand wedge used to be 56 degrees in loft and the old pitching wedge was 48 degrees in loft. That is obviously a 6 degree difference where all other irons only
8
have a 4 degree difference however these days with the strengthening lofts, the modern pitching wedge is only around 44 degrees which leaves a massive 12 degrees (3 clubs difference) between the pitching wedge and the sand wedge. With the longer shaft and harder metal of the pitching wedge it is increasingly difficult to control wedge shots that are too long for the sand wedge and too short for the pitching wedge. Even an accomplished player with a good technique will find it hard to control a ¾ shot with the modern cast pitching wedge and trying to hit a sand wedge hard causes too much back spin and you lose total distance control. This is where closing the gap becomes important and in my opinion this is golf’s most important wedge, the ‘Gap Wedge’. It is a wedge that bridges the gap between the
pitching and sand wedge for example a 50 degree wedge. The average golfer with a suspect wedge action can just make a normal swing and now find the different distances required. I see it regularly when fitting irons, with the flighscope Launch Monitor. Part of my job is too fit the correct club and shaft specifications to golfers but it is always imperative that I leave no distance gaps in anyone’s entire set. This requires the golfer to hit about 3 shots with each iron and what we see when we do this exercise correctly is a screen with small circles that overlap. These circles represent the different distances of each club and by each circle gently overlapping that means that there are no gaps in distance through the set.
You will notice that in shops you will see wedges of varying lofts from 46 – 64 degrees. To choose the correct wedges to match your own current irons consult your PGA Professional for advice, close the gap and lower your scores. It’s as simple as that.
Contact Jamie at Charleville Golf Club, Charleville, Co. Cork
Phone Number: (063 )81257 www.charlevillegolf.com
On 063 81257 or 063 21269 www.jamieosullivangolf.com
9
GWEN BRANDOM PROFESSIONAL GOLFER by paul gorry PICTURE CREDITED TO Brian Treston & Michael Forde authors of ‘Golf in the Foothills: A History of Grange Golf Club 1910-2010’.
10
The performance of Stephanie Meadow since turning professional bodes well for her future. She and Alison Walshe, the Galway-born American, have made it through to the final day’s play in a number of LPGA ‘majors’. Walshe was the first Irish-born player to do so in the US Women’s Open in 2008, while she and Meadow were the first to do so in the Kraft Nabisco in 2013. Long before their time, in fact before either was born, another Irish golfer broke the ice in the LPGA ‘majors’. She was Gwen Brandom, Ireland’s second woman professional. Gwen Brandom appeared out of nowhere on the golf scene in the mid1960s. Then in her mid-twenties, Mrs. Brandom was living in England, where she was a member of Dunstable Downs Golf Club. She had been born in Dublin in 1937, as Gwen Farrell, and had been a badminton junior international. In 1959 she had married Ivan Brandom in England. In 1965 she won the Bedfordshire Ladies’ championship and travelled to Mullingar to compete in the Irish Ladies’ Close. There she won the preliminary stroke competition for the Leitrim Cup and reached the semi-finals of the championship. This performance brought her on to the Irish team for the Home Internationals. By early 1966 she was one of those in line for the GB&I Curtis Cup team. It appears she was disappointed not to have been selected even as a reserve, but that season she won the Roehampton Gold Cup, then an important event in English ladies’ golf. In the autumn she reached the semi-finals of the Ladies’ British Open Amateur at Ganton, being beaten on the 17th by Vivien Saunders. In 1967, having been a semi-finalist in the two previous years, Gwen became Irish champion at Castlerock. She led Ireland’s first team to compete in the European Championship and gained GB&I recognition with a place on the Vagliano Trophy team. However, 1968 was not a remarkable year for Gwen Brandom and she never got on a Curtis Cup team. In March 1969 she turned professional, being the second Irish woman to do so. Philomena Garvey had
been the pioneer back in 1964 but she was already reinstated as an amateur by the time Brandom took the plunge. During the summer of 1969 Gwen Brandom played on the LPGA tour, in company with two English players, Vivien Saunders and Liz Collis. This was Gwen’s only time to compete on the North American circuit but it gave her a unique place in Irish golfing history. She was the first Irish player to compete on the LPGA tour and the first to complete all rounds of an LPGA ‘major’. She achieved that in July 1969 at Concord, when she finished tied for 38th place in the LPGA Championship, won by Betsy Rawls. It would be 43 years before Alison Walshe became the second Irish golfer to compete on the last day of that particular ‘major’. Gwen’s performance in the LPGA Championship earned her $200. Back in Europe there were no professional tournaments for women but she turned to teaching at the Spawell Golf Centre and later opened her own indoor golf school. In 1974 the Colgate European Women’s Open was inaugurated as an LPGA event in Sunningdale. For two years this was the lone professional event of any importance for women this side of the Atlantic. Then, in 1976, the first Women’s British Open was held at Fulford in conjunction with the British Amateur Stroke Play. The Ladies’ Golf Union had been approached about how much prize money would be needed to make the British Stroke Play an open event. There are different versions of the story, but it has been said that Gwen Brandom and Vivien Saunders offered the stated amount. It would be nice if this were true but, sadly, it is not. When contacted about this article, Vivien Saunders confirmed that Gwen Brandom had no part in that particular piece of golf history. However, Gwen was one of the five professionals who played in that inaugural Women’s British Open in 1976. She missed the cut but her amateur fellow Irish player Mary McKenna was runner-up. The founding of the Women’s British
Open was a stepping stone to the founding of the WPGA Tour (now the LET) in 1979. The Women’s British Open became co-sanctioned with the LPGA in 1994, and in 2001 it was officially designated as a ‘major’ by the LPGA. In 1986 Maureen Madill became the third Irish woman to turn professional and later that year she was joined by Lillian Behan. But by then Gwen Brandom had said goodbye to professional golf. A few years before she had been reinstated as an amateur. She joined Grange Golf Club and played Senior Cup, claiming a few notable scalps in one of her first outings. Gwen Brandom died aged 68 at Tallaght Hospital on 19 April 2006. As well as being Ireland’s second female professional golfer, Gwen was the first to play in women’s professional tournaments. She built on Philomena Garvey’s example and was among the money winners in the 1969 LPGA Championship.
Paul Gorry is a genealogist by profession. Family involvement in championship golf led to an interest in Irish golf records. Applying his experience in research to original golf sources, over decades he has accumulated a huge amount of material on the achievements of Irish golfers, which he hopes to publish in book form. He is author of Baltinglass Chronicles 1851-2001 and Baltinglass Golf Club 1928-2003, and joint author (with Máire Mac Conghail) of the Collins Pocket Reference Tracing Irish Ancestors. Paul maintains a Facebook page called Celebrating Irish Golfing Achievements. www.facebook.com/IrishGolfWins
11
THE SHORT GAME ACADEMY As golfers we all dream of looking out our back doors and seeing a garden designed specifically to facilitate our love of Golf.
As golfers we all dream of looking out our back doors and seeing a garden designed specifically to facilitate our love of golf. Who hasn’t dreamed of having a fully functioning green at their disposal or tee boxes from which to practice all manner of shots or even purpose built bunkers from where one can master the art of the sand trap? Not far from Mallow Golf Club is one such garden. A utopia for the average golfer, built by a man that can’t be described as just the average golfer. Sean Conway is a PGA professional golfer that has been plying his trade at his local club for years and now is also the owner of The Short Game Academy at Mallow. Sean, along with his son Graham, also a PGA professional, has been holding court at Mallow Golf Club for years and has always had a special interest with the short game, and the lack of facilities nationally where players can focus on this crucial aspect of the game. After years of planning, Sean decided to embark on addressing this missing link and began to painstakingly construct what has to be described as a true masterpiece.
12
Sean’s facility has it all, small and large bunkers, nine different purpose built tee boxes that let players practice varying lengths of short irons to an elevated green that was not only purpose built on site but also runs at 12 on the stimpmeter. The Short Game Academy also uses Titleist Pro V golf balls only. And for those of you who want to look at your swing, well The Short Game Academy can help there too as they have swing monitoring equipment on site to help address any niggling hooks or slices that may need attention. Mallow’s Short Game Academy has not just come to the attention of Irish Clubhouse, as golf professionals, leading amateurs, improving golfers and champions of the future are all availing of, and impressed by, what has been achieved by the Conway family.
pictured Different approaches to a magnificent green
“If I could go to The Short Game Academy every day I would. It is amazing.” Mark Collins, PGA Professional Adare Manor Golf Club.
“This is a must for any serious golfer.” Michael Quirke, Former Spanish Amateur Open Champion.
“This is the best short game facility I have ever seen.” Miriam O’Keeffe 2015 Lady Captain, Mallow Golf Club.
“Without a shadow of a shadow of a doubt Conway’s Short Game Academy is the most impressive coaching area I have ever seen. Sean has thought of everything. This is place will test every aspect of your short game.” Diarmuid Sheehan, Editor, Irish Clubhouse magazine. And in case anyone believes that this facility was built by an outside golf course designing firm, they would be mistaken as every tee-box, bunker, mound, green and blade of grass was strategically placed on site by the hand of Sean Conway himself. A feat he is understandably very proud of.
Mallow’s Short Game Academy has become an integral part of the local golfing scene with golfers from all over coming to see and experience just what can be achieved at this new facility which is nothing short of a giant leap forward for short game coaching. Irish Clubhouse has provided you with some images from the Mallow Short Game Academy however to really appreciate what is on site please contact any of the three PGA professionals on site to book a lesson and see your handicap tumble. Contact Sean or Graham at: 022 43424 086 0238155 grahamconway36@gmail.com
13
Golfing Quotes “Golf combines two favorite American pastimes: taking long walks and hitting things with a stick.” (P.J. O’Rourke) “Man blames fate for all other accidents but feels personally responsible for a hole in one.” (Martha Beckman) “The ardent golfer would play Mount Everest if somebody put a flagstick on top.” (Pete Dye) “If you’re caught on a golf course during a storm and are afraid of lightning, hold up a 1-iron. Not even God can hit a 1-iron.” (Lee Trevino) “After all these years, it’s still embarrassing for me to play on the American golf tour. Like the 14
time I asked my caddie for a sand wedge and he came back ten minutes later with a ham on rye.” (Chi Chi Rodriguez, on his Puerto Rican accent) “Golf isn’t like other sports where you can take a player out if he’s having a bad day. You have to play the whole game.” (Phil Blackmar) “Golf is not a game, its bondage. It was obviously devised by a man torn with guilt, eager to atone for his sins.” (Jim Murray) “Reverse every natural instinct and do the opposite of what you are inclined to do, and you will probably come very close to having a perfect golf swing.” (Ben Hogan)
“Golf can best be defined as an endless series of tragedies obscured by the occasional miracle.” (Unknown Golfing Poet) “What’s nice about our tour is you can’t remember your bad shots.” (Bob Bruce, about the senior tour) “It’s good sportsmanship not to pick up lost balls while they are still rolling.” (Mark Twain) “My body is here, but my mind has already teed off.” (Anxious Working Man) “If I hit it right, it’s a slice. If I hit it left, it’s a hook. If I hit it straight, it’s a miracle.” (Most of us) “Golf balls are like eggs. They’re white. They’re sold by the dozen. And you need to buy fresh ones each week.” (Some random Guy) If a lot of people gripped a knife and fork the way they do a golf club, they’d starve to death. (Sam Snead)
“The shortest distance between any two points on a golf course is a straight line that passes directly through the center of a very large tree.” (Confucius)
15
A Tour of a Golf Workshop by padraig dooley What happens in a Golf Workshop? It is just repairing broken clubs or does a little more magic happen behind the scenes?
An overview of a golf workshop. The various tools are placed to accommodate the most efficient workflow, with plenty of storage for grips, shafts, etc.
There are a number of Tour Vans present at every major professional event and the touring professional spends time in the vans getting work done on their clubs. What they are doing is getting the performance of their clubs upgraded. So yes, golf workshops repair broken clubs, regrip, reshaft etc. but they also change the characteristics of clubs to improve their performance. Loft, lies and face angles of clubs are changed to modify the way a golf ball flies when struck. Weight is added and subtracted from clubs to alter the way they feel in a player’s hands and as a result how the player swings them. Grips with different materials and sizes are fitted to improve club performance also. The days of replacing and repairing sole plates and face inserts on wooden clubs, wrapping whipping around the hosel are finished. Today reshafting can be done in minutes and clubs back in play in less than an hour. Today club repair is about game improvement through performance upgrades.
Starting with tools that measure clubs, here are loft and lie machines, the first one measures the loft and lies of irons, hybrids and wood, the second putters. Both machines can be used to alter the lofts of clubs which mainly affect distance and the lies of clubs which mainly affect direction.
This is a shaft frequency analysis machine which measures the stiffness of a shaft enabling the club repair professional to match a complete set for the player.
Let’s take you on a tour of a golf workshop.
This is a shaft puller which removes shafts from clubs with a heat gun enabling graphite shafts to be saved and switched from club to club. This machine is especially useful in removing shaft adapter tips.
16
A bench grinder fitted with a cutting wheel to cut shafts to required lengths and also fitted with a ferrule finishing wheel which turns a ferrule flush with the club hosel.
A bench grinder with a grinding wheel to remove dents and nicks to iron head and to grind wedge soles to alter bounce angles. Also has a polishing wheel to buff iron heads.
Some lesser known tools which get used very frequently include a calpiers for measuring grip and shaft diameters, a shaft access tool for removing rattles from shafts, drill bits for cleaning out heads and shafts and a tool for removing shafts that are broken in the hosel of a clubhead.
Various grips of different materials, sizes, textures and colours to give your clubs the look and feel you desire. On the right is a gripping station allowing for fast regripping, a set can be completed in less than an hour.
Shafts of different materials, weights and lengths.
An upgraded set of clubs with new shafts, grips and personalised blue ferrules waiting for their owner to collect them.
Ferrules of different colours to give your clubs the personal touch. Underneath are various shaft adapters to fit shafts to different heads.
That was a little tour of a golf workshop. Club fitting and club repair performance upgrades are part of the equation for game improvement. It’s not always necessary to buy new clubs you can get your own clubs retrofitted to make them perform better. Why not treat yourself like a tour pro and visit a repair shop that can give you tour van repair services.
Making Golf Easier with Longer Drives Guaranteed Longer Drives or Your Money Back Club Fitting, Instruction, Trackman, Golf Fitness
Tools used for weighting clubs, a hot melt gun on the left which adds hot glue to a wood head increasing it’s weight and also dampeing the noise the club makes, a swingweight scale which measures swingweight and also some lead tape and tungsten powder which are also added to clubheads to make them heavier.
Padraig Dooley, Riverstown House, Glanmire, Co. Cork 087-2895057 / /
drivegolfperformance
@0to300golf
17
Join the best
MON & FRI FROM FRI 3RD APRIL VISITORS €15 MEMBERS €5
OPEN FOR MEMBERSHIP | OPEN FOR GREENFEES | OPEN FOR SOCIETIES
Driving Range 20 covered floodlit bays Short game area Pro shop Custom fit tuition for all levels V1 video technology and a Flightscope ball tracking device, you will recieve instant feedback on your swing
BALLYNEETY GOLF CLUB
BALLYNEETY CO. LIMERICK
BALLYNEETYGOLFCLUB.COM
TEL: 061 351 881 (CLUBHOUSE) OR 061 352 787 (RANGE)
West Waterford NO 8 IN IRELANDS TOP TEN HIDDEN GOLF COURSES OPEN DAYS
SEAMUS POWER
has had 4 top 25 finishes in the last four competitions in the web.com tour and as a result is progressing steadily up the ranks.
Al Eile open Gents Single qualifier Competition every Wednesday final in September Mna Eile Open ladies singles 1st Thursday each month An Rinn Golf Classic Friday 7th & Saturday 8th August Golf Classic In Aid of Sucide Prevention Saturday 5th September Book online at www.westwaterfordgolf.com or ring 058 43216
Tuesday Treats
Open 13 hole competition only €10 Anniversary Weekend special; July 31st to August 2nd; Team event Ladies , Gents, Mixed.
Contact them at 021 4382060 18
Book online @ www.westwaterfordgolf.com Check out www.westwaterfordgolf.com for any special offers Or Ring 058 43216
Gold coast Golf Club
Ballinacourty, Dungarvan • • • • • • • •
18 Hole- Par 72 Golf course Magnificent panoramic views Friendly welcome Golf members for all budgets No Entrance fees Course playible all year round Consistantly good greens Full hotel and catering facilities on site
DISCOUNTED DUAL LEISURE CENTRE MEMBERSHIP
every tuesday
Open seniors (50+) Ladies and Gents golf €12 Golf and Cavery Lunch €20 EVERY FRIDAY Open mens Single Golf €15 Golf and Carvery Lunch €25
Tel: 058 44055 Email: goldcoastgolf@cablesurf.com Web: www.goldcoastgolfclub.com
Super Membership Offer now available. Please contact office on 05844055
barry rhodes Rules Quiz Hole 1:
Under what circumstances is a player not permitted to clean their ball when they lift it in play? A) To determine if it is unfit for play. B) Beyond what is necessary for identification. C) Because it is assisting or interfering with play. D) All of the above. Answer: D) All of the above. Rule 21. Note: Note: It is not permitted to clean a ball that has been lifted without penalty under the above circumstances. Rules 5-3, 12-2 and 22. Hole 2:
While playing a strokes competition, Heather properly drops her ball in taking relief under a Rule. In determining whether it has rolled more than two club-lengths, she accidentally moves her ball with the club that she used in the measuring process. What is the ruling? A) There is no penalty and Heather must replace her ball. B) Heather incurs a penalty of one stroke and must play the ball from where it comes to rest. C) Heather incurs a penalty of one stroke and must replace her ball. D) Heather incurs a penalty of two strokes and must replace her ball. Answer: A) There is no penalty and Heather must replace her ball. Rule 18-6. Note: If a ball or ball-marker is moved during measuring, the ball or ball-marker must be replaced. Hole 3:
Matt, who is putting from way off the putting green, asks his fellow competitor, Andy, not to lift his ball as it could assist him if his putt passes the hole. Andy acknowledges the request and leaves his ball on the green as a favour. What is the ruling? A) There is no penalty for being kind, even in golf. B) Matt is penalised two strokes. C) Matt and Andy are both penalised two strokes. D) Matt and Andy are both disqualified for effectively conspiring to waive a Rule. Answer: Matt and Andy are both disqualified. Decision 22/6. Note: In stroke play, if the Committee determines that competitors have agreed not to lift a ball that might assist any competitor, they are disqualified.
20 20
Hole 4:
Just off the fairway, Jack carefully tries to remove a twig that is touching his ball but his hand is shaky and the ball does move marginally off its spot. What is the ruling? A) The ball must be played as it lies without penalty. B) The ball must be played as it lies and Jack incurs a penalty of one stroke. C) The ball must be replaced without penalty given that the stick was already touching it. D) The ball must be replaced and Jack incurs a penalty of one stroke. Answer: D) The ball must be replaced and Jack incurs a penalty of one stroke. Rule 18-2a. Note: If a player, his partner or either of their caddies causes a ball in play to move, except as permitted by a Rule, they incur a penalty of one stroke and the ball must be replaced. Hole 5:
In stroke play, Kay decides to leave her bag and trolley beside the green that she has just played, as she walks back to the next teeing ground. She should have known better, because her sliced tee shot bounces off the wheels of her trolley into deep rough. What is the ruling? A) Kay incurs no penalty and must play her ball as it lies. B) Kay incurs a penalty of one stroke and must play her ball as it lies. C) Kay incurs a penalty of two strokes and must play her ball as it lies. D) Kay incurs no penalty and may either play her ball as it lies or cancel the stroke and play again. Answer: B) Kay incurs a penalty of one stroke and must play her ball as it lies. Rule 19-2. Note: If a player’s ball is accidentally deflected or stopped by themself, their partner or either of their caddies or equipment, they incur a penalty of one stroke. Hole 6:
JP is about to chip his ball from 20 yards off the green when he notices two large indentations on the putting green on his line of play. Being pedantic he inspects the marks and sees that they are obviously pitch-marks that were caused by balls. He carefully repairs them both and then chips his ball up to the hole. What is the ruling? A) There is no penalty. B) JP incurs a penalty of two strokes for improving his line of play. C) JP is penalised one stroke for taking excessive measures in preparation for playing a stroke D) JP incurs two penalty strokes, one for each mark that he repaired on the putting green. Answer: A) There is no penalty. Rule 16-1c. Note: A player may repair ball marks on the putting green before playing from anywhere on the course.
Barry Rhodes Rules of Golf Expert Barry Rhodes qualified as a Chartered Accountant but has spent most of his career in senior sales, marketing and management roles within the information and communication technology (ICT) sector in Ireland. He is an enthusiastic, high handicap golfer who developed an interest, then a fascination, and now an obsession with the Rules of Golf. He is resident in Dublin, where he is an active member of Milltown Golf Club. Barry’s relationship with the Rules began in 2000 with his participation in the inter-club Rules of Golf quiz competitions, organised by the Royal & Ancient for Golf Clubs in Great Britain and Ireland. This progressed to him writing articles, running quizzes, and delivering presentations on the Rules at various Golf Clubs and corporate functions. He writes a weekly web blog, containing interesting content for anyone who wishes to improve their knowledge and understanding of the Rules of Golf, at www.barryrhodes.com and has another web site www.RhodesRulesSchool, which is an indispensable resource for anyone who wishes to improve their knowledge and understanding of the Rules of Golf. In 2009 his first book ‘999 Questions on the Rules of Golf’ was published in the UK. It was updated for the amendments to the Rules that became effective in January 2012 and is now exclusively available as an eBook, either direct from the author, or through the Amazon book store. He also answers questions on the Rules of Golf and is a guest contributor on various golfing web sites around the world. In March 2008, Barry became the first person to achieve a 100% correct mark on the public Advanced Rules of Golf Course examination, run by the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) in their headquarters at The Belfry, West Midlands, UK (see below).
Barry’s published works include; eBook: 999 Updated Questions on the Rules of Golf 2012-2015 Miscellaneous videos, including: Relief from Water Hazards, Relief from Lateral Water Hazards, Nearest Point of Relief, Ball Unplayable, Provisional Ball ‘Rhodes Rules School’ – photo series ‘Rhodes Rules School’ – How Many Strokes?’ ‘99 Tips on Using the Rules of Golf to Your Advantage’ 3 Rules Quizzes: General, Juniors and Match Play ‘So You are Going to Play Match Play’ Weekly blog on the Rules of Golf: BarryRhodes.com Dozens of miscellaneous articles published in various golf magazines and web sites. Barry can be contacted by email at barry@ barryrhodes.com or by phone at +353 86 821 6979
21
pictured Winner: William Small
MALLOW GOLF CLUB After being chosen to host the 2015 Munster Boys Amateur Open Mallow Golf Club pulled out all the stops recently and delivered one of the most successful competitions in recent years. After being chosen to host the 2015 Munster Boys Amateur Open Mallow Golf Club pulled out all the stops recently and delivered one of the most successful competitions in recent years. Not content to just be a venue for the prestigious event, Mallow Golf Club and a host of local venues welcomed the young stars to the north Cork town with open arms which made their five days at the event a memorable one for all. While the event may have been a good experience for all, it was a week never to forget for one golfer as Tandragee Golf Club’s William Small was deservedly crowned Munster Boys Amateur Open champion for 2015.
22
The talented northern Ireland lad was the only one to beat the course finishing at 214 (-2), an impressive five shots ahead of his nearest challengers; Peter Kerr of Royal Portrush, Mark Boucher of Carton House Golf Club and Cathal Butler who all posted final scores of +3. The three day stroke competition which was sponsored by Gleeson Sports Scene, Limerick, brought together some of the best young male golfers in Ireland, the UK, France and Spain. This was Mallow’s second time hosting this event in the club’s 66 year history - a decision that went gone down really well with all at a club that boasts one of the province’s top 18hole, par 72 parkland courses.
“It is one of the most prestigious golf tournaments of the year on the Irish golfing calendar and we are honoured to have been chosen to host the event this year” Ann Kennelly told the Irish Clubhouse. “We are thrilled to have been able to host players of this calibre and were impressed with how they dealt with our award winning championship parkland course” It was no surprise that all at the North Cork club were delighted with the decision to hold the event in Mallow as the list of previous participants in this tournament over the years reads like a who’s who of the Irish professional game.
It is one of the most prestigious golf tournaments of the year on the Irish golfing calendar and we are honoured to have been chosen to host the event this year - Ann Kenneally
pictured Mallow Golf Club’s captains Peter McKenna and Miriam O’Keeffe with the winner, William Small.
Past winners and participants of the event include Des Smyth, Paul McGinley, Ronan Rafferty, Padraig Harrington and Darren Clarke with Mallow Golf Club’s own club professional Sean Conway and one of the localities top golfing talents, Mervyn Owens also taking their places in the event over the years. After what can only be described as difficult weather conditions, on a challenging course setup, Small, the Co Armagh teenager gave a masterful display of composure as all around him faltered. Small’s win was ultimately more about his battling qualities than any major show of force as he had the most consistent scoring average of the week - with his low round (70) crucially coming on the final day while his highest round was only four shots higher 74. His final round showed a terrific level of composure from the young man as he carded 14 pars, three birdies and only one bogey which came on the tricky, par 4, 15th.
While Small ultimately took the spoils, the star of the show for most at the event has to go to Spanish golfing sensation Eduard Rousuad who finished a very impressive fifth one shot further back on + 4. Rousaud took on Mallow’s impressive Parkland course for the first time on Wednesday and led the field with a four under par score of 68. Day two ultimately cost the talented Spaniard his chance posting a 77 but he responded well on day three with a 75. His fifth place was also good enough for top spot in the under 16 category which goes some way to show just how good this boy is. Local lads Greg Barrett, Edward Walsh & Conor Roche held the hopes of the home club, all qualifying for the final day with Conor Roche well placed in the second last group, but a final round 77 put an end to his valiant challenge. Small was a deserved winner of this year’s Munster Boys but great credit has to go to Mallow Golf Club for the course the facilities and the warm welcome that was extended to all. To play Mallow’s award winning (Munster’s Hidden Gem 2015) championship course:
Please contact: 022 21145 mallowgolfcluboffice@eircom.net
23
Beaufort Golf Club The golfing business in Ireland has taken a hit like few other industries over the past decade with the amount of members leaving golf clubs reaching near epidemic proportions. The recession, that impacted on Irish people over those years led to job losses, home losses and if one was lucky just a huge loss of disposable income. However this loss of extra cash meant that many players just couldn’t justify the yearly sub to their local club. Of course the inevitable next step was for golf clubs themselves to come under financial pressure – a pressure that for some clubs was just unsustainable. Beaufort Golf Club, on the outskirts of Killarney was one such club however its fate went a different road. The original golf course, which was opened to the world in 1995, was designed by Dr Arthur Spring and subsequently adapted by famous course designer Tom McKenzie. The course was a 7,000 yard 18-hole par 71 course and was GUI affiliated. In 2010, like plenty high profile clubs around Ireland, Beaufort Golf Club, which was owned at the time by a local development company, Galvins, was put into receivership
24
which meant that plans for a hotel and golf lodges on site came to a shuddering halt. During this time, the club’s future was up in the air, with various different outcomes being suggested locally however thanks to the hard work of members as well as Tadgh Clifford on the course, Beaufort Golf Club kept the doors open, but even the incredible effort put in by all couldn’t stave off what at that time looked to be the inevitable, and with decreasing numbers coming through the door the business headed for what looked like a disappointing end in late 2012. Tadgh and his wife Helen were adamant at this time that Beaufort Golf Club was not going to cease to exist and the pair took over the lease from NAMA. The local married couple, who had invested so much of their time and effort in the club, had a dream to build Beaufort Golf Club back to what it was supposed to be, a five star resort. The Clifford’s kept the club alive on a year by year basis over the next few seasons until the news emerged recently that the land had been bought back from NAMA by Mr William Mcgill
(who was the original owner of the location) with a view to keeping the golf course open. The news has gone done very well with locals, members, the golfing fraternity as a whole and importantly the Clifford’s who have almost single handily saved this club. Further great news was to follow as Mr McGill has agreed to let the Clifford’s lease the club from him for as long as they wish which means that after years of uncertainty it appears that Beaufort Golf Club can now look to the future with positivity and purpose that was denied it for so long. “We are ecstatic” Manager Helen Clifford told the Irish Clubhouse. This is the best possible news that could have come out of this whole process. There was plenty publicity surrounding the sale with local papers stating that the Club was going to be sold for development land however we now know what the future holds and Beaufort Golf Club can move onwards and upwards from this.” “BEAUFORT GOLF CLUB IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS”
BEAUFORt GOLF CLUB Open Single 18 hole Stableford every Friday Entry: Visitors €20 Members €10. Ordinary Membership and Points4Golf Membership available. Special Green Fee rates available during the week. Visit our website http://beaufort-golf-club.com and check out our special offers, open days etc.
Call (064) 6644440 18-hole championship course overlooked by the magnificent Macgillycuddy's Reeks
pictured Helen Clifford
ACTIVE 50’S SENIOR OPEN GOLF COMPETITIONN ENJOY 3 NIGHTS B&B, 2 DINNERS & 2 ROUNDS OF GOLF • Welcome Drinks on Sunday • 1 Dinner in the Award Winning Coastguard Restaurant (Sun or Mon) • Plus Gala Dinner on Tuesday with Presentation of Prizes • Enjoy an exciting 2 days of golf competitions & nightly entertainment • Fantastic prizes in association with Brian de Staic Jewellers - Dingle Golf Links, Ceann Sibeal, Dingle Crystal, Louis Mulcahy Pottery • Full non golfer’s programme is also available
Dingle, Co. Kerry, Ireland t. +353 (0)66 9150200 f. +353 (0)66 9151501 e. reservations@dingleskellig.com www.dingleskellig.com
Golf Chumann Cheann Sibéal (Near Ballyferriter Village and nine miles from Dingle) is nestled in a stunning green valley between the majestic hill of Cruach Mhárthain to the south and a ridge of jagged peaks to the north—Ceann Sibéal and the Three Sisters. To the east, Cuan Ard na Caithne caresses a two-mile long stretch of white sandy beach called Béal Bán and Mount Brandon. To the west, the mighty Atlantic is faced off by high rocky cliffs, punctuated with tiny coves and beaches just right for smuggling. At 6737 yards the 18 hole Par 72 is a traditional Irish link. The Club was founded in 1924 (as Dingle Golf Club). The original design was by Eddie Hackett. The back nine was developed in the eighties and the clubhouse in the nineties. Christy O’Connor Junior did some re-designing in the nineties also. Each hole is full of tricky undulations and swales, with hazards laid down long before the game of golf was dreamt of, including a winding “burn” that twists and turns through the entire course. As much a part of the experience at Dingle as our golf course, our clubhouse has a life all of its own. It resounds with the camaraderie of friends and locals, enjoying wonderful food and atmosphere in relaxed and casual surroundings. Upstairs you’ll find our lively club bar and dining room with wonderful views of the Links. Our menu is seasonal and created from fresh local ingredients supplied locally from both farm and sea. Ample parking available. A full hire service for clubs, buggies & carts. ProShop, fully stocked with leading brands & Ceann Sibéal Golf Club branded merchandise. Dingle Golf Links is the ideal location for your golfing holiday in Kerry, South West Ireland.
This is golf in Ireland. This is golf in Ceann Sibéal. Call us at (066) 9156255 of go to www.dinglelinks.com
26
Chumann Cheann Sibéal
Douglas Golf Club Maryborough Hill. Douglas. Cork
Early Bird Green Fee up to 9.30am Thursday Open Singles: â‚Ź25 Pre booking essential
Bookings now being taken for 2016 Golf Classics & Society outing Full bar and catering facilities. Meeting rooms also available to hire.
Tel: 021 4895297
Contact Conor O’Brien, General Manager. Email: douglasgolf@eircom.net
Web: www.douglasgolfclub.ie
27
Code
Unit C1 The Bymac Centre Northwest Business Park Ballycoolin Dublin 15 sales@golfmarket.ie Telephone: 086 2703688 A selection of our current stock of quality used clubs, please see www.golfmarket.ie for our latest stocks & prices
28
Discription
Price
Dexterity Shaft Flex
Conditon
104194
Callaway Xhot Driver 10.5
€ 100
Right
Stiff
9/10
104301
Ping Anser Driver
€ 115
Right
Stiff
8/10
104248
Ping G25 Driver 8.5
€ 155
Right
Stiff
9/10
104288
Ping i20 Driver 9.5
€ 85
Right
Stiff
7/10
104101
TaylorMade R11 Driver 9
€ 99
Left
Stiff
9/10
104345
Taylormade RBZ 10.5 Driver
€ 79
Right
Reg
8/10
104172
Taylormade RBZ Driver 9.5
€ 69
Right
Stiff
8/10
104307
Ping Anser 3 Fairway Wood
€ 115
Right
Stiff
8/10
104306
TaylorMade JetSpeed 3 Fairway Wood
€ 75
Right
Reg
8/10
104313
Ping i25 Hybrid
€ 87
Right
Stiff
9/10
104315
TaylorMade JetSpeed 3 Hybrid
€ 58
Right
Stiff
8/10
104187
TaylorMade Rescue 2011 Hybrid 2
€ 55
Right
Reg
6/10
104347
Ping Rapture Iron Set Graphite (3-PW)
€ 229
Right
Stiff
7/10
104321
Titleist Vokey Spin Milled Tour Chrome ’09 Wedge
€ 48
Right
Wedge
8/10
104341
Cleveland 588 RTX Black Pearl Wedge 60
€ 59
Right
Stiff
8/10
104151
TaylorMade Ghost TM-880 Tour Putter
€ 49
Right
Reg
6/10
104334
SeeMore m3w Putter
€ 75
Right
104388
Callaway Diablo Edge Tour Driver
€ 59
Right
Reg
8/10
104389
Ping G2 460cc Driver
€ 50
Right
Reg
8/10
104394
TaylorMade JetSpeed Fairway Wood
€ 72
Right
Reg
8/10
104397
TaylorMade JetSpeed Fairway Wood
€ 69
Right
Reg
8/10
104398
Callaway X Fairway Wood
€ 39
Right
Ladies
7/10
104400
Nike VR-S COVERT 2.0 Fairway Wood
€ 78
Right
Senior
9/10
104402
TaylorMade JetSpeed 4 Hybrid
€ 58
Right
Reg
8/10
104403
TaylorMade JetSpeed 3 Hybrid
€ 59
Right
Reg
9/10
104407
Titleist VOKEY SPIN MILLED Wedge
€ 55
Right
Reg
8/10
104414
Odyssey WHITE HOT 2-BALL Putter
€ 65
Right
8/10
104415
Odyssey White Hot XG #7 Putter
€ 62
Right
8/10
104416
Odyssey Crimson Series 770 Putter
€ 65
Right
104417
TaylorMade JetSpeed Driver
€ 92
Right
Stiff
9/10
104418
TaylorMade R11 Driver
€ 109
Right
Stiff
8/10
104419
TaylorMade Burner SuperFast TP 2.0 Driver
€ 75
Right
Stiff
8/10
104424
Callaway X2 Hot Driver
€ 125
Right
Stiff
9/10
9/10
8/10
Blarney Golf Men’s Club
2015 FUNDRAISER for Deirdre O’Reilly
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015 FANTASTIC PRIZES TO BE WON BOOK NOW: 021 451 64 72 Team of four (Men/Ladies/Mixed) €120 including food Non-GUI players/teams welcome (special prize category). Lend your support, sponsor a teebox or green for €50 please call Edward Butt 086 305 37 06 or email eddiebutt@gmail.com P R O U D LY S U P P O R T E D B Y
ONLY
€te1am2o0 f four
per including food
pictured Gerard and Janet Forrest
Blarney
driving range Golfers have what can be best described as a funny relationship with Driving Ranges. They flock to them when things go wrong, when a slice develops, when a hook threatens to hamper progress or when your five iron stars acting like some iron bars. We don’t tend to use driving ranges when things are good, when you are splitting the fairway, pinging the ball close time after time or putting like a dream however is this the right way to use these facilities? Of course it isn’t. Driving ranges are a very important tool in the average golfer’s armoury. We all see the likes of Rory or Tiger burning up the course but we rarely see them banging balls for hours on the range but we know they do it. They do it every day and they do it because it works. A range is where you fix things; hone your skills and get that extra few yards that seemingly make all the difference. We at Irish Clubhouse are big fans of ranges and although we don’t get to visit them as often as we would like we feel that the range is an integral part of the golfing world. One of the top ranges in Ireland is the
Blarney Driving Range which has been in operation now for 22 years. Gerard Forrest opened the range on the outskirts of the historic village over two decades ago and now he and his wife Janet run what is a top class, state-of-the-art operation. What was once just a place to work on one’s driving has evolved into The Blarney Driving Range Golf Academy which caters for a player’s long game, short game, putting, fitness, mental strength, course distance, control and much, much, more. Blarney Driving Range Golf Academy has developed into what it is today thanks to the hard work of Gerard Forrest and his team, as well as the assistance of the G.U.I and the PGA. The academy can now boast something for everyone. Whether you are practicing seriously or just using the game as a relaxing pastime, there is a place for you in Blarney. The academy has several top PGA professionals. On site you will find PGA Advanced Munster Coach Fred Twomey
as well as the PGA Cork Coach Paul Kiely. The Blarney Driving Range Golf Academy is also used by other outstanding PGA Pros, including John Savage PGA, and Alan O’Meara PGA from the Blarney Golf Resort. Regardless of your golfing abilities, Blarney Driving Range Golf Academy is a place that every golfer should try to visit at least once and like most of the loyal patrons that frequented the range over the years you are sure to emerge a better player. Gerard and Janet have added a non golf related side to their business this year by building a cross country running track on the site which has proved hugely positive with individuals and sporting groups alike. The success of the running track is yet more proof that often, golf businesses need to diversify to survive and although golf will always be the main activity at the Blarney Driving Range the addition of another string to this driving range’s bow is very welcome indeed.
MALLOW GOLF DRIVING RANGE
50 Grass Tees / 12 Indoor Driving Bays / Professional Tuition / Swing Analysis Chipping Greens / Putting Green / Sand Bunkers / Proshop / TV Lounge / Club Hire
OPEN 11AM - 10PM (7 DAYS) (022) 27894 / (086) 8252440 www.mallowgolfrange.com 31
Does your club have a strategy for recruiting more Junior members?
Surely if it was not sustainable then none of this would be the case?
It is often said that golf needs to work harder at grass-root level to benefit the game for the long term. Over the past two years we at SNAG Golf in Ireland have worked in a diligent and progressive manner that has seen us at the forefront of introducing more children to the game of golf. Through our much praised Primary Schools Programme which is now supported by Local Sports Partnerships up and down the country, we have been able to get golf into the PE curriculum on a mass scale.
Our schools programme is now transitioning many participating pupils from the school yard to their local golf clubs which again proves its undoubted sustainability. With this in mind we have taken what we have learnt from our schools programme and during the golf off season developed and trialled a new Junior Programme that has proved such a success that the golf clubs we worked with have now gained a full junior membership quota!
7+( 1(: 722/6 2) 7+( 75$'( 7+( 1(: 722/6 2) 7+( 75$'(
We want this success to continue with your club and are seeking 7KH HDVLHVW DQG TXLFNHVW ZD\ WR OHDUQ 7KH HDVLHVW DQG TXLFNHVW ZD\ WR OHDUQ As of late there has been much talk of sustainability when it expressions of interest from golf clubs across Ireland who would comes to offering a schools programme and SNAG GOLF are like support in growing their junior sections. If you are a Director KRZ WR SOD\ JROI DQG KDYH IXQ KRZ WR SOD\ JROI DQG KDYH IXQ in total agreement with this, as for any programme to be a long of Golf, General Secretary, Junior Officer or Club Professional WKDW LV ZKDW 61$* LV DOO DERXW WKDW LV ZKDW 61$* LV DOO DERXW term success it has to be sustainable. that is wondering how to attract more young people into your club then this sustainable proven model is what you have been 6WDUWLQJ 1HZ $W *ROI waiting for. That is why we believe that SNAG Golf is a credible and 7KH 61$* 6\VWHP RI OHDUQLQJ FRPELQHV 7KH 61$* 6\VWHP RI OHDUQLQJ FRPELQHV sustainable programme when it comes to introducing children The expression of interest period will be for a limited time only IXQN\ WUDLQLQJ DLGV ZLWK UDGLFDO IXQN\ WUDLQLQJ DLGV ZLWK UDGLFDO to golf in a school environment. What could be more sustainable and will run until 30th April. So if your club wants to join the than using award winning equipment that is backed by the likes PHWKRGRORJ\ WR GHOLYHU UHDO UHVXOWV PHWKRGRORJ\ WR GHOLYHU UHDO UHVXOWV world leader in introducing new learners to the game of golf of Jack Nicklaus as well as many of the worlds leading coaches, then do not hesitate to contact us at SNAG Golf by emailing <RX DUH QRW IXOO\ HTXLSSHG ZLWKRXW LW <RX DUH QRW IXOO\ HTXLSSHG ZLWKRXW LW or using a programme that is now the schools programme info@snaggolf.ie and we will send you a copy of our information template for golf federations around the world - in over 10,000 -RLQ WKH UHYROXWLRQ WRGD\ DW -RLQ WKH UHYROXWLRQ WRGD\ DW package. We wish everyone well for the new season and lets all schools globally. help to #growthegame together.
ZZZ VQDJJROI LH
GOLF CLUBS ABBEYLEIX Ph. 057 8731450 www.abbeyleixgolfclub.ie
BODENSTOWN Ph. 045 45897096 www.bodenstown.com
CO MEATH Ph. 046 9431463 www.countymeathgolfclubtrim.ie
ADARE Ph. 061 605274 www.adaremanor.com
BRAY Ph. 031 2763200 www.braygolfclub.com
CO TIPPERARY Ph. 062 71717 www.dundrumhousehotel.com
ADARE MANOR Ph. 061 396204 www.adaremanorgolfclub.com
BUNCLODY Ph. 053 9374444 www.bunclodygfc.ie
COBH Ph. 021 4812399 www.cobhgolfclub.ie
ARDFERT Ph. 066 7134744 www.ardfertgolfclub.com
CAHIR PARK Ph. 052 7441474 www.cahirparkgolfclub.com
COOLLATTIN GOLF CLUB Ph. 053 9429125 www.coollattingolfclub.com
ARKLOW Ph. 0402 32492 www.arklowgolflinks.com
CALLAN Ph. 056 7725136 www.callangolfclub.com
CURRAGH Ph. 045 441714 www.curraghgolf.com
ATHLONE Ph. 0906492073 www.athlonegolfclub.ie
CARLOW Ph. 059 9131695 www.carlowgolfclub.com
DELGANY Ph. 01 2874536 www.delganygolfclub.com
ATHY Ph. 059 8631729 www.athygolfclub.com
CARTON HOUSE Ph. 01 5052000 www.cartonhouse.com
DONERAILE Ph. 022 24137 www.donerailegolfclub.com
BALBRIGGAN Ph. 01 8412229 www.balbriggangolfclub.com
CARRICK-ON-SUIR Ph. 051 640047 www.carrickgolfclub.com
DOONBEG LINKS Ph. 065 9055246 www.doonbeglodge.com
BALLINASLOE Ph. 0909642126 www.ballinasloegolfclub.ie
CASTLE Ph. 014904207 www.castlegc.ie
DROMOLAND Ph. 061 368444 www.dromolandgolf.com
BALLYBUNION Ph. 068 27146 www.ballybuniongolfclub.ie
CASTLE BARNA Ph. 057 9353384 www.castlebarna.ie
DRUIDS GLEN Ph. 01 2870800 www.druidsglenresort.com
BALLYHEIGUE CASTLE Ph. 066 7133555 www.ballyheiguecastlegolfclub.com
CASTLECOMER Ph. 056 4441139 www.castlecomergolf.com
BALLYKISTEEN Ph. 062 33333 www.ballykisteengolfclub.com
CASTLEGREGORY Ph. 066 7139444 www.castlegregorygolflinks.com
BALLYNEETY Ph. 061351881 www.ballyneetygolfclub.com
CASTLEISLAND Ph. 066 7141709 www.castleislandgolfclub.com
BALLYMONEY Ph. 053 9421976 www.ballymoneygolfclub.com
CASTLEKNOCK Ph. 01 6408736 www.castleknockgolfclub.ie
BALTINGLASS Ph. 059 6481350 www.baltingglassgolfclub.ie
CASTLEMARTYR Ph. 021 4219001 www.castlemartyrresort.ie
BANDON Ph. 023 8841111 www.bandongolfclub.com
CASTLEROSSE Ph. 064 6631144 www.castlerosse.com
BANTRY BAY Ph. 027 50579 www.bantrygolf.com
CASTLETROY Ph. 061 335753 www.castletroygolfclub.ie
BEAVERSTOWN Ph. 01 8436439 www.beaverstown.com
CASTLEWARDEN Ph. 01 4589254 www.castlewardengolfclub.ie
BEECH PARK Ph. 01 4580522 www.beechpark.ie
CEANN SIBEAL Ph. 066 9156255 www.dinglelinks.com
BEREHAVEN Ph. 027 70700 www.berehavengolf.com
CHARLESTOWN Ph. 01 4589254 www.castlewardengolfclub.ie
BIRR Ph. 057 9121606 www.birrgolfclub.com
CHARLEVILLE Ph. 063 81257 www.charlevillegolf.com
DUNMORE EAST Ph. 051 383151 www.dunmoreeastgolfclub.ie
BLAINROE Ph. 0404 68168 www.blainroe.com
CLONMEL Ph. 052 6124050 www.clonmelgolfclub.com
DUNMURRY SPRINGS Ph. 045 531400 www.dunmurrysprings.ie
BLARNEY Ph. 021 4516472 www.blarneygolfclub.ie
CLONTARF Ph. 01 8331892 www.clontarfgolfclub.ie
EAST CLARE Ph. 061 921322 www.eastclare.com
CORK GOLF CLUB
Ph. 021 4353451 www.corkgolfclub.ie
DUN LAOGHAIRE Ph. 01 2721866 www.dunlaoghairegolfclub.ie DUNGARVAN Ph. 058 43310 www.dungarvangolfclub.com DUNMORE Ph. 023 8834644 www.dunmoregolfclub.ie
dooks
Ph. 066 9768205 www.dooks.com
DOUGLAS GOLF CLUB Ph. 021 4895297 www.douglasgolfclub.ie
GOLF CLUBS EAST CORK Ph. 021 4631687 www.eastcorkgolfclub.com
ENNIS
Ph. 065 6824074 www.ennisgolfclub.com
ENNISCORTHY GOLF CLUB Ph. 053 9233191 www.enniscorthygc.ie FAITHLEGG Ph. 051 380587 www.faithlegggolfclub.com FERNHILL Ph. 021 4372226 www.fernhillcountryclub.com FERMOY Ph. 025 32694 www.fermoygolfclub.ie FRANKFIELD Ph. 021 4363124 www.frankfieldgolfclubmembers.com GALWAY BAY Ph. 091 790711 www.galwaybaygolfresort.com GALWAY GOLF CLUB Ph. 091 522033 www.galwaygolf.com GLENGARRIFF Ph. 027 63150 www.glengarriffgolfclub.com GOLD COAST Ph. 058 44055 www.goldcoastgolfclub.com k-club Ph. 01 6017200 www.kclub.ie KANTURK Ph. 029 50534 www.kanturkgolf.com KENMARE Ph. 064 6641291 www.kenmaregolfclub.com KILKEE Ph. 065 9056048 www.kilkeegolfclub.ie KILKENNY Ph. 056 7765400 www.kilkennygolfclub.com KILLARNEY Ph. 064 6631034 www.killarney-golf.com KILLORGLIN Ph: 0669761979. www.killorglingolf.ie KILLEEN Ph. 045 866003 www.killeengolf.com KILRUSH Ph. 065 9051138 www.kilrushgolfclub.com KINSALE Ph. 021 4774722 www.kinsalegolf.ie LAHINCH Ph. 065 7081003 www.lahinchgolf.com
LEE VALLEY Ph. 021 7331721 www.leevalleygolfclub.com
RATHBANE Ph. 061 313655 www.rathbanegolfclub.com
LIMERICK Ph. 061 415146 www.limerickgolfclub.ie
RATHSALLAGH Ph. 045 403316 www.rathsallagh.com
LISMORE Ph. 058 54026 www.lismoregolf.org
RATHDOWNEY Ph. 0505 46170 www.rathdowneygolfclub.com
LISSELAN Ph. 023 8833249 www.lisselan.com
RING OF KERRY Ph. 064 6642000 www.ringofkerrygolf.com
LISTOWEL Ph. 087 4156010 www.listowelgolfclub.com
RINGENANE Ph. 021 4772197 www.ringenanegolfclub.com
LUCAN Ph. 01 6280246 www.lucangolfclub.ie
ROSCREA Ph. 0505 21130 www.rosreagolfclub.ie
MACROOM Ph. 026 41072 www.macroomgolfclub.com
ROSS Ph. 064 6631125 www.rossgolfcourse.com
MAHON Ph. 021 4292212 www.mahongolfclub.com
ROSSLARE Ph. 053 9132203 www.rosslaregolf.com
MALAHIDE Ph. 01 8461611 www.malahidegolfclub.ie MALlow Ph. 022 21145 www.mallowgolfclub.net MILLTOWN Ph. 01 4125972 www.milltowngolfclub.ie MITCHELSTOWN Ph. 025 24072 www.mitchelstown-golf.com MOUNT WOLSELEY Ph. 059 915167 www.mountwolseley.ie/golf.html MOUNTRATH Ph. 057 8732643 www.mountrathgolfclub.ie MOUNT JULIET Ph. 056 7773071 www.mountjuliet.ie/golf MOUNTAIN VIEW Ph. 056 7768122 www.mviewgolf.com NAAS Ph. 045 897509 www.naasgolfclub.com NENAGH Ph. 067 31476 www.nenaghgolfclub.com MONKSTOWN Ph. 021 4841376 www.monkstowngolfclub.com MUSKERRY Ph. 021 4381445 www.muskerrygolfclub.ie NEWCASTLE WEST Ph. 069 76500 www.newcastlewestgolf.com PARKNASILLA Ph. 064 6645195 www.parknasillahotel.ie/golf RAFFEEN CREEK Ph. 021 4512624 www.raffeencreekgolfclub.com
SHANNON Ph. 061 471849 www.shannongolfclub.ie SKELLIGBAY Ph. 066 9474133 www.skelligbay.com SKERRIES Ph. 01 8491567 www.skerriesgolfclub.ie SKIBBEREEN Ph. 028 21227 www.skibbgolf.com SLIEVENAMON Ph. 052 6132213 www.slievenamongolfclub.com SPANISH POINT Ph. 065 7084198 www.spanishpointgolfing.com ST HELEN’S BAY Ph. 053 9133234 www.sthelensbay.ie STACKSTOWN Ph. 01 4941993 www.stackstowngolfclub.ie SWORDS Ph. 01 8409819 www.swordsgolfclub.ie TEMPLEMORE Ph. 0504 31400 www.templemoregolfclub.ie THE HERITAGE Ph. 057 8645500 www.theheritage.com THURLES Ph. 0504 21983 www.thurlesgolfclub.com TRAMORE Ph. 051 386170 www.tramoregolfclub.com THE OLD HEAD Ph. 021 4778444 www.oldhead.com
TIPPERARY Ph. 066 7136379 www.tipperarygolfclub.com tralee Ph. 062 51119 www.traleegolfclub.com WATERFORD Ph. 051 876748 www.waterfordgolfclub.com WATERROCK GOLF COURSE Ph. 021 4613499 www.waterrockgolfcourse.com WATERFORD CASTLE Ph. 051 871633 www.waterfordcastle.com WATERVILLE Ph. 066 9474102 www.watervillegolfclub.net WEST WATERFORD GOLF CLUB Ph. 058 43216 www.westwaterfordgolf.com WESTMANSTOWN Ph. 01 8205917 www.westmanstowngolfclub.ie WEXFORD Ph. 053 9142238 www.wexfordgolfclub.ie WICKLOW Ph. 0404 67379 www.wicklowgolfclub.ie WILLIAMSTOWN Ph. 051 853131 www.waterfordcity.ie WOODENBRIDGE Ph. 0402 35202 www.woodenbridge.ie WOODSTOCK Ph. 065 6829463 www.woodstockgolfclub.com YOUGHAL Ph. 024 92787 www.youghalgolfclub.ie If your club isn’t included in our listings, then please don’t hesitate to contact us at info@irishclubhouse.ie and we’ll include your club on our next issue.
THE
Visit us online AT irishclubhouse.ie or sign up to receive our email newsletter, for more news, tips, competitions and more...
Ads are
free
for 2015 Visit Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only dedicated classified site for golfers. GolfExchange aims to create a safe haven for members to buy, sell or swap their golfing equipment. The site offers golfers: green fees, clubs, balls, lessons, golfing breaks etc, from every county in Ireland.
Come along and be part of the golfing revolution.
Visit us on
www.golfexchange.irishclubhouse.ie or www.irishclubhouse.ie and press the red button.