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Paul McGinley<br />
2013 NEW YEAR/SPRING ISSUE €2.95 incl. VAT<br />
Pic by © GETTY IMAGES<br />
Also inside:<br />
• Who’s Who In Irish <strong>Golf</strong><br />
• Record of Irish Champions<br />
Paul McGinley<br />
A perfect captain<br />
Mount Juliet<br />
Course Rankings<br />
Focus on<br />
Srixon staff player<br />
G-Mac pic by ACTION IMAGES<br />
ISSN 1393 - 9122<br />
04<br />
9 771393 912027<br />
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ISSN 1393 - 9122<br />
EDITOR’S COMMENT...<br />
an inspired choice<br />
for ‘Ryder’ captaincy<br />
Pic by © GETTY IMAGES<br />
Paul McGinley<br />
2013 NEW YEAR/SPRING ISSUE €2.95 incl. VAT<br />
Paul McGinley<br />
A perfect captain<br />
Mount Juliet<br />
Course Rankings<br />
Focus on<br />
Srixon staff player<br />
Also inside:<br />
• Who’s Who In Irish <strong>Golf</strong><br />
• Record of Irish Champions<br />
9 771393 912027<br />
EQUIPMENT: PING LAUNCH STRIKING NEW G25 SERIES<br />
FRONT COVER: Main photo of<br />
Graeme McDowell taken by Action<br />
Images during the 2012 Open<br />
Championship at Royal Lytham.<br />
Inset pic of Paul McGinley on cover<br />
and below taken by © Getty Images.<br />
PAUL McGINLEY<br />
04<br />
G-Mac pic by ACTION IMAGES<br />
At long last we can celebrate the first Irishman to captain<br />
a Ryder Cup team against the United States of America.<br />
It’s a massive honour for popular 46-year-old Dubliner<br />
Paul McGinley and richly deserved.<br />
There were hopes that it might happen in 2006, when Ireland staged the Ryder Cup for<br />
the first time, and it’s puzzling why Ryder Cup legend Christy O’Connor Snr was overlooked<br />
in the 1970s when the honour should have been bestowed upon him.<br />
Ireland has made a massive contribution to the Ryder Cup down the years and the man<br />
chosen to lead Europe into battle against the Americans at Gleneagles next year is an<br />
inspired choice for the role.<br />
Paul McGinley is the consummate professional. He is passionate about golf and a<br />
wonderful ambassador for the game at home and abroad.<br />
As a player he was a member of three consecutive and victorious European Ryder Cup<br />
teams (2002-2006) and, of course, he held the winning putt at The Belfry in 2002.<br />
He has outstanding captaincy credentials. Not only has he played a crucial role as a<br />
vice-captain in Europe’s last two Ryder Cup wins at Celtic Manor and Medinah respectively,<br />
he has also been captain of two winning Great Britain and Ireland teams in the Vivendi<br />
Seve Trophy, defeating Continental Europe in both 2009 and 2011.<br />
Richard Hills, Europe’s Ryder Cup Director, said: “We are delighted that Paul has<br />
accepted the invitation of the Tournament Committee to take up the role as Captain for<br />
2014. Having played in three Ryder Cups, Paul has an innate understanding of every<br />
attribute required to be a successful Captain.<br />
“Paul’s meticulous nature and his passion for the<br />
strategic aspects of the Captain’s role have been evident<br />
for many years, through his role as a Ryder Cup Vice-<br />
Captain and as Captain of the Great Britain and Ireland<br />
Team in the Vivendi Seve Trophy. We already know that<br />
he will leave no stone unturned in his quest to retain The<br />
Ryder Cup at Gleneagles in September 2014.”<br />
Yours in <strong>Golf</strong>,<br />
DECLAN O’DONOGHUE, Publisher / Editor<br />
Publisher / Editor:<br />
Declan O’Donoghue<br />
Guest Writers:<br />
Mark Jones, Ewen Murray, Philip Quinn, Colm Smith<br />
Photography & Art:<br />
Reuters-Action Images (London), Alan Bleakley,<br />
Pat Cashman, Noel Kelly<br />
Creation & Design: The <strong>Golf</strong> Business<br />
Typesetting & Colour Repro: Esther Behan<br />
Printers: GPS Colour Graphics<br />
Distribution: EM News, Newspread, The <strong>Golf</strong> Business<br />
Advertisement Sales: The <strong>Golf</strong> Business<br />
Cover Price: €2.95 (incl VAT)<br />
NEXT ISSUE: Masters Review 2013<br />
DISCLAIMER: The copyright of all matter appearing in BACKSPIN is reserved by The <strong>Golf</strong> Business, and no matter may be reproduced or stored in any way without the<br />
written consent of the editor. The articles which appear in this magazine reflect the opinions of their authors and the Publisher. The <strong>Golf</strong> Business assumes no<br />
responsibility for the contents or accuracy of advertisements appearing in BACKSPIN, nor for the return of unsolicited manuscripts, art or photography.<br />
BACKSPIN | 1
for<br />
These are exciting times for Srixon staff player<br />
Graeme McDowell. He signed off 2012 in a<br />
blaze of glory with victory in the World<br />
Challenge in California and the 2010 US Open<br />
champion returns to action fresh, focused and<br />
fired-up for more fireworks in this year’s Majors.<br />
Here we focus the spotlight on one of the most<br />
outstanding talents in world golf.<br />
2 | BACKSPIN
Feature photos by<br />
REUTERS /<br />
ACTION IMAGES<br />
Graeme McDowell is a<br />
Srixon staff player.<br />
www.srixon.co.uk<br />
Left: Graeme has reasons to be<br />
cheerful following his victory in the<br />
World Challenge at Thousand Oaks in<br />
California last December.<br />
Opposite page: Graeme splashes<br />
from a bunker during the 2012 World<br />
Challenge.<br />
Below: G-Mac with the 2012 World<br />
Challenge Trophy.<br />
At age 33 G-Mac can reflect on a<br />
remarkable career in golf illuminated<br />
by a bunch of victories including his<br />
first Major title at Pebble Beach in 2010.<br />
However, G-Mac is not the type of guy who<br />
dwells too much on the past. He’s focused on<br />
the future and right now the world is his<br />
oyster.<br />
He’ll never forget 2010, that’s for sure. In<br />
addition to his breakthrough in the Majors he<br />
recorded three other victories and sealed<br />
Europe’s memorable Ryder Cup win at Celtic<br />
Manor by defeating Hunter Mahan in the allimportant<br />
singles match.<br />
The pace slowed in 2011 as he adjusted to<br />
the stresses and strains of life as a Major<br />
winner, but there were signs towards the end<br />
of that season that he was starting to turn<br />
things around and get back in the groove.<br />
In October he tied 3rd in the Alfred Dunhill<br />
Links Championship in Scotland, with rounds<br />
of 67+67+67+69, and he scored another<br />
top-3 finish in the WGC-HSBC Champions<br />
event with rounds of 69+69+67+67.<br />
A tie for 13th in the Barclays Singapore<br />
Open and tie for 11th in the Dubai World<br />
Championship followed and raised his hopes<br />
for 2012.<br />
continued...<br />
BACKSPIN | 3
for<br />
Below: G-Mac in action on his way<br />
to victory in the 2012 World<br />
Challenge at Thousand Oaks in<br />
California.<br />
Photograph taken by<br />
REUTERS / ACTION IMAGES<br />
He certainly bounced back in style in 2012<br />
with his game returning to the boil.<br />
He was fast out of the blocks last year with<br />
a third place finish in Abu Dhabi in January<br />
followed by a runner-up finish to Tiger in the<br />
Arnold Palmer Invitational in March.<br />
Two weeks later he recorded his best finish<br />
in The Masters at Augusta, firing a closing 68<br />
to tie for 12th spot.<br />
He came agonisingly close to winning the<br />
Volvo World Matchplay Championship the<br />
following month, but lost in the final to<br />
Nicolas Colsaerts.<br />
In June a second US Open title loomed<br />
large as he was tied for the lead entering the<br />
final act with rounds of 69+72+68, however a<br />
slow front nine proved costly and despite a<br />
rousing finish he had to settle for runner-up<br />
spot with Michael Thompson behind Webb<br />
Simpson.<br />
G-Mac was also tied for the lead entering<br />
the final round of The Open Championship<br />
four weeks later at Royal Lytham & St. Annes.<br />
Opening rounds of 67+69+67 left him<br />
snapping at the heels of pacesetter Adam<br />
Scott. However, Sunday was a tough day at<br />
the office and he battled hard to finish 5th.<br />
The following month, in the USPGA<br />
Championship at Kiawah Island, runaway<br />
winner Rory McIlroy stole the limelight with a<br />
sensational performance but G-Mac stuck to<br />
his guns and posted rounds of 68+76+71+71<br />
to ensure that he finished top-12 in all four<br />
Majors in 2012.<br />
He took time out in November and got<br />
engaged to his longtime girlfriend Kristin<br />
Stape, a top interior designer in her native<br />
Florida. Not one to do things by half, G-Mac<br />
proposed to Kristin on the 656ft high helipad<br />
at the iconic Burg Al Arab Hotel in Dubai!<br />
A month later he was back in the winner’s<br />
enclosure for the first time in two years.<br />
California is a happy hunting ground for<br />
the richly talented Northern Irishman and,<br />
two years after beating Tiger Woods in a<br />
play-off at the Sherwood Country Club, he<br />
rose to the challenge again with a sizzling<br />
performance to take his second World<br />
Challenge title.<br />
G-Mac upstaged the elite 18-man field<br />
with a confident display. He entered the final<br />
round with a two stroke lead and fired a 68 to<br />
finish three clear of Srixon/Cleveland <strong>Golf</strong><br />
stablemate Keegan Bradley.<br />
At the presentation ceremony he<br />
remarked, “This event has been incredibly<br />
good to me. This one feels even more<br />
amazing. It just puts me in a nicer frame of<br />
mind going into the offseason.”<br />
G-Mac’s focus is now on this year’s Majors<br />
at Augusta National (April 11-14), Merion<br />
(June 13-16), Muirfield (July 18-21) and the<br />
East Course at Oak Hill Country Club in<br />
Rochester, New York (August 8-11).<br />
All the signs are pointing towards Major<br />
No.2 for one of the toughest and most<br />
determined competitors in world golf.<br />
continued...<br />
All the signs are<br />
pointing towards<br />
Major No.2 for one<br />
of the toughest and<br />
most determined<br />
competitors in<br />
world golf<br />
4 | BACKSPIN
It’s not the taking part<br />
It’s the winning<br />
year after year after year after year after year after year<br />
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012<br />
At Srixon, we’re all about the winning. So much so that winning golfers have made<br />
us the UK’s top-selling 2-piece ball brand for the last six years in a row * . If the ball you’re<br />
currently using isn’t a Srixon,then quite simply you’ve yet to fi nd the winning choice for you.<br />
Go to www.srixon.co.uk today to fi nd the right ball for your game!<br />
*SPORTS MARKETING SURVEYS INC & GOLF DATATECH RETAIL AUDITS
for<br />
continued...<br />
Throughout his career, both as an<br />
amateur and professional, Graeme McDowell<br />
has been a stand-out performer in big events.<br />
His big break as an amateur came in 2000<br />
when he won the Irish Youths Championship<br />
and both the South of Ireland and Irish<br />
Amateur Close titles. He was on his way.<br />
He was a member of the 2001 GB&Ireland<br />
team that retained the Walker Cup at Sea<br />
Island in Georgia. He partnered fellow<br />
Northerner Michael Hoey to victory in both<br />
foursomes sessions.<br />
And prior to turning professional in 2002,<br />
he was the top-ranked Collegiate golfer in<br />
America while representing the University of<br />
Alabama.<br />
The transition from amateur to<br />
professional golf can be a daunting<br />
experience, but G-Mac hit the ground<br />
running. He scored his maiden Tour victory in<br />
the Scandinavian Masters in just his fourth<br />
start as a professional.<br />
He made steady progress and his game<br />
moved to a new level in 2008 with victories in<br />
the Ballantine’s Championship and Barclays<br />
Scottish Open sealing his Ryder Cup debut at<br />
Valhalla later that season.<br />
The following year he maintained the pace<br />
with top-20 finishes in The Masters, US Open<br />
and USPGA Championship.<br />
G-Mac’s CV in the Major Championships<br />
is impressive...29 appearances as a pro, one<br />
win, one runner-up slot, 3 top-5s, 4 top-10s<br />
and 13 top 25s.<br />
He also thrives in the white heat of Ryder<br />
Cup battle. He has made three appearances<br />
in the biennial team event (2008, 2010 and<br />
2012) and registered a solid 50% strike rate<br />
in his twelve matches with five victories and<br />
two half points.<br />
Right:<br />
Another putt drops for G-Mac<br />
during the World Challenge in<br />
California last December...a win<br />
that sets him up for a big 2013.<br />
Feature photos by<br />
REUTERS /<br />
ACTION IMAGES<br />
6 | BACKSPIN<br />
G-Mac Factfile<br />
Full Name: Graeme McDowell<br />
Born: 30th July 1979, Portrush, N.Ireland<br />
Height/weight: 5ft 11’ and 12st<br />
Interests: Cars, snooker & Manchester United<br />
Status: Engaged to Kristin Stape<br />
Amateur highlights: 1999 - Irish Youths C’ship,<br />
2000 - Irish Youths, South of Ireland C’ship, Irish<br />
Amateur Close C’ship, World Universities C’ship;<br />
2001 - Conference USA Player of the Year; 2001<br />
& 2002 - Ranked No.1 Collegiate player in USA;<br />
Representative (as an amateur): Ireland 1997-<br />
2001, Palmer Cup 2000/2001, Walker Cup 2001<br />
Turned Pro: 2002<br />
Tournament Wins: 2002 - Volvo Scandinavian<br />
Masters; 2004 - Italian Open; 2008 - Ballantine's<br />
C’ship, Barclays Scottish Open; 2010 - Celtic<br />
Manor Wales Open, US Open, Andalucia<br />
Valderrama Masters, Chevron World Challenge;<br />
2012 - World Challenge<br />
Ryder Cup: 2008, 2010 and 2012<br />
World Ranking (mid Jan 2013): 17th
What’s in G-Mac’s bag<br />
G-Mac used the following equipment when<br />
he won the 2012 World <strong>Golf</strong> Challenge in<br />
California...<br />
Driver: Cleveland Classic 290, 9.0°, with<br />
Miyazaki Kusala Indigo 52X shaft<br />
Fairway: Cleveland Launcher FL with<br />
Miyazaki Kusala 72X shaft<br />
Irons: Srixon Z-TX II irons (4-9) with Project<br />
X 6.5 shafts<br />
Wedges: Cleveland 588 Forged Wedges -<br />
48, 54 & 58°<br />
Ball: Srixon Z-Star XV ball .<br />
To view the full range of<br />
Srixon & Cleveland golf products visit<br />
www.srixon.co.uk<br />
G-Mac’s results in the last 16 majors<br />
2009 Venue Position Scores<br />
US Masters Augusta National 17th 69 + 73 + 73 + 69<br />
US Open Bethpage 18th 69 + 72 + 69 + 74<br />
British Open Turnberry (Ailsa) 34th 68 + 73 + 71 + 73<br />
USPGA Hazeltine National 10th 70 + 75 + 71 + 72<br />
2010<br />
US Masters Augusta National MC 75 + 74<br />
US Open Pebble Beach Winner 71 + 68 + 71 + 74<br />
British Open St. Andrews 23rd 71 + 68 + 76 + 70<br />
USPGA Whistling Straits MC 76 + 71<br />
2011<br />
US Masters Augusta National MC 74 + 73<br />
US Open Congressional 14th 70 + 74 + 69 + 69<br />
British Open Royal St. Georges MC 68 + 77<br />
USPGA Atlanta Athletic Club MC 74 + 78<br />
2012<br />
US Masters Augusta National 12th 75 + 72 + 71 + 68<br />
US Open The Olympic Club 2nd 69 + 72 + 68 + 73<br />
British Open Royal Lytham 5th 67 + 69 + 67 + 75<br />
USPGA Kiawah Island 11th 68 + 76 + 71 + 71<br />
Above: A classic all-action study of<br />
G-Mac taken during the 2012 World<br />
Challenge at Thousand Oaks in<br />
California.<br />
Graeme McDowell is a Srixon<br />
staff player. He is represented<br />
by Horizon Sports Management<br />
in Dublin, who also manage<br />
Rory McIlroy.<br />
BACKSPIN | 7
BACKSPIN’S 2012/13 Irish Course Rankings Poll<br />
Mount Juliet<br />
Fresh approach<br />
benefits Irish golf<br />
Links & parkland jewels share the spotlight<br />
In 2007 BACKSPIN broke fresh ground by becoming the<br />
first publication ever to conduct a poll which ranked<br />
Ireland’s links and parkland courses separately. This<br />
pioneering and imaginative approach creates a greater<br />
awareness and appreciation of the quality and variety<br />
of the Irish golf product and, significantly, it provides<br />
our wonderful links and parkland courses with the<br />
stand alone recognition they richly deserve.<br />
Royal Portrush<br />
– Dunluce<br />
1st Links category<br />
Waterville<br />
8 | BACKSPIN<br />
5th Links category<br />
How can one even start to compare links<br />
jewels like Royal Portrush and Royal<br />
County Down with parkland classics like<br />
Mount Juliet and the Palmer course at the K<br />
Club<br />
They are, after all, two entirely different<br />
forms of golf.<br />
That was the thinking behind the fresh<br />
approach this magazine took when we<br />
conducted our first biennial Irish golf course<br />
rankings poll at the end of 2007.<br />
Our imaginative and original approach<br />
serves to showcase Irish golf in a completely<br />
new light and provides our top links and<br />
parkland courses with the stand alone<br />
recognition they richly deserve.<br />
Irish golf is blessed with several of the finest<br />
links courses in the world.<br />
<strong>Golf</strong>ers will always cherish visits to such<br />
majestic settings as Royal Portrush, Royal<br />
Co. Down, Portmarnock, The European Club,<br />
Waterville, Lahinch, Ballybunion, Baltray,<br />
Rosses Point, The Island, Ballyliffin, Tralee,<br />
Doonbeg...the list goes on.<br />
Our world class links courses will be talked<br />
about in glowing terms until eternity, and rightly<br />
so, but significantly there’s a growing awareness<br />
and appreciation at home and abroad of<br />
Ireland’s wealth of outstanding parkland<br />
courses.<br />
Parkland courses have staged many of the<br />
biggest events in Irish golf in recent times.
1st Parkland category<br />
BACKSPIN’S VOTING PANEL<br />
3rd biennial poll - 2012/13 - first published January 2012<br />
IRISH PROFESSIONALS<br />
Raymond Burns<br />
Eddie Doyle<br />
Peter Hanna<br />
David Higgins<br />
Liam Higgins<br />
Francis Howley<br />
Brendan McGovern<br />
David Mortimer<br />
Keith Bardon<br />
Michael Burns<br />
Colin Byrne<br />
Michael Coote<br />
Karen Delaney<br />
Barry Doyle<br />
Eddie Dunne<br />
Jody Fanagan<br />
Mark Gannon<br />
Loyal Goulding<br />
Niall Goulding<br />
Dougie Heather<br />
John L. Hughes<br />
Helen Jones<br />
Pat Cashman<br />
Cathal Dervan<br />
Paul Gallagher<br />
Shay Keenan<br />
Brian Keogh<br />
Denis Kirwan<br />
IRISH AMATEURS<br />
GOLFING MEDIA<br />
Christy O’Connor Jnr.<br />
Denis O’Sullivan<br />
Peter O’Hagan<br />
Des Smyth<br />
Gordon Smyth<br />
Paul Thompson<br />
Philip Walton<br />
Ken Kearney<br />
Enda Lonergan<br />
Mary McKenna<br />
Harry McKinney<br />
Sheena McElroy<br />
Seamus McParland<br />
Adrian Morrow<br />
Christy Moylan<br />
Pat Murray<br />
Peter O’Hara<br />
Paddy O’Looney<br />
Eddie Power<br />
Eileen Rose Power<br />
Barry Reddan<br />
Declan O'Donoghue<br />
Philip Quinn<br />
John Redmond<br />
Ray Scott<br />
Colm Smith<br />
Liam Spratt<br />
The Jack Nicklaus signature course at Mount<br />
Juliet has hosted the WGC AmEx Championship<br />
and Irish Open...the K Club’s Palmer course<br />
staged the 2006 Ryder Cup...and other top-10<br />
ranked courses Adare, Killarney Killeen, Druids<br />
Glen, Killeen Castle and The Heritage have all<br />
staged major professional events.<br />
Our 3rd biennial Irish course rankings poll -<br />
as first published in January 2012 - reflects the<br />
views of 55 experienced and opinionated<br />
personalities with a strong appreciation of the<br />
Irish golfing landscape.<br />
Our voting panel includes players with Ryder<br />
Cup, Walker Cup and Curtis Cup experience,<br />
Irish PGA members, distinguished amateurs,<br />
prominent administrators, media figures and<br />
other respected personalities who are, quite<br />
simply, passionate about golf.<br />
For Royal Portrush our latest poll represents<br />
a significant breakthrough. The 1951 Open<br />
Championship venue, ranked 3rd in our two<br />
previous polls, soars above Portmarnock and<br />
Royal County Down on this occasion.<br />
For Mount Juliet there is the distinction of<br />
being voted Ireland’s No. 1 Parkland Course for<br />
a third consecutive time and by a convincing<br />
margin once again.<br />
Our 2012/13 poll results appear on the<br />
following pages and have been conveyed to<br />
thousands of key people across all spectrums of<br />
Irish and international golf via our website...<br />
www.backspingolfmagazine.com continued...<br />
PARKLAND COURSES<br />
36<br />
37<br />
38<br />
39<br />
40<br />
41<br />
42<br />
43<br />
44<br />
45<br />
46<br />
47<br />
48<br />
49<br />
50<br />
51<br />
52<br />
53<br />
54<br />
55<br />
56<br />
57<br />
58<br />
59<br />
60<br />
61<br />
62<br />
63<br />
A<br />
HEADFORT (New)<br />
HEADFORT (Old)<br />
HERMITAGE<br />
HILTON TEMPLEPATRICK<br />
HOLYWOOD<br />
HOWTH<br />
K CLUB (Palmer)<br />
K CLUB (Smurfit)<br />
KILKENNY<br />
KILLARNEY (Killeen)<br />
KILLARNEY (Mahony's Point)<br />
KILLEEN CASTLE<br />
KNIGHTSBROOK<br />
LIMERICK GOLF CLUB<br />
LISBURN<br />
LOUGH ERNE<br />
LURGAN<br />
LUTTRELLSTOWN CASTLE<br />
MALONE<br />
MILLTOWN<br />
MOUNT JULIET<br />
MOUNT WOLSELEY<br />
MOYOLA PARK<br />
MULLINGAR<br />
NEW FOREST<br />
NEWLANDS<br />
OLD CONNA<br />
PALMERSTOWN STUD<br />
Druids Glen<br />
A<br />
1 ARDGLASS<br />
2 ARKLOW<br />
3 BALLYBUNION (Old)<br />
4 BALLYBUNNION (Cashen)<br />
5 BALLYLIFFIN (Glashedy)<br />
6 BALLYLIFFIN (Old)<br />
7 BANTRY BAY<br />
8 BELMULLET (Carne)<br />
9 BUNDORAN<br />
10 CASTLEMARTYR RESORT<br />
11 CASTLEROCK<br />
12 CEANN SIBEAL<br />
13 CO. LOUTH (Baltray)<br />
14 CO. SLIGO (Rosses Point)<br />
15 CONNEMARA<br />
16 DONEGAL (Murvagh)<br />
17 DOOKS<br />
18 DOONBEG LINKS<br />
19 DUNFANAGHY<br />
20 ENNISCRONE<br />
21 GREENORE<br />
22 GWEEDORE<br />
23 LAHINCH (Old Course)<br />
24 LAYTOWN & BETTYSTOWN<br />
25 MULRANNY<br />
26 NARIN & PORTNOO<br />
27 OLD HEAD, KINSALE<br />
28 PORTMARNOCK (Hotel & <strong>Golf</strong> Links)<br />
29 PORTMARNOCK (Old Course)<br />
30 PORTSALON<br />
31 PORTSTEWART (Strand/C'ship)<br />
32 ROSAPENNA (Old)<br />
33 ROSAPENNA (Sandy Hills)<br />
34 ROSSLARE<br />
35 RYL CO.DOWN (C'ship)<br />
36 RYL. PORTRUSH (Dunluce)<br />
AP AQ AR AS AT AU AV AW<br />
100 100 80 120 130 70<br />
60 225<br />
60<br />
250 175 225 200 225 225 250 50<br />
90 100<br />
225 150 150 175 150<br />
50<br />
70 120 70 80 140 175 80<br />
250 60 175 120<br />
90<br />
150<br />
60<br />
175 225 200 250 250 250 225 175<br />
120 120<br />
VOTES<br />
LINKS COURSES VOTES<br />
AH AI AJ AK AL AM AN AO<br />
150 225<br />
150 90<br />
110 175 120 90 200 140 150 50<br />
150<br />
110 90 120<br />
80<br />
80 120<br />
90 110 90<br />
150 60 175 100 140<br />
70 120 100 140 110 250 150 70 90<br />
70 80<br />
150 50 70<br />
110 70 80 140 80 80 90 50 130<br />
70 100<br />
175 70 225 60<br />
50<br />
100 100 100 60<br />
60 200 200 175 250 225 200 250 130<br />
130<br />
200 120<br />
250 225 250 225 130 250 175 150 175 200 250 225 225 200<br />
Fair & transparent<br />
O<br />
ur voting panellists are<br />
provided with a complete<br />
directory of links and<br />
parkland courses in the 32<br />
counties. The two lists are set-out<br />
in alphabetical order on a county<br />
by county basis for easy reference.<br />
Voters are asked to nominate,<br />
in order of preference, the fifteen<br />
courses in both categories that<br />
impress and delight them most.<br />
Our voting system awards points to<br />
golf clubs as follows...1st - 250;<br />
2nd - 225; 3rd - 200; 4th - 175; 5th<br />
- 150; 6th - 140; 7th - 130; 8th -<br />
120; 9th - 110; 10th - 100; 11th -<br />
90; 12th - 80; 13th - 70; 14th - 60;<br />
and 15th - 50pts.<br />
5th Parkland category<br />
BACKSPIN | 9
BACKSPIN’S 2012/13<br />
IRELAND’S TOP 25<br />
LINKS COURSES<br />
2012/13 rankings, points scored & previous rankings in brackets<br />
1st 10545 pts Royal Portrush - Dunluce (3rd)<br />
2nd 10475 pts Portmarnock (1st)<br />
3rd 9955pts Royal County Down (2nd)<br />
4th 7845 pts The European Club (4th)<br />
5th 7285 pts Waterville (6th)<br />
6th 7215 pts Lahinch - Old (8th)<br />
7th 6945 pts Ballybunion - Old (7th)<br />
8th 6940 pts Co. Louth / Baltray (5th)<br />
9th 5380 pts Co. Sligo / Rosses Point (9th)<br />
10th 4005 pts The Island (10th)<br />
11th 3405 pts Ballyliffin - Glashedy (14th)<br />
12th 3175 pts The Royal Dublin (11th)<br />
13th 2875 pts Tralee (13th)<br />
14th 2725 pts Doonbeg (12th)<br />
15th 2255 pts Enniscrone (15th)<br />
16th 2105 pts Old Head <strong>Golf</strong> Links (17th)<br />
17th 2000 pts Portstewart - Strand (18th)<br />
18th 1740 pts Ballyliffin - Old (16th)<br />
19th 1290 pts Connemara (19th)<br />
20th 1170 pts Rosapenna - Sandy Hills (23rd)<br />
21st 1160 pts Donegal / Murvagh (20th)<br />
22nd 1150 pts Portmarnock Hotel & Links (22nd)<br />
23rd 955 pts Castlerock (New Entry)<br />
24th 900 pts Belmullet / Carne (21st)<br />
25th 755 pts Seapoint (New Entry)<br />
The Heritage<br />
OUR NEXT POLL<br />
BACKSPIN’s 4th biennial<br />
poll will be conducted<br />
later this year.<br />
The results will be<br />
published in our<br />
New Year 2014 issue<br />
and valid for 2014/15.<br />
For details of our three<br />
biennial polls to date<br />
(2008/9, 2010/11<br />
and 2012/13)<br />
visit our website...<br />
backspingolfmagazine.com<br />
The European Club<br />
10 | BACKSPIN
IRISH COURSE RANKINGS POLL<br />
The Island<br />
IRELAND’S TOP 25<br />
PARKLAND COURSES<br />
2012/13 rankings, points scored & previous rankings in brackets<br />
1st 10215 pts Mount Juliet (1st)<br />
2nd 8495 pts K Club - Palmer Course (2nd)<br />
3rd 8405 pts Adare (3rd)<br />
4th 7500 pts Killarney - Killeen (5th)<br />
5th 6075 pts Druids Glen (4th)<br />
6th 5465 pts Killeen Castle (11th)<br />
7th 4980 pts The Heritage Resort (6th)<br />
8th 4655 pts Headfort - New Course (8th)<br />
9th 4190 pts Lough Erne (13th)<br />
10th 3635 pts Carlow (10th)<br />
11th 3275 pts Palmerstown Stud (7th)<br />
12th 3270 pts Fota Island Resort (12th)<br />
13th 3080 pts Carton House - Montgomerie (9th)<br />
14th 2695 pts Cork - Little Island (14th)<br />
15th 2480 pts Malone (15th)<br />
16th 2365 pts Slieve Russell (16th)<br />
17th 2135 pts Concra Wood (23rd)<br />
18th 1825 pts Hermitage (19th)<br />
19th 1770 pts Belvoir Park (21st)<br />
20th 1650 pts Carton House - O’Meara (18th)<br />
21st 1545 pts Bunclody (27th)<br />
22nd 1325 pts Westport (20th)<br />
23rd 1190 pts K Club (Smurfit Course) (17th)<br />
24th 920 pts Tramore (31st)<br />
25th 890 pts Grange (30th)<br />
Headfort - New Course<br />
BACKSPIN | 11
<strong>Golf</strong>ers discovering the<br />
benefits of yoga<br />
<strong>Golf</strong>ers of all standards seeking to gain<br />
a vital edge in terms of performance<br />
will be interested to learn about a<br />
service being provided by Louise Scannell.<br />
Louise is the dynamic lady behind<br />
<strong>Golf</strong>yoga Ireland. This fascinating<br />
approach to golf conditioning is a hybrid of<br />
Western biomechanical research and<br />
Eastern mind/body conditioning.<br />
She has been the<br />
<strong>Golf</strong>yoga coach to the<br />
Irish Amateur golfing<br />
squads at the GUI in<br />
Carton House for a<br />
number of years.<br />
Louise explains<br />
that the <strong>Golf</strong>yoga<br />
programme is about<br />
enabling participants<br />
to improve flexibility<br />
& strength, enhance<br />
breathing awareness, quieten the mind,<br />
improve overall fitness and increase their<br />
sense of balance.<br />
For more information contact Louise<br />
Scannell on 086-3625191 or visit her<br />
website...www.<strong>Golf</strong>yogaireland.com<br />
Exciting year ahead at Killarney <strong>Golf</strong> & Fishing Club<br />
At this year’s Captains drive-in at Killarney <strong>Golf</strong> & Fishing Club were Clare English (Junior Captain),<br />
Sean Coyne (President), Christine Carroll (Lady Captain), James Ormonde (Captain) and Padraig<br />
Collins (Junior Captain).<br />
Pic by Michelle Cooper Galvin<br />
New<br />
academy<br />
at the<br />
Slieve<br />
Russell<br />
resort in<br />
Cavan<br />
Anew aspect at the Slieve<br />
Russell resort in Co. Cavan<br />
is a fully equipped golf<br />
academy, featuring the latest golf<br />
tuition technology and excellent<br />
game improvement facilities.<br />
The new facility, run by<br />
resident PGA professional Gordon<br />
Smyth, incorporates a five-bay<br />
floodlit range, short game area<br />
and a large practice putting green.<br />
The facility welcomes golfers<br />
of all levels from beginners<br />
through to accomplished players.<br />
Kells born Gordon has gained<br />
a big reputation as a coach since<br />
joining Slieve Russell in 2007.<br />
Amongst his pupils is rising star<br />
Rory McNamara, who scored an<br />
impressive victory last year in<br />
the North of Ireland Amateur<br />
Championship.<br />
HOUSE & GOLF LINKS<br />
GOLF TRAVEL<br />
INTERNATIONAL<br />
We invite<br />
enquiries from<br />
golf groups of all<br />
sizes for 2013.<br />
Dynamic<br />
NEW<br />
travel agency<br />
for golfers<br />
Visitors and Societies Welcome<br />
For Tee Times, Rates and Reservations<br />
Tel: 066-9474102 Fax: 066-9474482<br />
WATERVILLE, COUNTY KERRY<br />
Email: wvgolf@iol.ie<br />
www.watervillegolflinks.ie<br />
Avail of our wonderful choice of<br />
destinations, our expertise and<br />
competitive pricing.<br />
GOLF TRAVEL INTERNATIONAL,<br />
Park House, Donabate, Co. Dublin.<br />
Tel: 01-895 8154. Fax: 01-843 4736<br />
Email: Neal@gti-ireland.com<br />
www.golftravelinternational.com<br />
12 | BACKSPIN
Heavenly Headfort<br />
Quality, variety and<br />
excellent value, combined<br />
with a wonderful location<br />
and the warmest of welcomes,<br />
is a package that event<br />
organisers will always find<br />
irresistible and these qualities<br />
are available in abundance at<br />
Headfort <strong>Golf</strong> Club in the heart<br />
of County Meath.<br />
Blessed with one of the<br />
most delightful settings in Irish<br />
golf and situated just outside<br />
the historic town of Kells, this<br />
magnificent 36-hole facility is<br />
an inspired choice of venue for<br />
golf days, society and corporate<br />
outings and special family<br />
occasions.<br />
Location is a big attraction.<br />
The golf club is within an hour<br />
of Dublin on the main M3 and it<br />
is conveniently situated for<br />
golfers based in Counties<br />
Meath, Cavan, Louth and<br />
Kildare.<br />
Headfort <strong>Golf</strong> Club provides<br />
the complete package.<br />
<strong>Golf</strong> has been played at<br />
Headfort since 1928 and the<br />
sense of old and new blends<br />
beautifully.<br />
The Old course is a joy to<br />
play in a lovely mature setting.<br />
The New course, opened in<br />
2000, is a spectacular<br />
challenge with Headfort House<br />
(built in 1780), the River<br />
Blackwater and splendid<br />
scenery creating a thrilling<br />
canvas and backdrop.<br />
Significantly, the New<br />
Old Course<br />
Course, designed by Ryder Cup<br />
legend Christy O’Connor Jnr,<br />
has featured amongst the elite<br />
top-8 parkland courses in<br />
Ireland in the three biennial<br />
ranking polls conducted to date<br />
by BACKSPIN.<br />
The combination of two<br />
wonderful courses, sensibly<br />
priced green fees, an inviting<br />
atmosphere and excellent<br />
clubhouse facilities attracts a<br />
large volume of groups and<br />
societies.<br />
Headfort <strong>Golf</strong> Club hosts a<br />
busy programme of open<br />
events and it is an excellent<br />
option for groups planning an<br />
overnight visit or golfing break<br />
with lots of accommodation<br />
options closeby.<br />
The popular family run<br />
Headfort Arms Hotel, just two<br />
minutes from Headfort <strong>Golf</strong><br />
Club, offers very attractive play<br />
and stay packages.<br />
The charming and friendly<br />
hotel can arrange tee-times,<br />
luxury B&B accommodation,<br />
and dinner if required, at very<br />
reasonable rates.<br />
The Headfort Arms is an<br />
institution in Kells. It offers 45<br />
luxurious bedrooms, excellent<br />
dining facilities and relaxing<br />
spa rooms. It is a perfect base<br />
for golfers visiting Headfort and<br />
other Co. Meath attractions.<br />
Check out the following<br />
websites for latest offers<br />
www.headfortgolfclub.ie and<br />
www.headfortarms.ie<br />
L<br />
GOLF<br />
G<br />
EA<br />
HEADF ORTOR<br />
H<br />
D<br />
RT<br />
CLUB<br />
L<br />
Winter Green Fees<br />
Old: Sun-Fri €25 Sat €30<br />
New: Sun-Fri €30 Sat €35<br />
HEADFORT<br />
GOLF CLUB <strong>Golf</strong> only bookings:<br />
+353 (0) 46 9282001<br />
www.headfortgolfclub.ie<br />
The Dream Team<br />
Relax with us after a satisfying round<br />
of golf at the stunning Headfort 36 Hole Complex.<br />
Park your Clubs in our new secure e<br />
car park. Have a <strong>Golf</strong>er’s Tonic massage at our spa<br />
and<br />
savour the delights<br />
of our award winning restaurant and then retire to<br />
the comfort of our<br />
45 luxury bedrooms. The Headfort has it all.<br />
Midweek Rates from;<br />
€99pps<br />
One Round of <strong>Golf</strong> at Headfort,<br />
One night B&B with Dinner.<br />
Weekend Rates from;<br />
€169pps<br />
Two Rounds of <strong>Golf</strong> at Headfort,<br />
One night B&B with Dinner.<br />
Headfort Arms Hotel, Kells, Co. Meath<br />
Packages ages Enq: + 353 (0)46 924 0063<br />
Email: info@headfortarms.ie<br />
ortarms.ie<br />
Visit our Website: www.headfortarms.ie<br />
Only 90 minutes from Belfast & 45 mins from Dublin<br />
BACKSPIN | 13
Above: The Pure <strong>Golf</strong> Leopardstown<br />
team of PGA professionals, from left,<br />
Michael McDermott, John Langan,<br />
Michael Allan and Michael Kavanagh.<br />
Right: The state-of-the-art two-tier<br />
driving range at the Leopardstown<br />
<strong>Golf</strong> Centre, which features fully<br />
automated Power Tee ball<br />
dispensing technology and striking<br />
new bay dividers bearing the crest of<br />
iconic equipment and clothing brand<br />
PING.<br />
Photos by PAT CASHMAN<br />
www.cashmanphotography.ie<br />
All of the world’s top golfers have<br />
one thing in common...they devote<br />
a considerable amount of time to<br />
improving their skills.<br />
Practice will not turn everyone into a<br />
world beater but if you have designs on<br />
becoming a better golfer in 2013 now is<br />
the time to act by adopting the state-ofthe-art<br />
Leopardstown <strong>Golf</strong> Centre as<br />
part of your golfing life.<br />
It is a unique facility where young<br />
golfing talent is nurtured and enthusiasts<br />
of all ages and skill levels share a great<br />
passion for golf.<br />
Ireland’s Home of <strong>Golf</strong> offers a<br />
complete suite of game improvement<br />
facilities and services staffed by the<br />
Pure <strong>Golf</strong> Leopardstown team of<br />
professionals.<br />
Game improvement on any level<br />
involves a commitment, even if it’s only<br />
an hour or two each week, and for those<br />
who make that commitment during the<br />
winter months there is the exciting<br />
prospect of hitting the ground running<br />
when club competitions resume in the<br />
Springtime.<br />
There’s certainly no excuse for golfers<br />
living in the metropolitan area as the<br />
Leopardstown <strong>Golf</strong> Centre is very<br />
conveniently situated just off Exit 14<br />
southbound on the M50. The centre is<br />
within 20-minutes drive of the Red Cow<br />
roundabout and equidistant from points<br />
as far south as Delgany and Greystones.<br />
The Leopardstown <strong>Golf</strong> Centre is a<br />
hive of activity each day with golfers of all<br />
ages, aspirations and skill levels<br />
developing their skills, while it is also<br />
‘home’ to 26 ladies golf societies, each of<br />
which has a weekly slot on the lovely<br />
18-hole golf course.<br />
The whole emphasis is on providing<br />
the total golf experience in a friendly<br />
family environment with a strong<br />
emphasis on offering outstanding value<br />
for money.<br />
Whether you wish to simply sharpen<br />
your skills on the range or embrace all<br />
aspects of game improvement, the most<br />
advanced technology, systems and<br />
expertise are available under one roof.<br />
New Look Driving Range...<br />
You can practice from early morning<br />
to late evening in the fully automated 74-<br />
bay floodlit driving range, which now<br />
sports a great new look following the<br />
installation of attractive royal blue bay<br />
dividers bearing the logo of iconic golf<br />
brand PING. They afford greater privacy<br />
as you work on your game.<br />
A large basket of balls costs just €6<br />
between 8am-4pm (Mon to Fri), and for<br />
convenience range regulars tend to avail<br />
of a top-up facility on their Loyalty Card.<br />
Fuel your passion at Ireland’s<br />
14 | BACKSPIN
Short Game Facility...<br />
You can also avail of the centre’s allweather,<br />
floodlit tour-spec short game<br />
area, with a charge of just €5 per hour<br />
or annual membership for just €100.<br />
Putting Studio...<br />
You can introduce a real cutting edge<br />
to your short game and make some<br />
intriguing discoveries by booking a<br />
course of lessons with the Pure <strong>Golf</strong> PGA<br />
team in the centre’s dedicated Putting<br />
Studio, where every aspect of your<br />
putting stroke can be analysed.<br />
PGA Services at the <strong>Golf</strong> Centre...<br />
The Pure <strong>Golf</strong> Leopardstown team of<br />
PGA professionals is on hand to provide<br />
expert tuition and a full range of support<br />
services including custom fitting.<br />
The mix of skills amongst the four<br />
resident professionals - Michael Allan,<br />
Michael Kavanagh, John Langan and<br />
Michael McDermott - creates a fantastic<br />
game improvement environment.<br />
The upper tier of the driving range<br />
has private bays for group and individual<br />
tuition, along with a dedicated custom<br />
fitting facility which provides a<br />
fascinating insight to the benefits of<br />
getting your equipment customised.<br />
Michael Kavanagh explains, “With the<br />
revolutionary Max-Out technology at our<br />
disposal we can evaluate swings in fine<br />
detail and this enables us to determine<br />
the club and ball characteristics most<br />
suited to each individual.”<br />
Visit www.puregolfireland.com to<br />
learn more about the PGA services<br />
available at the centre.<br />
A great introduction<br />
for junior golfers<br />
Over the years thousands of golfers<br />
have taken their first steps in the<br />
game at the Leopardstown <strong>Golf</strong><br />
Centre.<br />
The centre provides coaching to over<br />
1,000 juniors each year and these<br />
enthusiasts enjoy the thrill of forming<br />
lasting friendships while developing an<br />
interest in the game.<br />
Many will develop a lifelong passion<br />
for golf, some could even emulate their<br />
idols and become future champions.<br />
The emphasis at Junior Camps and<br />
coaching sessions organised by the<br />
resident PGA professionals is on<br />
providing kids with an enjoyable and<br />
enlightening introduction to the game.<br />
The availability of golf’s latest craze<br />
- SNAG - adds to the fun for youngsters<br />
as it’s an easy and quick way for them to<br />
grasp the fundamentals of golf without<br />
being burdened with too much technical<br />
detail at the outset.<br />
SNAG is a modified form of golf. It<br />
has its own simple rules and<br />
terminology, which enhances its appeal<br />
to kids.<br />
SNAG will be incorporated into the<br />
regular junior golf academies run by the<br />
Pure <strong>Golf</strong> Leopardstown PGA team.<br />
Resident professional Michael Allan<br />
explains, “This excellent new concept<br />
helps kids make more athletic<br />
movements that benefit their swings.<br />
This is achieved through various<br />
exercises and games which develop<br />
athletic movement patterns.”<br />
For details regarding 2013 Junior<br />
Camps and Coaching Programmes<br />
contact the Pro Shop on 01-2897452.<br />
SNAG is an easy and fun way to introduce kids to golf.<br />
SPECIAL OFFER<br />
Large basket of balls<br />
€6.00<br />
8am-4pm Mon-Fri<br />
incl Bank Holiday<br />
Mondays!<br />
Great Value!<br />
Green Fee Rates (18 holes)<br />
Adults .............................................€15<br />
Students & Seniors..........................€12<br />
Juniors (aged 10-16 yrs) ..................€10<br />
Twilight Rate (after 7pm) ................€10<br />
Driving Range<br />
Large Basket of balls .........................€6<br />
(8am-4pm Mon-Fri, incl Bank Holiday Mondays)<br />
Loyalty Card (top-up as you wish)<br />
All-Weather Practice Facility<br />
Short game practice (per hour) ..........€5<br />
Annual Membership Card.............€100<br />
GOLF CENTRE OPENING HOURS:<br />
Monday to Friday<br />
8am-10pm<br />
Weekends & Bank Holiday (Mon)<br />
8am - 7pm<br />
SNAG - now at the <strong>Golf</strong> Centre -<br />
is an easy way for kids to learn<br />
the fundamentals of the golf<br />
swing in a fun environment<br />
BACKSPIN | 15
NEW LAUNCH<br />
Top marks for new<br />
G25<br />
Adjustable<br />
Driver<br />
PING TAKE GAME IMPROVEMENT TO A NEW LEVEL<br />
One of the great success stories in PING’s long and celebrated history of clubmaking<br />
has been the evolution of the innovative G-Series which was originally unveiled in<br />
2003 with the G2 line.<br />
A decade on, following the hugely successful launches of the G5, G10, G15 and G20<br />
lines, PING’s engineers have introduced further refinements and taken performance<br />
and playability to a new level with the recent launch of the G25 range which ticks all the<br />
boxes for game improvers at every level.<br />
The G25 range, featuring an adjustable driver, fairway clubs, hybrids and irons, will<br />
be available to Irish golfers from February.<br />
Meet the G25 family...<br />
G25 Adjustable Driver<br />
G25<br />
Fairway<br />
Wood<br />
The G25 Adjustable Driver features PING’s<br />
largest-profile, most forgiving head design. Ultrathin-crown<br />
technology in the deeper profile, 460cc<br />
Ti 8-1-1 head distributes weight to the perimeter,<br />
positions the CG lower and farther back than any<br />
PING driver to date.<br />
<strong>Golf</strong>ers can optimise launch conditions for<br />
maximum distance through a lightweight,<br />
aerodynamic adjustable-hosel design using<br />
Trajectory Tuning Technology.<br />
With a PING wrench, golfers can add or<br />
subtract one-half degree of loft to the 8.5°, 9.5°,<br />
10.5° and 12° heads.<br />
The G25 is powered by the innovative TFC 189D,<br />
a lightweight, high-balance-point shaft developed<br />
specifically for the G25 driver. This shaft creates<br />
increased clubhead momentum at impact, which<br />
leads to greater ball velocity and forgiveness.<br />
A striking charcoal non-glare finish helps with<br />
alignment, eliminates reflections, and promotes<br />
confidence.<br />
Significantly, PING pros Bubba Watson and<br />
Hunter Mahan have switched to the new<br />
adjustable G25 driver.<br />
16 | BACKSPIN<br />
G25<br />
Hybrid<br />
An extreme variable-thickness face creates an<br />
efficient energy transfer, producing faster ball<br />
speeds for greater distance. The face is the<br />
thinnest of any PING fairway wood. The lowprofile,<br />
forgiving design features mass low in the<br />
17-4 stainless steel clubhead, positioning the CG<br />
low and back for higher launch and increased<br />
forgiveness, especially on shots hit low on the face,<br />
the most common “miss-hit”. It features a large<br />
Hybrids have brought a whole new dimension to<br />
the game and offer golfers options and solutions<br />
when faced with certain shots.<br />
Features of the G25 Hybrids include a large<br />
hitting surface and thin face perimeter which<br />
provide forgiveness and high ball speeds. A<br />
squared-up toe and heel improves consistency and<br />
G25 Fairway Woods<br />
G25 Hybrids<br />
head design with a traditional shape that aligns<br />
easily with the target. As with the G25 driver, the<br />
Fairway Woods also feature a distinctive charcoal<br />
non-glare finish.<br />
G25 Fairway woods are fitted with a TFC 189F<br />
graphite shaft (various flexes) and are available in<br />
the following options: 3 (15º), 4 (16.5º), 5 (18º), and<br />
7-woods (21º).<br />
makes alignment easy.<br />
The dark, non-glare finish eliminates<br />
distractions.<br />
Hybrids are available in the following lofts: 17º,<br />
20º, 23º, 27º, 31º<br />
They are fitted with a Proprietary graphite TFC<br />
189H shaft.
“The entire<br />
G25 series<br />
represents our<br />
continued<br />
commitment to<br />
engineering<br />
products that<br />
lead to lower<br />
scores and more<br />
enjoyment.”<br />
– John A. Solheim<br />
PING Chairman & CEO<br />
G25 Irons<br />
A sleek design featuring thinner top lines and<br />
moderate offset offers a look that will appeal to a<br />
wide variety of golfers looking for a high-launching,<br />
extremely forgiving game-improvement model.<br />
The attractive new dark, non-glare matte finish<br />
eliminates reflections and helps the golfer focus.<br />
The Custom Tuning Port (CTP) is integrated into<br />
the sole to lower the mass and position the CG for<br />
high-launching, forgiving results.<br />
Support bars in the cavity stabilise the 17-4<br />
stainless steel face to ensure a solid feel and<br />
exceptional distance control throughout the set.<br />
A multi-material cavity badge further enhances<br />
sound and feel. The progressive sole widths provide<br />
higher-launching, more-forgiving long irons, and<br />
short irons with added playability and control.<br />
The complete set of G25 irons includes 3-9, PW,<br />
UW, SW, LW.<br />
There are steel and graphite shaft options.<br />
G25 Iron<br />
BACKSPIN’S VERDICT<br />
The new G25s are<br />
outstanding in terms<br />
of look, feel and<br />
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€385<br />
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€103 per club<br />
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BACKSPIN | 17
ROLL CALL OF NATIONAL CHAMPIONS 1892-2012<br />
IRISH OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP<br />
Year Winner Venue<br />
1927 G. Duncan Portmarnock<br />
1928 E.R. Whitcombe Royal Co. Down<br />
1929 A. Mitchell Portmarnock<br />
1930 C. Whitcombe Royal Portrush<br />
1931 E. Kenyon Royal Dublin<br />
1932 A. Padgham Cork<br />
1933 E.W. Kenyon Malone<br />
1934 S. Easterbrook Portmarnock<br />
1935 E. Whitcombe Royal Co. Down<br />
1936 R. Whitcombe Royal Dublin<br />
1937 B. Gadd Royal Portrush<br />
1938 A. Locke Portmarnock<br />
1939 A. Lees Royal Co. Down<br />
1940-45 No Championship<br />
1946 F. Daly Portmarnock<br />
1947 H. Bradshaw Royal Portrush<br />
1948 D. Rees Portmarnock<br />
1949 H. Bradshaw Belvoir Park<br />
1950 H.O. Pickworth Royal Dublin<br />
1951-52 No Championship<br />
1953 E.C. Brown Belvoir Park<br />
1954-62 No Championship<br />
1963 Restyled as Carrolls International<br />
1963 B.J. Hunt Woodbrook<br />
1964 C. O’Connor Snr Woodbrook<br />
1965 N.C. Coles Cork<br />
1966 C. O’Connor Snr Royal Dublin<br />
1967 C. O’Connor Snr Woodbrook<br />
1968 J. Martin Woodbrook<br />
1969 R.D. Shade Woodbrook<br />
1970 B. Huggett Woodbrook<br />
1971 N.C. Coles Woodbrook<br />
1972 C. O’Connor Snr Woodbrook<br />
1973 P. McGuirk Woodbrook<br />
1974 B. Gallacher Woodbrook<br />
1975 Revived as The Irish Open<br />
1975 C. O’Connor Jnr Woodbrook<br />
1976 B. Crenshaw Portmarnock<br />
1977 H. Green Portmarnock<br />
1978 K. Brown Portmarnock<br />
1979 M. James Portmarnock<br />
1980 M. James Portmarnock<br />
1981 S. Torrance Portmarnock<br />
1982 J. O’Leary Portmarnock<br />
1983 S. Ballesteros Royal Dublin<br />
1984 B. Langer Royal Dublin<br />
1985 S. Ballesteros Royal Dublin<br />
1986 S. Ballesteros Portmarnock<br />
1987 B. Langer Portmarnock<br />
1988 I. Woosnam Portmarnock<br />
1989 I. Woosnam Portmarnock<br />
1990 J.M. Olazabal Portmarnock<br />
1991 N. Faldo Killarney<br />
1992 N. Faldo Killarney<br />
1993 N. Faldo Mount Juliet<br />
1994 B. Langer Mount Juliet<br />
1995 S. Torrance Mount Juliet<br />
1996 C. Montgomerie Druids Glen<br />
1997 C. Montgomerie Druids Glen<br />
1998 D. Carter Druids Glen<br />
1999 S. Garcia Druids Glen<br />
2000 P. Sjoland Ballybunion<br />
2001 C. Montgomerie Fota Island<br />
2002 S. Hansen Fota Island<br />
2003 M. Campbell Portmarnock<br />
2004 B. Rumford Co. Louth<br />
2005 S. Dodd Carton House<br />
18 | BACKSPIN<br />
Year Winner Venue<br />
2006 T. Bjorn Carton House<br />
2007 P. Harrington Adare Manor<br />
2008 R. Finch Adare Manor<br />
2009 S. Lowry Co. Louth<br />
2010 R. Fisher Killarney<br />
2011 S. Dyson Killarney<br />
2012 J. Donaldson Royal Portrush<br />
IRISH SENIORS OPEN<br />
Year Winner Venue<br />
1985 C. O’Connor Snr Co. Louth<br />
1986 E. Jones Waterville<br />
1987 J. Kinsella Waterville<br />
1988 L. Higgins Waterville<br />
1989-96 No Championship<br />
1997 T. Horton St. Margaret’s<br />
1998 J. McDermott Woodbrook<br />
1999 J. Morgan Mount Juliet<br />
2000 B. Fleisher Tulfarris<br />
2001 S. Ebihara Powerscourt<br />
2002 S. Ebihara Adare Manor<br />
2003 N. Ratcliffe Adare Manor<br />
2004 C. Mason Adare Manor<br />
2005 N. Ratcliffe The Heritage<br />
2006 S. Torrance Fota Island<br />
2007 C. Rocca PGA National<br />
2008 J. Quiros Ballyliffin<br />
2009 I. Woosnam Ballybunion<br />
2010 M. Farry Carton House<br />
2011 Championship Discontinued<br />
IRISH PGA CHAMPIONSHIP<br />
Year Winner Venue<br />
1907 J. Edmundson Royal Portrush<br />
1908 J. Edmundson Portmarnock<br />
1909 M. Moran Newcastle<br />
1910 M. Moran Royal Dublin<br />
1911 M. Moran Royal Portrush<br />
1912 M. Moran Castlerock<br />
1913 M. Moran Portmarnock<br />
1914 C. Hope Newcastle<br />
1915-18 No Championship<br />
1919 P. O’Hare Portmarnock<br />
1920 J. O’Hare Castlerock<br />
1921 J. Cromwell Portmarnock<br />
1922 J. Martin Royal Portrush<br />
1923 M. O’Neill Milltown<br />
1924 M. O’Neill Malone<br />
1925 M. O’Neill Portmarnock<br />
1926 S. Fairweather Malone<br />
1927 P. O’Hare Royal Dublin<br />
1928 L. Wallace Co. Sligo<br />
1929 H. McNeill Newcastle<br />
1930 J. McCartney Castle<br />
1931 J. McCartney Portstewart<br />
1932 H. McNeill Royal Dublin<br />
1933 J. Adams Castlerock<br />
1934 W. Nolan Dun Laoghaire<br />
1935 S. Fairweather Belvoir Park<br />
1936 J. McCartney Galway<br />
1937 P.J. Mahon Portmarnock<br />
1938 P.J. Mahon Royal Portrush<br />
1939 P.J. Mahon Bundoran<br />
1940 F. Daly Cork<br />
1941 H. Bradshaw Co. Sligo<br />
Year Winner Venue<br />
1942 H. Bradshaw Hermitage<br />
1943 H. Bradshaw Dun Laoghaire<br />
1944 H. Bradshaw Hermitage<br />
1945 J. McKenna Newlands<br />
1946 F. Daly Clandeboye<br />
1947 H. Bradshaw Co. Louth<br />
1948 J. McKenna Galway<br />
1949 C. Kane Royal Portrush<br />
1950 H. Bradshaw Grange<br />
1951 H. Bradshaw Balmoral<br />
1952 F. Daly Mullingar<br />
1953 H. Bradshaw Dundalk<br />
1954 H. Bradshaw Newcastle<br />
1955 E. Jones Castletroy<br />
1956 C. Greene Clandeboye<br />
1957 H. Bradshaw Ballybunion<br />
1958 C. O’Connor Snr Royal Belfast<br />
1959 N. Drew Mullingar<br />
1960 C. O’Connor Snr Warrenpoint<br />
1961 C. O’Connor Snr Lahinch<br />
1962 C. O’Connor Snr Bangor<br />
1963 C. O’Connor Snr Cork<br />
1964 E. Jones Knock<br />
1965 C. O’Connor Snr Mullingar<br />
1966 C. O’Connor Snr Warrenpoint<br />
1967 H. Boyle Tullamore<br />
1968 C. Greene Knock<br />
1969 J. Martin Dundalk<br />
1970 H. Jackson Massereene<br />
1971 C. O’Connor Snr Galway<br />
1972 J. Kinsella Bundoran<br />
1973 J. Kinsella Limerick<br />
1974 E. Polland Portstewart<br />
1975 C. O’Connor Snr Carlow<br />
1976 P. McGuirk Waterville<br />
1977 P. Skerritt Woodbrook<br />
1978 C. O’Connor Snr Royal Dublin<br />
1979 D. Smyth Royal Dublin<br />
1980 D. Feherty Royal Dublin<br />
1981 D. Jones Woodbrook<br />
1982 D. Feherty Woodbrook<br />
1983 L. Higgins Woodbrook<br />
1984 M. Sludds Skerries<br />
1985 D. Smyth Co. Louth<br />
1986 D. Smyth Waterville<br />
1987 P. Walton Co. Louth<br />
1988 E. Darcy Castle<br />
1989 P. Walton Castle<br />
1990 D. Smyth Woodbrook<br />
1991 P. Walton Woodbrook<br />
1992 E. Darcy The K Club<br />
1993 M. Sludds The K Club<br />
1994 D. Clarke Galway Bay<br />
1995 P. Walton Belvoir Park<br />
1996 D. Smyth Slieve Russell<br />
1997 P. McGinley Fota Island<br />
1998 P. Harrington Powerscourt<br />
1999 N. Manchip The Island<br />
2000 P. McGinley Co. Louth<br />
2001 D. Smyth Castlerock<br />
2002 P. McGinley Westport<br />
2003 P. McGinley Adare Manor<br />
2004 P. Harrington St. Margaret’s<br />
2005 P. Harrington PGA National<br />
2006 D. Mortimer Druids Heath<br />
2007 P. Harrington European Club<br />
2008 P. Harrington European Club<br />
2009 P. Harrington European Club<br />
2010 D. Mortimer Seapoint<br />
2011 S. Thornton Seapoint<br />
2012 D. Higgins Mount Juliet
IRISH AMATEUR CLOSE C’SHIP<br />
Year Winner Venue<br />
1893 T. Dickson Royal Portrush<br />
1894 R. Magill Royal Co. Down<br />
1895 W.H. Webb Royal Dublin<br />
1896 J.S. Moore Royal Portrush<br />
1897 H.E. Reade Royal Co. Down<br />
1898 W.H. Webb Royal Dublin<br />
1899 H.E. Reade Royal Portrush<br />
1900 R.G.N. Henry Portmarnock<br />
1901 W.H. Boyd Royal Co. Down<br />
1902 F.B. Newett Royal Dublin<br />
1903 H.E. Reade Royal Portrush<br />
1904 H.A. Boyd Portmarnock<br />
1905 F.B. Newett Royal Co. Down<br />
1906 H.A. Boyd Royal Dublin<br />
1907 H.M. Cairnes Royal Portrush<br />
1908 L.O. Munn Portmarnock<br />
1909 A.H. Patterson Royal Co. Down<br />
1910 JF. Jameson Royal Dublin<br />
1911 L.O. Munn Royal Portrush<br />
1912 A.H. Craig Castlerock<br />
1913 L.O. Munn Portmarnock<br />
1914 L.O. Munn Hermitage<br />
1915-18 No Championship<br />
1919 E.F. Carter Portmarnock<br />
1920 C.O. Hezlet Castlerock<br />
1921 E.F. Carter Portmarnock<br />
1922 E.M. Munn Royal Portrush<br />
1923 J.D. MacCormack Milltown<br />
1924 J.D. MacCormack Royal Co. Down<br />
1925 C.W. Robertson Portmarnock<br />
1926 A.C. Allison Royal Portrush<br />
1927 J.D. MacCormack Cork<br />
1928 D.E.B. Soulby Castlerock<br />
1929 D.E.B. Soulby Royal Dublin<br />
1930 J. Burke Lahinch<br />
1931 J. Burke Co. Sligo<br />
1932 J. Burke Royal Portrush<br />
1933 J. Burke Cork<br />
1934 J.C. Brown Rosslare<br />
1935 R.M. McConnell Galway<br />
1936 J. Burke Castlerock<br />
1937 J. Bruen Jnr Ballybunion<br />
1938 J. Bruen Jnr Castle<br />
1939 G.H. Owens Co. Sligo<br />
1940 J. Burke Royal Dublin<br />
1941-45 No Championship<br />
1946 J. Burke Royal Dublin<br />
1947 J. Burke Lahinch<br />
1948 C. Ewing Royal Portrush<br />
1949 J.P. Carroll Galway<br />
1950 B. Herlihy Co. Louth<br />
1951 M. Power Cork<br />
1952 T.W. Egan Royal Belfast<br />
1953 J. Malone Co. Sligo<br />
1954 J.B. Carr Carlow<br />
1955 J.R. Mahon Lahinch<br />
1956 A.G.H. Love Malone<br />
1957 J.B. Carr Galway<br />
1958 C. Ewing Ballybunion<br />
1959 T. Craddock Portmarnock<br />
1960 M. Edwards Portstewart<br />
1961 D.B. Sheahan Co. Sligo<br />
1962 M. Edwards Co. Louth<br />
1963 J.B. Carr Killarney<br />
1964 J.B. Carr Royal Co. Down<br />
1965 J.B. Carr Co. Sligo<br />
1966 D.B. Sheahan Royal Dublin<br />
1967 J.B. Carr Lahinch<br />
1968 M.D. O’Brien Royal Portrush<br />
1969 V. Nevin Co. Sligo<br />
Year Winner Venue<br />
1970 D.B. Sheahan Grange<br />
1971 R.M. Kane Ballybunion<br />
1972 K. Stevenson Royal Co. Down<br />
1973 R.K.M. Pollin Co. Sligo<br />
1974 R.M. Kane Portmarnock<br />
1975 M.D. O’Brien Cork<br />
1976 D. Branigan Royal Portrush<br />
1977 M.A. Gannon Westport<br />
1978 M.F. Morris Carlow<br />
1979 J. Harrington Ballybunion<br />
1980 R. Rafferty Royal Co. Down<br />
1981 D. Branigan Co. Sligo<br />
1982 P. Walton Woodbrook<br />
1983 T. Corridan Killarney<br />
1984 T.B.C. Hoey Malone<br />
1985 D.F. O’Sullivan Westport<br />
1986 J. McHenry Royal Dublin<br />
1987 E. Power Tramore<br />
1988 G. McGimpsey Royal Portrush<br />
1989 P. McGinley Co. Sligo<br />
1990 D. Clarke Co. Louth<br />
1991 G. McNeill Ballybunion<br />
1992 G. Murphy Portstewart<br />
1993 E. Power Enniscrone<br />
1994 D. Higgins Portmarnock<br />
1995 P. Harrington Lahinch<br />
1996 P. Lawrie Royal Co. Down<br />
1997 K. Kearney Westport<br />
1998 E. Power The Island<br />
1999 C. McMonagle Killarney<br />
2000 G. McDowell Royal Portrush<br />
2001 G. McNeill Co. Sligo<br />
2002 J. McGinn Carlow<br />
2003 M. O’Sullivan Tramore<br />
2004 B. McElhinney Donegal<br />
2005 R. McIlroy Westport<br />
2006 R. McIlroy European Club<br />
2007 S. Lowry Cork<br />
2008 P. O’Hanlon Belvoir Park<br />
2009 P. Murray Enniscrone<br />
2010 D. Lernihan Royal Dublin<br />
2011 P. Cutler Shannon<br />
2012 C. Selfridge Royal Portrush<br />
IRISH AMATEUR OPEN C’SHIP<br />
Year Winner Venue<br />
1892 A. Stuart Royal Portrush<br />
1893 J. Ball Jnr Royal Co. Down<br />
1894 J. Ball Jnr Royal Dublin<br />
1895 W.B. Taylor Royal Portrush<br />
1896 W.B. Taylor Royal Co. Down<br />
1897 H.H. Hilton Royal Dublin<br />
1898 W.B. Taylor Royal Portrush<br />
1899 J. Ball Jnr Portmarnock<br />
1900 H.H. Hilton Royal Co. Down<br />
1901 H.H. Hilton Royal Dublin<br />
1902 H.H. Hilton Royal Portrush<br />
1903 G. Wilkie Portmarnock<br />
1904 J.S. Worthington Royal Co. Down<br />
1905 H.A. Boyd Royal Dublin<br />
1906 H.H. Barker Royal Portrush<br />
1907 J.Douglas Brown Portmarnock<br />
1908 J.F. Mitchell Royal Co. Down<br />
1909 L.O. Munn Royal Dublin<br />
1910 L.O. Munn Royal Portrush<br />
1911 L.O. Munn Portmarnock<br />
1912 G. Lockhart Royal Co. Down<br />
1913 C.A. Palmer Royal Dublin<br />
1914-18 No Championship<br />
1919 C. Bretherton Royal Portrush<br />
1920 G.N.C. Martin Portmarnock<br />
1921 D. Wilson Smyth Royal Co. Down<br />
1922 A. Lowe Royal Portrush<br />
Louis Oosthuizen -<br />
2002 Irish Amateur<br />
Open champion<br />
Pic by Pat Cashman<br />
Year Winner Venue<br />
1923 G.N.C. Martin Royal Co. Down<br />
1924 E.F. Spiller Royal Dublin<br />
1925 T.A. Torrance Royal Portrush<br />
1926 C.O. Hezlet Portmarnock<br />
1927 R.M. McConnell Royal Co. Down<br />
1928 G.S. Noon Royal Dublin<br />
1929 C.O. Hezlet Royal Portrush<br />
1930 W. Sutton Portmarnock<br />
1931 E.A. McRuvie Royal Co. Down<br />
1932 J. McLean Royal Dublin<br />
1933 J. McLean Royal Co. Down<br />
1934 H. Thomson Portmarnock<br />
1935 H. Thomson Royal Portrush<br />
1936 J.C. Brown Portmarnock<br />
1937 J. Fitzsimmons Royal Dublin<br />
1938 J. Bruen Jnr Royal Co. Down<br />
1939 Event Cancelled Portmarnock<br />
1940-45 No Championship<br />
1946 J.B. Carr Royal Portrush<br />
1947 J. Burke Royal Dublin<br />
1948 C. Ewing Royal Co. Down<br />
1949 W.M. O’Sullivan Killarney<br />
1950 J.B. Carr Co. Sligo<br />
1951 C. Ewing Portmarnock<br />
1952 N.V. Drew Royal Portrush<br />
1953 N.V. Drew Killarney<br />
1954 J.B. Carr Royal Dublin<br />
1955 J.F. Fitzgibbon Royal Co. Down<br />
1956 J.B. Carr Portmarnock<br />
1957 J.L. Bamford Royal Portrush<br />
1958 T. Craddock Royal Dublin<br />
1959 J. Duncan Royal Co. Down<br />
1960-94 No Championship<br />
1995 Championship Revived<br />
1995 P. Harrington Fota Island<br />
1996 K. Nolan Fota Island<br />
1997 K. Nolan Fota Island<br />
1998 M. Hoey Royal Dublin<br />
1999 G. Cullen Royal Dublin<br />
2000 N. Fox Royal Dublin<br />
2001 R. McEvoy Royal Dublin<br />
2002 L. Oosthuizen Royal Dublin<br />
2003 N. Fox Royal Dublin<br />
2004 C. Smith Carton House<br />
2005 R. Ramsay Carton House<br />
2006 A. Ahokas Portmarnock<br />
2007 L. Saltman Royal Dublin<br />
2008 P. Figuerido Royal Dublin<br />
2009 G. Dear Royal Dublin<br />
2010 A. Dunbar Royal Dublin<br />
2011 R. Pugh Royal Dublin<br />
2012 G. Moynihan Royal Dublin<br />
BACKSPIN | 19
ROLL CALL OF NATIONAL CHAMPIONS CONTD...<br />
IRISH SENIORS OPEN C’SHIP<br />
Year Winner Venue<br />
1970 C. Ewing Lahinch<br />
1971 J. O’Sullivan Rosslare<br />
1972 B.J. Scannell Co. Sligo<br />
1973 J.W. Hulme Warrenpoint<br />
1974 P. Walsh Cork<br />
1975 S.A. O’Connor Woodbrook<br />
1976 B.J. Scannell Athlone<br />
1977 D.B. Somers Warrenpoint<br />
1978 D.P. Herlihy Limerick<br />
1979 P. Kelly Royal Tara<br />
1980 G.N. Fogarty Galway<br />
1981 G.N. Fogarty Bundoran<br />
1982 J. Murray Douglas<br />
1983 F. Sharpe Courtown<br />
1984 J. Boston Connemara<br />
1985 J. Boston Royal Co. Down<br />
1986 J.D. Coey Waterford<br />
1987 J. Murray Castletroy<br />
1988 W.B. Buckley Westport<br />
1989 B. McCrea Royal Belfast<br />
1990 C. Hartland Cork<br />
1991 C. Hartland Mullingar<br />
1992 C. Hartland Athlone<br />
1993 P. Breen Bangor<br />
1994 W.B. Buckley Tramore<br />
1995 T.B.C. Hoey Dundalk<br />
1996 E. Condren Oughterard<br />
1997 B. Wilson Knock<br />
1998 J. Harrington Thurles<br />
1999 A. Lee Tullamore<br />
2000 D. Jackson Westport<br />
There are many reasons why ride on<br />
golf buggies are becoming the<br />
norm at golf clubs across the UK<br />
and Ireland.<br />
It’s common knowledge that we are<br />
in the middle of a deep recession and<br />
one of the first things to be cut in a<br />
recession is expenditure on leisure<br />
activities, consequently revenue is down<br />
for many golf clubs.<br />
<strong>Golf</strong> buggies are a great source of<br />
additional revenue. Ask any club<br />
professional these days and they will<br />
tell you that the first thing enquiring<br />
societies and visitors ask is “do you<br />
have buggies”<br />
It’s also widely accepted that the<br />
golfing fraternity is an ageing<br />
population and many golfers require the<br />
use of a ride on golf buggy to continue<br />
playing. The provision of ride on single<br />
seat buggies can boost revenue for<br />
clubs.<br />
20 | BACKSPIN<br />
Year Winner Venue<br />
2001 D. Jackson Clandeboye<br />
2002 T. Fox Limerick<br />
2003 P. Jones Mullingar<br />
2004 M. Morris Roscommon<br />
2005 J. Baldwin Royal Co. Down<br />
2006 J. Baldwin Limerick<br />
2007 V. Smyth Hermitage<br />
2008 A. Morrow Westport<br />
2009 A. Stracey Bangor<br />
2010 M. Kelly Castletroy<br />
2011 H. Smyth Rosslare<br />
2012 A. Morrow Athenry<br />
There is no getting away from the<br />
fact that we need to embrace golf<br />
buggies as they will undoubtedly be the<br />
norm in the future in every golf club.<br />
IRISH SENIORS CLOSE C’SHIP<br />
Year Winner Venue<br />
2009 M. Kelly Roscommon<br />
2010 M. Kelly Blainroe<br />
2011 G. McGimpsey Thurles<br />
2012 G. McGimpsey Clandeboye<br />
Photo above: Garth McGimpsey, winner of the 2012<br />
Tourism Malaysia sponsored Irish Seniors Amateur<br />
Close title, with Brian McAdam (Captain,<br />
Clandeboye GC) and Fintan Buckley (GUI President).<br />
Photo by Pat Cashman.<br />
RIDE ON GOLF BUGGIES<br />
THE WAY TO GO<br />
says PGA professional Eamonn Darcy<br />
I was very pleased to discover a<br />
revolution in the buggy industry whilst<br />
playing in the Senior Masters at Woburn<br />
<strong>Golf</strong> Club last year.<br />
The Fairway Rider G3 is a breath of<br />
fresh air, sleek, stylish and extremely<br />
comfortable and a pure joy to use. This<br />
is why I had no hesitation in ordering<br />
one, which I now use regularly when I<br />
play at home in Ireland.<br />
What a fantastic piece of engineering<br />
for any golfer who needs the use of a<br />
ride on golf buggy. I would say they are<br />
a must for the individual golfer and a<br />
great asset for any golf club looking to<br />
increase revenue with both lease and<br />
purchase options available at great<br />
value.<br />
Further details regarding the<br />
revolutionary Fairway Rider G3 can<br />
be obtained by visiting the website...<br />
www.fairwayrider.co.uk
IRISH YOUTHS C’SHIP<br />
Year Winner Venue<br />
1969 D. Branigan L’town & B’town<br />
1970 L.A. Owens Tullamore<br />
1971 M.A. Gannon Athlone<br />
1972 M.A. Gannon Mullingar<br />
1973 J. Purcell Tullamore<br />
1974 S. Dunlop Athlone<br />
1975 P. McNally Mullingar<br />
1976 R. McCormack Tullamore<br />
1977 B. McDaid Athlone<br />
1978 T. Corridan Thurles<br />
1979 R. Rafferty Tullamore<br />
1980 J. McHenry Clandeboye<br />
1981 J. McHenry Westport<br />
1982 K. O’Donnell Mullingar<br />
1983 P. Murphy Cork<br />
1984 J. Morris Bangor<br />
1985 J. McHenry Co. Sligo<br />
1986 J. Morris Carlow<br />
1987 C. Everett Killarney<br />
1988 P. McGinley Malone<br />
1989 A.W. Mathers Athlone<br />
1990 D. Errity Dundalk<br />
1991 R. Coughlan Lahinch<br />
1992 K. Nolan Clandeboye<br />
1993 C.D. Hislop Co. Sligo<br />
1994 B. Omelia Tullamore<br />
1995 S. Young Ballybunion<br />
1996 S. Young Royal Portrush<br />
1997 N. Howley Galway<br />
1998 A. Murray Headfort<br />
1999 G. McDowell Cork<br />
2000 G. McDowell Malone<br />
2001 M. Ryan Enniscrone<br />
2002 G. Wright Seapoint<br />
2003 C. Mills Cork<br />
2004 R. McIlroy Clandeboye<br />
2005 S. Power Portumna<br />
2006 G. Shaw Royal Tara<br />
2007 S. Power West Waterford<br />
2008 S. Power Lisburn<br />
2009 K. McDonagh Athlone<br />
2010 P. Dunne Dun Laoghaire<br />
2011 B. Casey Tramore<br />
2012 S. Grehan Loughrea<br />
The Irish Youths Amateur Championship<br />
was an Open Championship prior to 2009<br />
IRISH BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP<br />
Year Winner Venue<br />
1983 J. Carvill Curragh<br />
1984 E. O’Connell Warrenpoint<br />
1985 K. Kearney Athlone<br />
1986 D. Errity Royal Tara<br />
1987 G. McNeill Warrenpoint<br />
1988 D. McGrane Birr<br />
1989 D. Higgins Mullingar<br />
1990 R. Burns Kilkenny<br />
1991 R. Coughlan Thurles<br />
1992 J. O’Sullivan Athlone<br />
1993 H. Armstrong Warrenpoint<br />
1994 P. Byrne Nenagh<br />
1995 L. Dalton Mullingar<br />
1996 M. Campbell Galway<br />
1997 M. Hoey City of Derry<br />
1998 D. Jones Youghal<br />
1999 M. McTernan Kilkenny<br />
2000 D. McNamara Strandhill<br />
2001 M. McHugh Donaghadee<br />
2002 C. McNamara Thurles<br />
Stuart Grehan<br />
(Tullamore)<br />
Pic by Pat Cashman<br />
Year Winner Venue<br />
2003 B. McCarroll Hermitage<br />
2004 R. McIlroy Castlebar<br />
2005 N. Kearney Kilkeel<br />
2006 S. Healy Kinsale<br />
2007 G. McGrane Malahide<br />
2008 P. Dunne Portumna<br />
2009 P. Dunne Bangor<br />
2010 D. McElroy Dungarvan<br />
2011 J. Hood Ardee<br />
2012 G. Lappin Hermitage<br />
Killenard<br />
County Laois<br />
Ireland<br />
Kevin Le Blanc<br />
(The Island)<br />
Pic by Pat Cashman<br />
IRISH BOYS U-15 C’SHIP<br />
Year Winner Venue<br />
2006 I. Keane Balbriggan<br />
2007 G. Collins Westport<br />
2008 D. McElroy Massereene<br />
2009 A. Gleeson Mallow<br />
2010 W. Russell Naas<br />
2011 M. Boucher Galway<br />
2012 K. LeBlanc City of Derry<br />
Phone:<br />
057 8645500<br />
Fax:<br />
057 8642350<br />
It’s all about the<br />
<strong>Golf</strong> and Open Days<br />
2013 OPEN DAYS<br />
Gents Open Singles Every Monday<br />
– SPECIAL €30 ENTRY FEE –<br />
Book online now at<br />
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"This is a true championship<br />
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- Seve Ballesteros<br />
2013 Membership available (no joining fee) for<br />
The Ballesteros Course and Leix Par-3 Course.<br />
Now taking society bookings for 2013 with rates starting from €35pp<br />
For further details contact: Niall Carroll on 057.8642321<br />
or email: ncarroll@theheritage.com<br />
BACKSPIN | 21
ROLL CALL OF NATIONAL CHAMPIONS CONTD...<br />
IRISH WOMEN’S CLOSE C’SHIP<br />
Year Winner Venue<br />
1894 C. Mulligan Carnalea<br />
1895 Ms Cox Royal Portrush<br />
1896 N. Graham Royal Dublin<br />
1897 N. Graham Royal Dublin<br />
1898 J. Magill Malone<br />
1899 M. Hezlet Newcastle<br />
1900 R. Adair Malone<br />
1901 R. Adair Portmarnock<br />
1902 R. Adair Newcastle<br />
1903 R. Adair Royal Portrush<br />
1904 M. Hezlet Portmarnock<br />
1905 M. Hezlet Royal Portrush<br />
1906 M. Hezlet Newcastle<br />
1907 F. Walker Leigh Royal Dublin<br />
1908 M. Hezlet Royal Portrush<br />
1909 M. Ormsby Lahinch<br />
1910 M. Harrison Newcastle<br />
1911 M. Harrison Malahide<br />
1912 M. Harrison Portsalon<br />
1913 J. Jackson Lahinch<br />
1914 J. Jackson Castlerock<br />
1915-18 No Championship<br />
1919 J. Jackson Portmarnock<br />
1920 J. Jackson Royal Portrush<br />
1921 S. French Hermitage<br />
1922 C. Gotto Newcastle<br />
1923 J. Jackson Portmarnock<br />
1924 C.G. Thornton Castlerock<br />
1925 B. Jackson Lahinch<br />
1926 P. Jameson Newcastle<br />
1927 Ms. McLoughlin Royal Dublin<br />
1928 W. Dwyer Cork<br />
1929 M. Hall Rosapenna<br />
1930 J.B. Walker Portmarnock<br />
1931 E.C. Pentony Newcastle<br />
1932 B. Latchford Ballybunion<br />
1933 E.C. Pentony Newcastle<br />
1934 Ms Sherlock-FletcherPortmarnock<br />
1935 D. Ferguson Rosapenna<br />
1936 C. Tiernan Ballybunion<br />
1937 H. Glendinning Royal Portrush<br />
1938 J. Black Portmarnock<br />
1939 C. MacGeagh Bundoran<br />
1940-45 No Championship<br />
1946 P. Garvey Lahinch<br />
1947 P. Garvey Royal Portrush<br />
1948 P. Garvey Rosslare<br />
1949 C. Smye Co. Louth<br />
1950 P. Garvey Co. Sligo<br />
1951 P. Garvey Ballybunion<br />
1952 D. Foster Newcastle<br />
1953 P. Garvey Rosslare<br />
1954 P. Garvey Portmarnock<br />
1955 P. Garvey Co. Sligo<br />
1956 P. O’Sullivan Killarney<br />
1957 P. Garvey Royal Portrush<br />
1958 P. Garvey Carlow<br />
1959 P. Garvey Lahinch<br />
1960 P. Garvey Cork<br />
1961 Kitty McCann Newcastle<br />
(previously won in 1949 as C. Smye)<br />
1962 P. Garvey Co. Louth<br />
1963 P. Garvey Co. Louth<br />
1964 Z. Fallon Royal Portrush<br />
1965 E. Purcell Mullingar<br />
1966 E. Bradshaw Rosslare<br />
1967 G. Brandon Castlerock<br />
1968 E. Bradshaw Lahinch<br />
1969 M. McKenna Ballybunion<br />
1970 P. Garvey Royal Portrush<br />
1971 E. Bradshaw Co. Louth<br />
1972 M. McKenna Killarney<br />
1973 M. Mooney Bundoran<br />
1974 M. McKenna Lahinch<br />
1975 M. Gorry Tramore<br />
1976 C. Nesbitt Co. Sligo<br />
1977 M. McKenna Ballybunion<br />
1978 M. Gorry Grange<br />
1979 M. McKenna Donegal<br />
1980 C. Nesbitt Lahinch<br />
1981 M. McKenna L’town & B’town<br />
1982 M. McKenna Royal Portrush<br />
1983 C. Hourihane Cork<br />
1984 C. Hourihane Co. Sligo<br />
1985 C. Hourihane Waterville<br />
1986 T. O’Reilly Castlerock<br />
1987 C. Hourihane Lahinch<br />
1988 L. Bolton Tramore<br />
1989 M. McKenna Westport<br />
1990 E.R. McDaid The Island<br />
1991 C. Hourihane Ballybunion<br />
1992 E.R. Power Cork<br />
(nee McDaid)<br />
1993 E. Higgins Royal Belfast<br />
1994 L. Webb Co. Sligo<br />
1995 E.R. Power Cork<br />
1996 B. Hackett Tramore<br />
1997 S. Fanagan Enniscrone<br />
1998 L. Behan Clandeboye<br />
1999 C. Coughlan Carlow<br />
2000 A. Coffey Co. Louth<br />
2001 A. Coffey European Club<br />
2002 R. Coakley Cork<br />
2003 M. Gillen Donegal<br />
2004 D. Smith The Island<br />
2005 T. Mangan Portsalon<br />
Mary McKenna<br />
2006 T. Mangan European Club<br />
2007 K. Delaney Lahinch<br />
2008 Leona Maguire Westport<br />
2009 Lisa Maguire Fota Island<br />
2010 M. Dowling Portstewart<br />
2011 D. McVeigh Carlow<br />
2012 Leona Maguire Co. Louth<br />
IRISH WOMEN’S OPEN<br />
STROKEPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP<br />
Year Winner Venue<br />
1994 H. Kavanagh Milltown<br />
1995 N. Quigg Grange<br />
1996 E.R. Power Grange<br />
1997 Y. Cassidy Waterford Castle<br />
1998 S. O’Brien Waterford Castle<br />
1999 H. Kavanagh Waterford Castle<br />
2000 R. Coakley Birr<br />
2001 A. Laing Birr<br />
2002 R. Coakley Dundalk<br />
2003 C. Coughlan Rathsallagh<br />
2004 T. Delaney Cork<br />
2005 T. Delaney Hermitage<br />
2006 M. Gillen Co. Sligo<br />
2007 S. Keating Clandeboye<br />
2008 B. Loucks Elm Park<br />
2009 Lisa Maguire Douglas<br />
2010 H. Burke Newlands<br />
2011 Leona Maguire Elm Park<br />
2012 E. Taylor The Island<br />
IRISH SENIOR WOMEN’S<br />
CLOSE CHAMPIONSHIP<br />
Year Winner Venue<br />
2006 T. O’Reilly Thurles<br />
2007 M. Madden Portumna<br />
2008 S. O’Brien-Kenney Hollystown<br />
2009 M. Henderson Ardee<br />
2010 S. McElroy Tullamore<br />
2011 S. McElroy Adare Manor<br />
2012 H. Jones Bunclody<br />
IRISH SENIOR WOMEN’S OPEN<br />
STROKEPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP<br />
Year Winner Venue<br />
2001 M. McKenna Co. Louth<br />
2002 P. Williamson Co. Louth<br />
2003 P. Williamson Seapoint<br />
2004 A. Murdoch Seapoint<br />
2005 A. Murdoch Woodbrook<br />
2006 V. Thomas Woodbrook<br />
2007 A. Murdoch Ennis<br />
2008 V. Thomas Lisburn<br />
2009 A. Murdoch L’town & B’town<br />
2010 H. Jones L’town & B’town<br />
2011 M. Kaarnalahti Greenore<br />
2012 M. Kaarnalahti Royal Belfast<br />
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22 | BACKSPIN
IRISH GIRLS’ CLOSE C’SHIP<br />
Year Winner Winner’s Club<br />
1961 Margaret Coburn Royal Co. Down<br />
1962 Pearl Boyd Donaghadee<br />
1963 Patricia Atkinson Ballycastle<br />
1964 Christine Scarlett Ballycastle<br />
1965 Vivienne Singleton Donabate<br />
1966 Maeve O’Connell Fortwilliam<br />
1967 Maeve O’Connell Fortwilliam<br />
1968 Carol Wallace Dungannon<br />
1969 Elizebeth A. Gregor Massereene<br />
1970 Elizebeth A. Gregor Massereene<br />
1971 Josephine Mark Milltown<br />
1972 Patricia Smyth Milltown<br />
1973 Mary Governey Carlow<br />
1974 Rhona Hegarty Bandon<br />
1975 Mary Irvine Elm Park<br />
1976 Phil Wickham L’town & B’town<br />
1977 Anne Ferguson Spa<br />
1978 Carol Wickham L’town & B’town<br />
1979 Laura Bolton Cairndhu<br />
1980 Bridget Gleeson Killarney<br />
1981 Bridget Gleeson Killarney<br />
1982 Derval Langan Carlow<br />
1983 Eileen Rose McDaid Skibbereen<br />
1984 Suzanne Sheehan Dundalk<br />
1985 Suzanne Sheehan Dundalk<br />
1986 Deirdre Mahon Roscommon<br />
1987 Vari McGreevy Rossmore<br />
1988 Lynn McCool Strabane<br />
1989 Aideen Rogers The Island<br />
1990 Geraldine Doran Royal Co. Down<br />
Year Winner Winner’s Club<br />
1991 Aideen Rogers The Island<br />
1992 Michelle McGreevy Rossmore<br />
1993 Michelle McGreevy Rossmore<br />
1994 Aisling O’Leary Wexford<br />
1995 Pamela Murphy The Island<br />
1996 Pamela Murphy The Island<br />
1997 Jennifer Gannon Co. Louth<br />
1998 Pamela Murphy The Island<br />
1999 Pamela Murphy The Island<br />
2000 Martina Gillen Beaverstown<br />
2001 Dawn Marie Conaty Ashbourne<br />
2002 Karen Delaney Carlow<br />
2003 Karen Delaney Carlow<br />
2004 Tara Delaney Carlow<br />
2005 Danielle McVeigh Royal Co. Down<br />
2006 Stephanie Meadow Royal Portrush<br />
2007 Kate Gallagher Claremorris<br />
2008 Lisa Maguire Slieve Russell<br />
2009 Emma O’Driscoll Ballybunion<br />
2010 Laura Grant Lisburn<br />
2011 Paula Grant Lisburn<br />
2012 Jessica Carty Holywood<br />
IRISH GIRLS’ U-18 OPEN<br />
STROKEPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP<br />
Year Winner Venue<br />
2011 Perrine Delacour Knightsbrook<br />
2012 Leona Maguire Roganstown<br />
LADIES IRISH OPEN<br />
(Ladies European Tour event)<br />
Year Winner Venue<br />
1983 C. Panton Portstewart<br />
1984 K. Whitworth Clandeboye<br />
1985-94 No Championship<br />
1995 L. Davies St. Margarets<br />
1996 A. Nicholas Citywest<br />
1997 P.M. Lebouc Luttrellstown<br />
1998 S. Gustafson Ballyliffin<br />
1999 S. Mendiburu Letterkenny<br />
2000 S. Gustafson Faithlegg<br />
2001 R. Carriedo Faithlegg<br />
2002 I. Tinning Killarney<br />
2003 S. Gustafson Killarney<br />
Northern Ireland Ladies’ Open<br />
2007 L. Hall Templepatrick<br />
Ladies’ Irish Open revived in 2008<br />
as part of the countdown to the<br />
2011 Solheim Cup match in Ireland<br />
2008 S. Pettersen The Links<br />
Portmarnock<br />
2009 D. Luna The Links<br />
Portmarnock<br />
2010 S. Gustafson Killeen Castle<br />
2011 S. Pettersen Killeen Castle<br />
2012 C. Matthew Killeen Castle<br />
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BACKSPIN | 23
Who’s Who in Irish <strong>Golf</strong><br />
Irish PGA<br />
Club Professionals<br />
ALLAN, Michael (Pure <strong>Golf</strong> Leopardstown)<br />
BALDWIN, Sid (Bellewstown)<br />
BAMFORD, Sue (Roganstown)<br />
BANNON, Michael (Unattached)<br />
BARRETT, Stephen (Tullamore)<br />
BARRY, Cathal (Turvey)<br />
BARTON, David (Portmarnock DR)<br />
BEATTIE, Daniel (Deer Park)<br />
BEIRTH, Kevin (An Grianan AEC)<br />
BELL, Chris (Malone)<br />
BELL, Christopher (Royal Tara)<br />
BELL, Colin (Laganview)<br />
BELL, Douglas (Kelly’s GC)<br />
BLAIR, Ian (Gracehill)<br />
BLEAKLEY, Geoff (Balmoral)<br />
BOLGER, Jimmy (Kilkenny)<br />
BONNER, Fintan (Black Bush)<br />
BOSHELL, Brian (Play Better <strong>Golf</strong> Ire)<br />
BOWLER, Liam (Wexford)<br />
BOYLE, Andrew (Malone)<br />
BRADY, Eamonn (Clontarf)<br />
BRENNAN, Deirdre (Tramore)<br />
BRENNAN, Garrett (Nevada Bobs)<br />
BRETT, Keith (Strandhill)<br />
BRODERICK, Gerard (Kinsale)<br />
BROPHY, Edward (Garrylough DR)<br />
BROWNE, Bobby (L’town & B’town)<br />
BULL, Kevin (Unattached)<br />
BURKE, Gerry (Curragh)<br />
BURKE, Michael (Galway DR)<br />
BURNS, John (Mullingar)<br />
BURNS, Liam (Youghal)<br />
BURNS, Raymond (Lisheen Springs)<br />
BURRELL, Gillian (Stepaside GC)<br />
BYRNE, Darren (Moyvalley)<br />
BYRNE, David (Longford DR)<br />
BYRNE, Graham (Palmerstown Hse)<br />
BYRNE, Henry (Acushnet Ireland)<br />
BYRNE, John (Royal Tara)<br />
BYRNE, Simon (Hermitage)<br />
CALLAN, Mark (Woodbrook)<br />
CALLAN, Noel (Rosapenna)<br />
CAREY, William (Belvoir Park)<br />
CARROLL, Ciaran (Bray)<br />
CARROLL, David (Seapoint)<br />
CARROLL, Michelle (Celbridge DR)<br />
CASSIDY, Maurice (Nuremore)<br />
CHAMBERS, Gary (Killymoon)<br />
CLINTON, Seamus (Letterkenny)<br />
COCKROFT, Robert (Ballyreagh)<br />
CODD, Shane (Rosslare)<br />
COLLINS, Mark (Adare Manor)<br />
COLLINS, Michael (Mallow DR)<br />
COLLINS, Philip (Galgorm Castle)<br />
COLLINS, Ronan (Callaway <strong>Golf</strong> Eur)<br />
CONWAY, Graham (Mallow)<br />
CONWAY, Sean (Mallow)<br />
COONE, John (Courtown)<br />
COSGROVE, Brian (Killeen)<br />
COSTIGAN, David (The Island)<br />
COTTER, Sean (Mount Juliet)<br />
COVENEY, Tony (Tony’s Fine Clothes)<br />
COYLE, Nigel (Clara DR)<br />
CREAMER, Richard (Tuam)<br />
CREHAN, Kieran (Dunloe)<br />
CROOKS, Stephen (Holywood)<br />
CROWLEY, Daniel (Fota Island)<br />
CUDDY, Paul (Pro Eye <strong>Golf</strong>)<br />
CULLY, David (Dunmurry Springs)<br />
CUNNINGHAM, Declan (<strong>Golf</strong> Style)<br />
DALY, Robert (Arklow)<br />
DALY, William (Glenlo Abbey)<br />
DARCY, Louise (GUI National Acad)<br />
DARCY, Martin (Knockanally)<br />
DEEGAN, Shane (Spawell)<br />
DEVENNEY, Shaun (Roe Park)<br />
DEVERY, Conor (Tullamore)<br />
DIGNAM, John (Slade Valley)<br />
DIXON, Michael (The K Club)<br />
DOLAN, John P (Ballybofey & Stran)<br />
DOLAN, John (Dunmurry)<br />
DONAGHER, Ryan (Kilcock)<br />
DONNELLY, Shaun (Castle Hume)<br />
DOOLEY, John (Old Head <strong>Golf</strong> Links)<br />
24 | BACKSPIN<br />
<strong>Golf</strong> Club Club President Club Captains Sec-Mgr/Hon Sec/Admin<br />
Abbeyleix Martin Mahoney Donal O’Callaghan & Liz Meagher Gerry O’Hara<br />
Achill Island Michael English Canice O’Sullivan & Mary Gallagher Hugo Boyle<br />
Adare Tom Kane Bill Hutch & Kate Fleming Eimear Kenny<br />
Adare Manor Sean MacMahon Sebastian Stacpoole & Bernie O’Dea Michael O’Donnell<br />
Ardee David O’Neill John Travers & Bernie Breen Eamonn Gaffney<br />
Ardfert John Fitzgerald James Conway & Kathleen Finnegan Gerard Pierce<br />
Ardglass William Shaw Sean Murnin & Anne McGrath Cormac Cahalane<br />
Arklow Jimmy Tancred Dave Canavan & Catherine Dunne Isabella Fleming<br />
Ashbourne Greg O’Hara Keith Ludlow & Noleen Byrne Ciara Nolan<br />
Athenry Tony Farrell Conrad Byrnes & Noreen Doherty Sarah McDermott<br />
Athlone Maeve Donohoe Ray King & Breda Ryan Ita Dockery<br />
Athy Con Doyle Ivor Hegarty & Gabrielle Craig Kathleen Gray<br />
Aughnacloy Ed Boyd Al McKenna & Pat Collins Sidney Houston<br />
Balbriggan Ian Fraher Paul Cox & Evelyn Clinton Elaine Spillane<br />
Balcarrick Gerry Mulholland Ray Crilly & Dolores Murray Patricia Fennelly<br />
Ballinascorney Dermot Murray Peter Boate & Doreen Martin Gerard Redmond<br />
Ballinastoe Anthony Mulligan Patrick Harvey & Joyce Dempsey Fergal Mulligan<br />
Ballinrobe Noel Galvin Richie Donohue & Connie Darcy John G. Burke<br />
Ballybunion Eamon Condon Michael Barry & Maria Shanahan Vari McGreevy<br />
Ballycastle N/A Cecil Watson & Brenda McNeill Bronagh Trainor<br />
Ballyclare John Luke George Hall & Elaine Marks Michael Stone<br />
Ballyhaunis Kay Curley Michael Lyons & Joan McGuire Liam Rochford<br />
Ballyheigue Castle Mike Joe Quinlan Timothy Kenny & Jane Lewis Marian & John Barrett<br />
Ballyliffin Frank Logue Seamus Mallon & Roisin Shirreffs John Farren<br />
Ballymena Carl McAuley James Drennan & Mary Kearney Margaret Connon<br />
Ballymote Eamon Scanlon Alfie Parke & Maura Murray Trevor Mattimoe<br />
Balmoral Patrick Mullaney Tony Sheppard & Joan Morris Paul Scullion<br />
Baltinglass Pauric Kavanagh Pat Byrne & Linda Kennedy Jim Murray<br />
Banbridge John Parkes Declan Dooher & Robena McCandless Sandra Duprey<br />
Bandon Pat Murphy Jerry Mehigan & Siobhan O’Leary Kay Walsh<br />
Bangor N/A Matt Gillan & Sheila McCourt Ann Vaughan<br />
Bantry Bay Denis Lucy John Lynch & Eileen Hopkins Steven Ellis<br />
Bearna Catherine Quinlan Pat Sheehan & Valerie Kiely Kieran Boden<br />
Beaufort Frank Coffey Christy O’Mahony & Sally Filby Colm Kelly<br />
Beaverstown Paul M. Martin Aidan Smith & Cora Kee Gillian Harris<br />
Beech Park Maurice Palmer Noel Frazer & Mary Lou Quinn Paddy Maguire<br />
Bellewstown Paul Kelly Paul Tobin & Mary Kennedy Michael Leonard<br />
Belmullet Donal Shine Chris Tallott & Sheila Tallott Mary Walsh<br />
Belvoir Park Garth McClure James Sloan & Una Bready Jim Cullen<br />
Berehaven John O’Shea Gary Sullivan & Olivia O’Shiel Aidan Dunbar<br />
Birr Richard Johnston John Irwin & Susan Reidy Bernadette McTague<br />
Black Bush Michael Connellan Kevin Mason & Ellen Collins Aiden Burns<br />
Blainroe Jack Meehan John Mulqueen & Nuala McGlinchey Patrick Bradshaw<br />
Bodenstown Jim McCann Michael J. Bradley & Mary O’Brien Ronan Douglas<br />
Bray Denis Walsh Giuseppe Galvin & Nikki Gordon Alan Threadgold<br />
Bright Castle Gordon Ennis Stephen Stranney Harry Scott<br />
Brown Trout Joe Logue Gary Hamilton Robert Orr<br />
Bunclody Barty Byrne Peter Crean & Alice Druhan Ciaran Redmond<br />
Buncrana Paul Eccles Kevin McDermott & Evelyn Smith Francis McGrory<br />
Bundoran Margaret O’Doherty David Ruane & Ann Marie Beglane Noreen Allen<br />
Burnfield House Michael Jackson Danny Hakins Brian Millar<br />
Bushfoot David Kirkwood Kenny Gault & Alana Wallace David Jones<br />
Cabra Castle Gene Smith Franny Farrelly & Kitty Sullivan John Skeehan<br />
<strong>Golf</strong>ing Union of Ireland Officers 2013<br />
Central Council<br />
President - Ivor McCandless (Lisburn) President Elect – Liam Martin (Castletroy)<br />
Hon Secretary – Albert Lee (Mullingar) Hon Treasurer - Rollo McClure (Malone)<br />
General Secretary – Pat Finn (Thurles)<br />
CONNACHT<br />
Chairman – Michael Connaughton (Roscommon)<br />
Hon Sec – Jim McGovern (Castlebar)<br />
General Secretary – Enda Lonergan (Westport)<br />
LEINSTER<br />
Chairman – Kevin McIntyre (Ardee)<br />
Hon Sec – John Ferriter (Castlewarden)<br />
Executive Officer – Teresa Thompson (Delgany)<br />
PROVINCIAL OFFICERS<br />
MUNSTER<br />
Chairman – John Moloughney (Templemore)<br />
Hon Sec – Jim Long (Monkstown)<br />
Executive Officer – Karen Walsh (Doneraile)<br />
ULSTER<br />
Chairman – Peter Sinclair (Knock)<br />
Hon Sec – Eamonn O’Connor (Donegal)<br />
General Secretary – Kevin Stevens (Rockmount)
2013 <strong>Golf</strong> Club Officers<br />
<strong>Golf</strong> Club Club President Club Captains Sec-Mgr/Hon Sec/Admin<br />
Cahir Park Patrick O’Callaghan James Flannery & Eileen Ryan Paul Adamson<br />
Cairndhu N/A Alex Maguire & Laura Maguire Richard Todd<br />
Callan John Kinchella Paul Cashin & Rose Brophy Margaret Maher<br />
Carlow Paddy Governey Dick Gillman & Mary Farrell Donard MacSweeney<br />
Carnalea Bobby Conroy Jim Murphy & Margaret Clarke Nicola Greene<br />
Carrickfergus Jack Purdy Allen Chestnutt & Adrienne Baker Des Graham<br />
Carrickmines Marcus Webb Clive Lauder & Sarah Acton Brian Levis<br />
Carrick-on-Shannon Michael Daly Oliver Curran & Dolores Mulvey Chris Lowe<br />
Carrick-on-Suir John Geraghty Michael Hassett & Pattie Leonard Michael O’Sullivan<br />
Carton House Lee Mallaghan John F. Kelly & Marie Sudway Francis Howley<br />
Castle Moss Flood Michael Bollard & Justine Agnew John McCormack<br />
Castlebar Jimmy Broderick Eamon Mongan & Mary Caulfield Padraic Corrigan<br />
Castlecomer Brian Harrington Eamonn Breen & Marjie Gannon Marnie Brennan<br />
Castlegregory Michael Burrows Seamus Cronin & Isabel Mancera Noel Earlie<br />
Castleisland Patsy O’Sullivan Sean Turner & Liz Galwey Francis Hartnett<br />
Castleknock Paul Monahan Bernard Hudson & Eilish O’Sullivan Niall Monahan<br />
Castlerea Tommy Bruen Tony Brophy & Valerie Rabbitt Eddie Webb<br />
Castlerock Jackie Graham Barney Mullen & Diane Stuart Mark Steen<br />
Castletroy Tony Fitzgibbon Gerard Maher & Ann O’Friel Louis Keegan<br />
Castlewarden Jim Corbett Keith White & Joan Healy Andy Callanan<br />
Castle Barna Kieran Mangan Brian McCormack & Phil Carroll Kieran Mangan<br />
Castle Dargan Dermot Fallon Tony Wasylocha & Pauline Lennon Xavier Medas<br />
Castle Hume Hugh Johnston Malcolm Sloan & Fiona Cathcart Declan O’Connell<br />
Ceann Sibeal Bob Willis Tomas O’Muircheartaigh & Kate O’Connor Steve Fahy<br />
Celbridge/Elm Hall Ger Colgan Chris Grimes & Bernie Delaney John J. O’Connor<br />
Charlesland Patrick Crowe Ambrose Mullins & Linda Ryan Gerry O’Brien<br />
Charleville Peter Butler Brendan Buckley & Margaret Deady Pat Nagle<br />
Cill Dara Joe Watters Martin Morris & Patricia Ennis Dan Doody<br />
City of Belfast Peter Long Graeme Duffield David Linder<br />
City of Derry Brian Long Michael McCullough & Rosaleen McAnulla Andrew Meenagh<br />
Citywest Tom Dowling Seamus Grehan & Margaret Dowling Brenda Colgan<br />
Clandeboye Gerry Fyfe Michael McAvoy & Helen Cole Gary Steele<br />
Claremorris Danny McHugh Brendan Mellett & Noreen McHugh Niall McCarthy<br />
Clones Martin Taylor Gerard Kelly & Roisin Kerr Paddy McKeown<br />
Clonmel Sean Callaghan Jimmy Cass & Gwen Walshe Aine Myles-Keating<br />
Clontarf Dermot Gilroy Tom Byrne & Bernadette Maguire Arthur Cahill<br />
Cloverhill Charlie O’Hare Colin McParland & Michelle Boyle Peter Byrne<br />
Co. Armagh Jack Moore John Flack & Hilary Johnston Damien Murray<br />
Co. Cavan Patricia Treacy Mark Lynch & Mary Malone Liam Henry<br />
Co. Longford Patrick Groarke Tim Shanley & Breege Shanley Brian Leahy<br />
Co. Louth Michael McGuirk Finbar Ronan & Anne Landy Liam Murphy<br />
Co. Meath Jerry Kearney Denys Merrick & Trudi McEntee Janice Higgins<br />
Co. Sligo Padraic Keane Terry Brady & Attracta Pender David O’Donovan<br />
Co. Tipperary Des O’Neill Michael Ryan & Margaret Ryan William Crowe<br />
Cobh David Sloane Tom Moore & Brid O’Connor Stuart Meredith<br />
Concra Wood Andy Whelan Martin Malone & Moira O’Brien Gareth McMahon<br />
Connemara Paddy Gannon Declan Mannion & Josephine O’Neill Kathleen Burke<br />
Coollattin Perry Kelly John Thompson & Mary Timmins Jack Lynch<br />
Cork Pat Nash Liam Walley & Valerie Fitzgerald Matt Sands<br />
Corrstown Ciaran Conneely Fergus Rafferty & Catherine Fitzgerald Michele Jeanes<br />
Courtown Brendan Sheehan Karl Caulfield & Barbara Long Sharon O’Hara<br />
Craddockstown Fergus Lynskey Mick Kelly & Joan Fitzgerald Pat Meagher<br />
Crover House George McClarey Matt Murphy & Finola Doyle Liam Burke/John Higgins<br />
Irish Ladies’ <strong>Golf</strong> Union Officers<br />
CENTRAL COUNCIL<br />
President - Mary McKenna<br />
CEO – Sinead Heraty<br />
DISTRICT OFFICERS<br />
CONNACHT<br />
Chairman – Mary Kennedy<br />
Hon Sec – Rita Grealish<br />
Chairman of Tournaments –<br />
Beatrice Timlin<br />
EAST LEINSTER<br />
Chairman – Anne O’Sullivan<br />
Hon Sec – Lucia Farrell<br />
Chairman of Tournaments –<br />
Pauline Byrne<br />
MID LEINSTER<br />
Chairman – Bernie Whelan<br />
Hon Sec – Yvonne MacSweeney<br />
Chairman of Tournaments –<br />
Nollaig Lucas<br />
MUNSTER<br />
Chairman – Noreen Buckley<br />
Hon Sec – Marion Pattenden<br />
Chairman of Tournaments –<br />
Ber Murphy<br />
ULSTER<br />
Chairman – Ann Brown<br />
Hon Sec – Joyce Hughes<br />
Chairman of Tournaments –<br />
Terry Crothers<br />
The PGA in Ireland<br />
Chairman<br />
Geoff Bleakley<br />
Captain<br />
Jimmy Bolger<br />
Secretary<br />
Michael McCumiskey<br />
Special thanks to the GUI, ILGU,<br />
Irish PGA and all featured<br />
<strong>Golf</strong> Clubs for providing details<br />
for this special directory<br />
Irish PGA<br />
Club Professionals<br />
DORAN, Rory (Royal Co. Down)<br />
DOYLE, Eddie (Natural <strong>Golf</strong> School)<br />
DOYLE, Edward (Westmanstown)<br />
DREW, Gordon (Donaghadee)<br />
DUCKETT, Ricky (Fortwilliam)<br />
DUFFY, Seamus (Seamus Duffy Acad)<br />
DUGGAN, Hugh (Killorglin)<br />
DUGGAN, Liam (Athlone <strong>Golf</strong> Acad)<br />
DUIGNAN, Peter (Co. Longford)<br />
DUNLEA, Graeme (Adare Manor)<br />
DUNLOP, Neil (Groomsport GC)<br />
DWYER, Finian (Celbridge DR)<br />
DWYER, John (Ashbourne)<br />
EGAN, Gerard (Naas DR)<br />
ENNIS, Stephen (Balcarrick)<br />
EWING, Harry (Waterford)<br />
FAIRWEATHER, Gordon (Bradsows Brae)<br />
FALLON, Bobby (Nuremore)<br />
FARR, Colin (Whitehead)<br />
FARRELL, Philip (Philip Farrell <strong>Golf</strong>)<br />
FAY, James (Co. Meath)<br />
FAY, Patrick (Co. Meath)<br />
FERGUSON, Andrew (Royal Belfast)<br />
FISHER, Arnold (Clandeboye)<br />
FITZPATRICK, Stephen (Enniscorthy)<br />
FLANAGAN, Melvyn (Mount Temple)<br />
FLANAGAN, Michael (Mount Temple)<br />
FOLEY, David (Dromoland Castle)<br />
FORD, Dara (Co. Sligo)<br />
FOSTER, Johnny (Green Acres GC)<br />
FOY, Kevin (Stepaside GC)<br />
FRAWLEY, Joe (Joe Frawley <strong>Golf</strong>)<br />
GALLAGHER, James (Redcastle)<br />
GALLAGHER, Michael (Killymoon)<br />
GALVIN, Stephen (Curragh)<br />
GARVEY, Kevin (Bellinter GC)<br />
GERAGHTY, Jim (Grange)<br />
GERAGHTY, Patrick (Druids Glen)<br />
GERMENEY, Dalvyn (Mahon)<br />
GILBERT, Andrew (Carlow)<br />
GILES, Robert (Greenore)<br />
GITTENS, Patrick (Corrstown)<br />
GLEESON, Donal (Old Conna)<br />
GORDON, Stephen (Bangor)<br />
GRAHAM, Neil (Kirkistown Castle)<br />
GRAY, Anthony (Strandhill)<br />
GRAY, Paul (Holywood)<br />
GREALY, Kevin (Athlone)<br />
GREEN, Seamus (Retired)<br />
GREENAWAY, Jason (Banbridge)<br />
GREGORY, Peter (Clandeboye)<br />
HAMILL, Stephen (Lisburn)<br />
HANLON, Anthony (Stackstown)<br />
HANNA, Deborah (Blackwood GC)<br />
HANNA, Peter (Lurgan)<br />
HARNETT, John (Milltown)<br />
HARRINGTON, Lee (Limerick)<br />
HARRIS, James (Ballykisteen)<br />
HAYES, David (Dungarvan)<br />
HAYES, Robert (Clonmel)<br />
HAYES, Stephen (Douglas)<br />
HEINEMANN, Mark (Skellig Bay)<br />
HENDLEY, Gary (Stepaside DR)<br />
HENRY, George (George Henry <strong>Golf</strong>)<br />
HERBERT, Karl (Howth)<br />
HETHERINGTON, Mark (Corrstown)<br />
HICKEY, Peter (Cork)<br />
HIGGINS, Brian (Waterville)<br />
HIGGINS, David (Waterville)<br />
HIGGINS, Liam (Waterville)<br />
HIGGINS, Ted Jnr (Mount Wolseley)<br />
HOEY, Stephen (Waterford Castle)<br />
HOGAN, Robert (Halpenny <strong>Golf</strong>)<br />
HOGG, Chris (Dun Laoghaire)<br />
HOLMES, Karl (Greystones)<br />
HOOD, Stephen (Cairndhu)<br />
HOWIE, Gary (Adare Manor)<br />
HOWLEY, Francis (Carton House)<br />
HOWLEY, Nigel (Balbriggan)<br />
HUGHES, David (Massereene)<br />
HUNT, Ryan (Faithlegg)<br />
HUNTER, Alan (Portstewart)<br />
HURLEY, Brian (Dooks)<br />
continued...<br />
BACKSPIN | 25
Who’s Who in Irish <strong>Golf</strong><br />
Irish PGA<br />
Club Professionals<br />
HUTCHINSON, Michael (Lisburn)<br />
HUTTON, Robbie (Downpatrick)<br />
HYNES, Leo (Killiney)<br />
JAMES, Thomas (K Club)<br />
JELLY, Christopher (Dungannon)<br />
JOHNSTON, Thomas (Castlerock)<br />
JOHNSTON, Richard (Ballyearl GC)<br />
JONES, David (Bushfoot)<br />
JONES, Gerard (Thurles)<br />
JONES, Peter (Coollattin)<br />
JUDD, Anthony (Forrest Little)<br />
JUDGE, Deirdre (Kinsealy Grange)<br />
KANE-NASH, James (Charlesland)<br />
KAVANAGH, Gavin (Delgany)<br />
KAVANAGH, Michael (Stackstown)<br />
KEARNEY, David (Grange)<br />
KEARNEY, Gary (St. Margaret’s)<br />
KEARNEY, Ian (Doonbeg)<br />
KEATING, David (Killarney)<br />
KEENAGHAN, David (Mount Temple)<br />
KEENAN, Dympna (Tandragee)<br />
KELLEHER, Brian (Fota Island)<br />
KELLEHER, Kevin (Dun Laoghaire)<br />
KELLY, Karl (Elm Green)<br />
KELLY, John (St. Margaret’s)<br />
KELLY, Maurice (Allen Park GC)<br />
KELLY, Robert (Tipperary)<br />
KERLEY, Brian (Green Life GC)<br />
KERR, Ian (Bunclody)<br />
KIELY, Paul (Cork)<br />
KIELY, Derry (Faithlegg)<br />
KILMARTIN, Angela (Tandragee)<br />
KINSELLA, Bobby (Skerries)<br />
KINSELLA, David (Castle)<br />
KIRKPATRICK, Scott (Ardee)<br />
KYNES, Marc (Dargle View)<br />
LACEY, Fintan (Newlands)<br />
LANGAN, John (Pure <strong>Golf</strong> Leopardstown)<br />
LANGFORD, Michael (Roe Park)<br />
LAVELLE, David (Spawell)<br />
LEAHY, Noel (Hotel Kilkenny)<br />
LEATHAM, Philip (Lisburn)<br />
LEECH, Robert (Dunloe)<br />
LEHANE, Martin (Muskerry)<br />
LEIGH, Declan (Cassidy <strong>Golf</strong>)<br />
LEUNG, Martin (Red Lane GC)<br />
LEWIS, David (Greystones DR)<br />
LOGUE, Eamonn (Hilton T’patrick)<br />
LOMAS, Rachel (Naas)<br />
LOUGHRAN, Thomas (Carnalea)<br />
LOUGHREY, Geoff (Roganstown)<br />
LUNNY, Gavin (Naas)<br />
LYNCH, Declan (Declan Lynch <strong>Golf</strong>)<br />
LYONS, Daragh (Narin & Portnoo)<br />
LYTTLE, Colin (Ballyclare)<br />
MAC FARLANE, Don (East Cork)<br />
MACHIN, Robin (Co. Meath)<br />
MAC SWEENEY, Donard (Galway)<br />
MADDEN, Gary (Bearna)<br />
MADDEN, Shane (Athlone <strong>Golf</strong> Acad)<br />
MAGOWAN, Mark (Clere<strong>Golf</strong>.ie)<br />
MANCHIP, Neil (GUI Academy)<br />
MANSON, Andrew (Edenmore)<br />
MARTIN, Anthony (Kinsealy Grange)<br />
MARTIN, Edward (Beaverstown)<br />
MARTIN, Peter (Riverside Academy)<br />
MASSEY, Greg (Hermitage)<br />
McARDLE, Donagh (Tullamore)<br />
McBRIDE, James (Lucan)<br />
McCANN, Denis (Westmanstown)<br />
McCANN, Ryan (Nenagh)<br />
McCANNY, Emily (Ward DR)<br />
McCANNY, Paul (Killeen Castle)<br />
McCARROLL, Peter (Allen Park GC)<br />
McCARTHY, Charles (Kerry <strong>Golf</strong> Holidays)<br />
McCAUSLAND, Gareth (Ballyliffin)<br />
McCAVERY, Robert (Lahinch)<br />
McCLELLAND, Peter (McClelland <strong>Golf</strong>)<br />
McCONNELL, Jamie (New Forest)<br />
McCOOL, Liam (Enniskillen)<br />
McCOOL, Lynn (Lough Erne)<br />
McCORMICK, Conor (Newcastle West)<br />
McCRUDDEN, Michael (Royal Portrush)<br />
McDAID, Brendan (Unattached)<br />
26 | BACKSPIN<br />
<strong>Golf</strong> Club Club President Club Captains Sec-Mgr/Hon Sec/Admin<br />
Cruit Island Peter Sweeney Charles O’Donnell & Brid Mulhern Jimmy Bonner<br />
Curragh Seamus O’Giollain Declan Rasmussen & Helen O’Malley Ann Culleton<br />
Cushendall Niall Wheeler Austin McCarthy & Briege Stewart Shaun McLaughlin<br />
Deer Park Tom Walshe Tony Sweetman & Elizabeth Guinan Pat Nangle/Anne Seagrave<br />
Delgany John Connolly Jim Blake & Joan Browne Denzil Jones<br />
Djouce Marion Kennedy C.J. Doyle & Mary Lynch Donal McGillycuddy<br />
Donabate N/A Chris Ryan & Vivienne O’Daly Betty O’Connor<br />
Donaghadee William Devlin Noel McKeown & Margaret McKnight Alex McWilliams<br />
Donegal Michael Neary Peter Sweeney & Jane Brown Grainne Dorrian<br />
Doneraile John Meade Adam Carey & Eileen Ahern O’Connor Thomas Meade<br />
Dooks Jill Mangan John Noonan & Marguerita Mulcahy Brian Hurley<br />
Doonbeg Links Timmy Killeen Nigel Dillon & Mary Arthur Joe Russell<br />
Douglas Ray Quinn Kieran Canty & Mary Kenny Conor O’Brien<br />
Down Royal Stanley Wilson Michael Magennis Philip McMaster<br />
Downpatrick Hubert Bailie George Greene & Joanne Carson Elaine Carson<br />
Dromoland Martin O’Mahoney John O’Halloran & Maria Nolan John O’Halloran<br />
Druids Glen Donal Flinn Paul Costello Barry Dowling<br />
Druids Heath Donal Flinn Edward Richardson Barry Dowling<br />
Dun Laoghaire N/A Pat Nevin & Marie Igoe John Gerrard<br />
Dundalk Vincent Kelly Noel McGuinness & Brid Rocks Rita Woods<br />
Dunfanaghy Brian Dolan Michael Kelly & Heather Hamilton Mairead Murray<br />
Dungannon N/A Brendan Cullen & Meave McVeigh Sean T. Hughes<br />
Dungarvan Maurice Cliffe Michael O’Mahony & Mary Flahavan Irene Lynch<br />
Dunmore Neil O’Donovan Kieran Costello & Carol McCann Richard O’Sullivan<br />
Dunmore Demesne Niall Cloonan Nicholas Walsh & Phylis Reddington Padraig Donlon<br />
Dunmore East Harry O’Neill Ed Hopkins & Winnie Brooke Alan Skehan<br />
Dunmurry Colin Fleming George Gillespie & Jean White Tony Cassidy<br />
Dunmurry Springs Sean Holohan John Duffy & Edwina Hanley Una Holohan<br />
East Clare Redmond Walsh Derek Kenny & Mary Collins Michael O’Hanlon<br />
East Cork Eddie O’Brien Brian Barnes & Ann Lyons John Morrison<br />
Edenderry Padraig Farrell John Wyer & Siobhan O’Callaghan John Butler<br />
Edenmore Bobby Cosgrove Ronnie Girvan & Edith Watson Mervyn Nicholson<br />
Edmondstown Peter Gavin Tony McCarthy & Anne O’Connell Mark Lynch<br />
Elm Park Brendan Carrigy Frank Lyons & Marguerite Maher Adrian T. McCormack<br />
Elmgreen Frank Barrett Ray O’Kelly & Helen Stokes Fred Brereton<br />
Ennis Kitty Morris Des Neylon & Mary McMahon Pat McCarthy<br />
Enniscorthy Jim Delaney Martin Dempsey & Joan Dunbar John Cullen<br />
Enniscrone John Fleming Tommy Geraghty & Maura McGrath Albie O’Connor<br />
Enniskillen Patsy McCaffrey David Humphreys & Eileen Cochrane Deirdre McSorley<br />
Esker Hills Donal Molloy Pat Clavin & Catherine Horan Donal Molloy<br />
European Club Pat Ruddy Eddie Fallon Sidon Ruddy<br />
Faithlegg Frank Walsh Kieran Carey & Rosemary O’Carroll John Santry<br />
Farnham Estate Roy McCabe Mike Rea & Brenda Nicholson Bridie McManus<br />
Faughan Valley Trevor Peace Cecil King & Cathleen Cooke Trevor Lewers<br />
Fermoy John Mulcahy John Mulvihill & Helen O’Brien Denis Twomey<br />
Fintona Anthony McDermott Conor Corry & Jo McNelis Patricia McNabb<br />
Forrest Little Joseph Cummins Ted Corcoran & Maria Robinson Kevin McIntyre<br />
Fortwilliam R.J. Campbell P. Toal & Clare Loughrey M. Toner<br />
Fota Island Pat O’Callaghan Liam Tracey & Patricia O’Sullivan Jonathan Woods<br />
Foxrock Paddy Flynn Derek Scally & Coral Ruddle Frank Hayes<br />
Foyle Rob Gallagher George Fitzpatrick & Faye McGrotty John Joe Logue<br />
Galgorm Castle Des Cousley Ivan McCappin & Alison Beggs Ivan Graham<br />
Galway Frank O’Brien Tommy Glynn & Patricia Godwin Padraic Fahy<br />
Galway Bay Donal Flanagan Declan Murray & Marie Kelly Ronan Killeen<br />
N/A denotes detail<br />
not available at time<br />
of going to press<br />
Right:<br />
Marguerite Maher<br />
and Frank Lyons are<br />
this year’s captains<br />
at Elm Park <strong>Golf</strong><br />
Club in Dublin.
<strong>Golf</strong> Club Club President Club Captains Sec-Mgr/Hon Sec/Admin<br />
Glasson Tom Reid Enda Duffy & Marian Diffley Declan O’Connor<br />
Glen of the Downs Michael Doyle Frank Lynch & Judy Graham Derek Murphy<br />
Glencullen Christy Mahon Ivor Harmon & Dee Jeffers Brendan O’Connor<br />
Goldcoast Stephen Greene Andrew Travers & Ashling Fennell Brendan O’Brien<br />
Gort Maureen Brennan John Skehill & Phil Mulkerrins Ed Purcell<br />
Gowran Park Eamon Kealy Melvyn Kennedy & Margaret Logue Joe Scriven<br />
Gracehill David Calvin Malcolm McConaghie & Edwina Milliken Ivan Harper<br />
Grange Matt Jones Peter O’Loghlen & Brenda Murray Frank O’Riordan<br />
Greencastle Thomas Doherty Leo McCauley & Paula McGilloway Billy McCaul<br />
Greenore Pat McParland John C. Phillips & Mary P. Kirk Linda Clarke<br />
Greystones Noel Earls Jim Hackman & Mary Lockhart Gerry Kenny<br />
Headfort Francis Duffy John Griffin & Maura Daly Peter Burns<br />
Heath Pat O’Keefe Kevin Woulfe & Mary Culliton Joe Dunne<br />
Heritage Mark McCrory Brian Byrne & Ann Murphy Niall Carroll<br />
Hermitage Nuala Acton Peter Ennis & Geraldine Rodgers Eddie Farrell<br />
Hibernian Eamonn Cox Mick Leahy & Emma Cooling Brendan Cooling<br />
Highfield Alan Duggan Michael Melia & Susan Tarpey Dennis Reynaud<br />
Hilton Templepatrick Raymond Caldwell Mervyn McCall & Hilary Shirley Eamonn Logue<br />
Hollystown Bill Barry Derek Hogan & Angela Harford Joseph Bedford<br />
Hollywood Lakes George O’Doherty Fergal Toland & Susan Somers Seamus Kelly<br />
Holywood Don Collins Stephen Doherty & Eithne McMullan Paul Gray<br />
Howth C. Gaisford St. Lawrence Michael Gray & Therese Gray George Reid<br />
Island, The Henry Collier Christy Bollard & Eithne Knight Ronan Smyth<br />
K Club Dr. Michael Smurfit Allan Crinion & Noreen O’Grady Niall Molloy<br />
Kanturk John Pigott Oliver O’Keefe & Margaret Fitzgerald Tony McAuliffe<br />
Kenmare Tom Carey Paul Brown & Laura Hatton John Sullivan<br />
Kilcock David Kearns Kevin O’Connor & Mary Campbell Brendan Ryan<br />
Kilcoole Brian Guyett Ian Calton & Bernie McGowan Jacqueline Jordan<br />
Kilkee Kieran Walshe Ger O’Flynn & Ann Boyle Jim Leyden<br />
Kilkenny Tom Gunning Luke Kelly & Sheila Brennan Sean Boland<br />
Killarney Sean Coyne James Ormonde & Christine Carroll Maurice O’Meara<br />
Killeen Castle Val Ledwith Seamus Tighe & Yvonne McEntee Michael Quinlan<br />
Killiney Karl Strecker Larry Sherin & Teresa Connaughton Michael Walsh<br />
Killorglin Brendan Campbell Joseph Kennedy & Agnes Carey Aidan Spillane<br />
Killymoon John McBride Eugene Conway & Oonagh McCoy Gerard Breslin<br />
Kilmashogue Elaine Healy Tony Bourke & Mary Gough Sandra Murtagh<br />
Kilrush Jimmy McSwiggan Michael Hogan & Margaret Donnelly Geraldine Burke<br />
Kinsale Edward Lambe Tony Long & Patricia Hollywood Donal Hickey<br />
Kirkistown Castle John McCammon Tim Reid & Joan Ditchfield Rosemary Coulter<br />
Knightsbrook Liam McMenamin Frank Leonard & Mary Higgins Gavin Hunt<br />
Knockanally No Club President David Powderly & Ger Eyres O’Brien Michael Stapleton<br />
Lahinch Christy Killeen John Madden & Aedin McCarthy Paddy Keane<br />
Lambeg Brian Bates Ritchie Gorman & Noeleen Anderson Darren McShane<br />
Larne Alan English Stephen Lyness & Lynne Armstrong Lisa Oldfield<br />
Laytown &B’town Hugh Leech Patrick Rooney & Brenda Phelan Helen Finnegan<br />
Letterkenny Barry Ramsey Henry McCahey & Sandra McMonagle Colin Morrow<br />
Limerick Bernard Collins Ray O’Halloran & Ann O’Sullivan Pat Murray<br />
Links Portmarnock Ronnie Maiti Colm Rushe & Moira Cassidy Joe Rowley<br />
Lisburn Ronnie Brooks Sam Moore & Sylvia McKelvey John McKeown<br />
Lisheen Springs N/A Séan Bergin & Diana Jameson Michael Mahon<br />
Lisselan Dominic McSweeney Brian Donovan & Marie Mackey Mark Coombes<br />
Loughrea Chris Murray John O’Neill & Kay Keating Daniel Hynes<br />
Lucan Kevin Doyle Patrick Carroll & Breda McGarry Francis Duffy<br />
Lurgan Desmond Gregg Sean Wilson & Anne Knox Muriel Gamble<br />
Luttrellstown Castle Kieran McManus Bobby Hawkshaw & Yvonne Coghlan Colm Hannon<br />
Macreddin No Club President Gearoid Griffin & Eleanor Lee David Lee<br />
Macroom Tim Keating Jim O’Connell & Ber O’Shea Cathal O’Sullivan<br />
Mahee Island David Lindsay Robert Wright & Frona Clarke Mervyn Marshall<br />
Malahide Robert Doyle Bill Lowe & Sadie Burke Mark Gannon<br />
Mallow Daniel Butler Joseph Dowling & Deirdre Linehan David Curtin<br />
Malone N/A David Watters & Linda Dean Peter Kelly<br />
Manor Marshall Eakin Stephen Wylie Charlie Hasson<br />
Massereene Brian Craig Ian Quigley & Marjorie Kelso Jim Smyth<br />
Mayobridge Joseph Fagen Harry Addis Damian McCloskey<br />
Millicent Daniel R.Killian John Davey & Bernie Holligan Niamh Killian<br />
Milltown Barry O’Sullivan Jim Byrne & Clare Kavanagh James Burns<br />
Mitchelstown William J. Murphy Liam O’Sullivan & Rita O’Brien Seanie Buckley<br />
Moate Joe Digan Dom Fitzpatrick & Mary Horan Anna O’Brien<br />
Monkstown Denis Richardson Joe Doyle & Marie Healy Hilary Madden<br />
Mount Juliet Des Fitzgerald Dermot Divilly & Dorothy Kilroy Francis Reynolds<br />
Mount Ober Raymond Dickson Brian Barry & Maggie Shore Ena Williams<br />
Mount Temple Michael Dolan Thomas Fox & Elma Linnane Michael Dolan<br />
2013 <strong>Golf</strong> Club Officers<br />
Irish PGA<br />
Club Professionals<br />
McDAID, Paul (Greystones DR)<br />
McDERMOTT, Brendan (Co. Tipperary)<br />
McDERMOTT, Michael (Pure <strong>Golf</strong> Leopardstown)<br />
McDIARMID, Alistair (Galgorm Castle)<br />
McDONALD, John (Blainroe)<br />
McELDERRY, Colin (<strong>Golf</strong> Ballistix Ltd)<br />
McENEANEY, Eugene (Delphi <strong>Golf</strong>)<br />
McEVOY, Damien (Ballycastle)<br />
McFARLANE, Don (East Cork)<br />
McGAHAN, Paul (Elm Green)<br />
McGEE, Michael (Malone)<br />
McGIVERN, Kevin (Mannan Castle)<br />
McGIVERN, Michael (Belvoir Park)<br />
McGOVERN, Brendan (Headfort)<br />
McGRATH, Kevin (Birr DR)<br />
McGUIRK, John (Howth)<br />
McGUIRK, Michael (Howth)<br />
McGUIRK, Paddy (Co. Louth)<br />
McHENRY, John (McHenry <strong>Golf</strong> Ltd)<br />
McINTYRE, David (Wicklow)<br />
McINTYRE, Thomas (Ballyclare)<br />
McKENNA, Conor (Concra Wood)<br />
McKENNA, Lee (Balmoral)<br />
McLAUGHLIN, Philip (Royal Dublin)<br />
McLEAN, Gary (Bunclody)<br />
McLOUGHLIN, Darren (Kilcock)<br />
McLOUGHLIN, Enda (Wicklow)<br />
McMONAGLE, Seamus (Dunfanaghy)<br />
McNAMARA, Cian (Monkstown)<br />
McNAMARA, Derek (Portmarnock)<br />
McNEILL, Gary (Royal Portrush)<br />
McNULTY, Neil (Slieve Russell)<br />
McQUILLAN, David (Castlebar)<br />
McSHEA, Gareth (Edmondstown)<br />
McSWEENEY, Donal (Unigolf)<br />
McTERNAN, Martin (Co. Sligo)<br />
McVITTY, Christopher (Bundoran)<br />
McWILLIAMS, Darren (Blackwood GC)<br />
MEALIA, Alex (Unattached)<br />
MEDAS, Xavier (Castle Dargan)<br />
MERCER, Gary (Ormeau)<br />
MOONEY, Damian (Ballyliffin)<br />
MOONEY, David (<strong>Golf</strong> Graffix)<br />
MOORE, Darren (Townley Hall)<br />
MOORE, Steve (Spawell)<br />
MORAN, Aidan (Aidan Moran Acad)<br />
MORGAN, Peter (Elm Park)<br />
MORIARTY, Brian (Fermoy)<br />
MORIARTY, Chris (Open Fairways)<br />
MORRIS, Kevin (Fota Island)<br />
MORRIS, Paul (Gorey Driving Range)<br />
MORRISON, Derek (Foyle GC)<br />
MORTIMER, David (Galway)<br />
MULFORD, Alan (Powerscourt)<br />
MULHOLLAND, Tony (Tobermore DR)<br />
MULLALLY, Tristan (Moyvalley)<br />
MULRYAN, Michael (Athenry)<br />
MURPHY, Bart (Monkstown)<br />
MURPHY, Donal (Carlow)<br />
MURPHY, Felix (Craddockstown)<br />
MURPHY, Philip (Glasson)<br />
MURPHY, Tom (<strong>Golf</strong> Dept)<br />
MURRAY, Joe (Hollystown)<br />
MURRAY, John (Malahide)<br />
MURRAY, Niall (<strong>Golf</strong> Events Ireland)<br />
NICHOLSON, Mark (M.N. <strong>Golf</strong>)<br />
NILAND, Thomas (Athenry)<br />
NOBLE, William (Co. Cavan)<br />
O’BOYLE, Billy (Killarney)<br />
O’BOYLE, Mark (Heath)<br />
O’BOYLE, Patrick (Bandon)<br />
O’BRIEN, Bart (Newcastle West)<br />
O’BRIEN, Brian (Castlewarden)<br />
O’BRIEN, Peter (Stepaside GC)<br />
O’CALLAGHAN, Brian (Ballybunion)<br />
O’CALLAGHAN, Wayne (WO’C <strong>Golf</strong>)<br />
O’CONNOR, Arnold (Elm Green)<br />
O’CONNOR, Eoin (Kilkenny)<br />
O’CONNOR, Eugene (Galway GR)<br />
O’DONNELL, Karl (Newlands)<br />
O’DONNELL, Stephen (Stepaside DR)<br />
O’DONOGHUE, Derek (Rathcore)<br />
O’FLANAGAN, Eamonn (Natural <strong>Golf</strong> School)<br />
continued...<br />
BACKSPIN | 27
Who’s Who in Irish <strong>Golf</strong><br />
Irish PGA<br />
Club Professionals<br />
O’GRADY, Shane (Black Bush)<br />
O’HAGAN, Peter (Luttrellstown Castle)<br />
O’HAIRE, Joanne (B’bofey & S’orlar)<br />
O’HARA, Brian (Unattached)<br />
O’KEEFFE, Carl (Howth)<br />
O’KEEFFE, Joseph (Fingal GC)<br />
O’MEARA, Alan (Blarney)<br />
O’NEILL, Hugh (Connemara)<br />
O’NEILL, Keith (Co. Sligo)<br />
O’NEILL, Thomas (Tulfarris)<br />
O’ROURKE, Padraic (Ballybunion)<br />
O’SHEA, Denise (Castletroy)<br />
O’SHEA, Michael (Callan)<br />
O’SULLIVAN, Alan (Portmarnock DR)<br />
O’SULLIVAN, David (Cobh)<br />
O’SULLIVAN, Jamie (Charleville)<br />
O’SULLIVAN, Kieran (Waterville)<br />
OWENS, Leonard (Royal Dublin)<br />
PADAYACHEE, Krishna (H’wood Lakes)<br />
PARK, Roderick (Park Consulting)<br />
PATTERSON, Bryan (Newtownstewart)<br />
PETTIT, Edward (CGS)<br />
PITKANEN, Jussi (Dave Pelz SGS)<br />
POWER, Cormac (Scarke DR)<br />
POWER, David (Tralee)<br />
POWER, Paul (Edenderry Academy)<br />
PRENDERGAST, Ian (Fota Island)<br />
PURCELL, Duncan (Ballybunion)<br />
PURCELL, Joey (Portmarnock)<br />
PYKE, Artie (Shannon)<br />
QUIGLEY, Bernard (Carton House)<br />
QUINLAN, Ralph (Lee Valley)<br />
QUINLIVAN, James (Mullingar)<br />
QUINLIVAN, Michael (Nevada Bobs)<br />
RAMSAY, Wesley (Knockbracken Acad)<br />
RANKIN, Alan (Co. Armagh)<br />
REDMOND, Dean (The Heritage)<br />
REILLY, Dominic (American <strong>Golf</strong>)<br />
REILLY, Stephen (PR <strong>Golf</strong>)<br />
REVIE, Ken (Ballymena)<br />
RIBLET, Emmanuel (Carton House)<br />
RING, Philip (Elm Green)<br />
RIORDAN, Marian (Greystones)<br />
RITCHIE, Steven (Shandon Park)<br />
ROBINSON, David T. (Bundoran)<br />
ROBINSON, Glen (St. Helen’s Bay)<br />
ROBINSON, Jim (Co. Sligo)<br />
ROBINSON, Leslie (Donegal)<br />
ROCHE, James (New Ross)<br />
ROULLIER, Zak (Beech Park)<br />
ROURKE, Steven (Ormeau)<br />
RUSHGROVE, Gary (Athlone Acad)<br />
RUSSELL, Conor (Sutton)<br />
<strong>Golf</strong> Club Club President Club Captains Sec-Mgr/Hon Sec/Admin<br />
Mount Wolseley Don Morrissey Gerard Connolly & Ann Duffy Martin Savage<br />
Mountbellew Evelyn Clarke Basil King & Helen Costello Peter T. Connellan<br />
Mountrath Andy Morrissey Noel Larkin & Maeve Morrissey Lar Scully<br />
Moyola Park Derick Munro Tony McGuire & Bernie O’Neill Michael Gribbin<br />
Moyvalley John Kennedy Frank Shortt & N/A Steven Curle<br />
Mullingar Pat Taaffe Paddy Dunne & Ann Tyrell Sean Finnegan<br />
Muskerry Bill Mullins Gearoid Walsh & Frances Jermyn Hugo Gallagher<br />
Naas Joe Keogh Brendan Ryan & Eleanor O’Dwyer Denis Mahon<br />
Narin & Portnoo Dom Gallagher Hugh F. Shovlin & Agnes Shovlin Michael Glynn<br />
Navan Cyril Carty Liam Buggy & Nellie Murray Kevin Boland<br />
Nenagh Pat Nugent Eamonn Callanan & Mary Ryan Paul Maloney<br />
New Ross Brian Dolan Seamus McGuinness & Geraldine Donohoe Kathleen Daly<br />
Newcastle West Pat Neville Paddy Lane & Joan Maher John Whelan<br />
Newlands Margaret Carroll Greg Ryan & Deirdre Ryan Gay Nolan<br />
Newtownstewart John Bimson Cyril Muldoon & Doreen Kee Robert Glackin<br />
North West N/A John McGinley & Helen Quigley Sean Carroll<br />
Nuremore Fergus Lane Cathal O’Gorman & Ena Gilsenan Michael Crawley<br />
Old Conna John Hennessy Billy Farrell & Annette Rath Tom Sheridan<br />
Old Head John O’Connor John Lee Jim O’Brien<br />
Omagh Liam Maxwell Brian Mellon & Christine McGuckin Thomas Doran<br />
Ormeau Denis McKnight Jackie McIlwaine & Moira Quail Gerry McWilliams<br />
Oughterard Tim Hernon Pierce O’Malley & Mary Cheevers-McInerneyMartin Lee<br />
Parknasilla Dermot O’Mahoney Gerard O’Mahoney & Margaret Christian Sean McCarthy<br />
Portadown David Henderson Hugo Marley & Eithne Little Barbara Whitaker<br />
Portarlington David Hainsworth Philip Lyons & Christine Collier Tom Hainsworth<br />
Portmarnock Thomas Cuddihy John Power John J. Quigley<br />
Portsalon Kathleen McCormick Joseph Harkin & Deirdre Hensey Peter Doherty<br />
Portstewart Dr. John McHugh Malcolm Glover & Mo Giffin Michael Moss<br />
Portumna Suzanne Corcoran Martin Carty & Pauline McEvoy Michael Ryan<br />
Powerscourt Joe Duignan John Shiel & Christine McCluskey Bernard Gibbons<br />
Raffeen Creek Jim Kellaghan John Harte & Amanda Welch Bryan Crowley<br />
Rathbane Billy O’Doherty Martin Ennis & Mairead O’Connell Dan Heelan<br />
Rathdowney Joe Dufficy Terry Campion & Kathleen Maher Martin O’Brien<br />
Rathfarnham Maura O’Carroll Brian Holmes & Deirdre McDermott John Lawler<br />
Rathmore Eddie Mason Rodney Montgomery Stan Short<br />
Rathsallagh John Mullan Francis Donnelly & Eleanor Brazill Joe O’Flynn<br />
Ring of Kerry Tommy McNicholas Thomas O’Driscoll & Vera Shaw James Mitchell<br />
Roe Park Frank McGuigan Anthony O’Neill & Margaret Patterson Terry Kelly<br />
Roganstown No Club President Michael Murphy & Bernadette Scully Laing Elaine McLoughlin<br />
Rosapenna John Sweeney Patrick McClafferty & Bernadette North Frank Casey Jnr.<br />
Roscommon John Sweeney Michael Dolan & Margaret Brennan Kate Walshe<br />
Roscrea Liam Shanahan Paddy Bergin & Eleanor Ryan Carroll Steve Crofton<br />
Rosslare Terry Fortune Len Fowler & Moira Fortune Frank Codd<br />
Rossmore Della Hunt Seamus Meehan & Ann Durnin Henry Durnin<br />
Royal Belfast Ronnie McMillan Peter Kearney & Phillipa Crone Susanna Morrison<br />
Royal Dublin, The Harry McElhinney Paul O’Grady Eoin O’Sullivan<br />
Royal Portrush John McElderry John Moss & Helen Jones Wilma Erskine<br />
HOT<br />
off the<br />
PRESS<br />
The remarkable success enjoyed by Irish golfers in the<br />
Major Championships in recent times is superbly<br />
captured, celebrated and illustrated in ‘The Irish<br />
Majors’, which is, quite simply, a ‘must read’<br />
publication.<br />
Irish Times golf correspondent Philip Reid provides<br />
a fascinating inside track on each of the seven recent Irish<br />
Major victories, from Padraig Harrington’s three wins<br />
and the breakthrough Major wins of Graeme McDowell<br />
and Darren Clarke, through to double Major winner<br />
Rory McIlroy’s record breaking exploits in the 2012<br />
USPGA Championship at Kiawah Island.<br />
The Irish Majors<br />
Irish <strong>Golf</strong>’s Magnificent Seven<br />
by Philip Reid<br />
Published by Gill & Macmillan<br />
28 | BACKSPIN
2013 <strong>Golf</strong> Club Officers<br />
<strong>Golf</strong> Club Club President Club Captains Sec-Mgr/Hon Sec/Admin<br />
Royal Tara Des Foley Noel Rowland & Alice Collier John McGrath<br />
Rush Tomas McNally Michael Redmond & Elizabeth Brophy Noeline Quirke<br />
Scrabo David Kay Alec Russell & Heather O’Brien Diane Plant<br />
Seafield David Cullen Martin MacDonnell & Janice McDonal Joe Keegan<br />
Seapoint Andrew Taaffe P.J. Campbell & Irene Kirwan Ger McKeown<br />
Shandon Park Raymond Allen Norman White & Nancy Anglin Greg Bailie<br />
Shannon Mary O’Looney Michael McInerney & Mary Sheehan Michael Corry<br />
Skellig Bay Jackie Hardy Eamon McGillicuddy & Marie Flood Mark Heinemann<br />
Skerries Cecil Keaveney Willie Prendergast & Zita Devine Ian Fraher<br />
Skibbereen David Ring Noel Kearney & June Ring Michael Collins<br />
Slade Valley Paddy Cunningham Michael Treacy & Bernie Chubb Dermot Clancy<br />
Slieve Russell Paudge Tobin Brian Cunningham & Liz Cogan Michelle McGreevy<br />
Slievenamon Margaret Lalor Robert Reid & Chris Hayes Brendan Kenny<br />
Spa Alf Bailie Jack Hood & Sally Ann Douglas Terry Magee<br />
St. Anne’s Cormac Cronin Eamon Weir & Therese McCormack Ted Power<br />
St. Helen’s Bay Seamus McCormack Maurice Cooper & Peigi O’Ruairc Larry Byrne<br />
St. Margaret’s Gerry Buckley George O’Leary Arthur McKenna<br />
Stackstown Brendan Tuckey Eamon Flaherty & Nora Farrell Raymond Murphy<br />
Strabane Francie Devine Ciaran Kelly & Annette Patton Brian O’Kane<br />
Strandhill Brian Harte Michael Phelan & Carmel Clarke Sandra Corcoran<br />
Sutton Victor Gibbons Tim Beggs & Mary Lennon Michael Healy<br />
Swords No Club President Thomas O’Rourke & Eileen Foran Orla McGuinness<br />
Tara Glen Felim Maguiness Frank Brennan & Carol Moran Marion Siggins<br />
Templemore Denis Tuohy Francis O’Meara & Sadie Tynan Michael Keely<br />
Thurles Jean Butler Toss Hayes & Louise Maher Ashling Moroney<br />
Tipperary Michael O’Donoghue Tim Walsh & Kitty O’Reilly Michael Tobin<br />
Townley Hall Michael Foley Peter McNally & Eithne McCole Malachy McMahon<br />
Tralee Padraic Coughlan Joe McCarthy & Angela Deenihan Anthony Byrne<br />
Tramore Anthony Condon Tom Corcoran & Bid Cullinane Richard Walsh<br />
Tuam Vincent Cunniffe Gerry Murphy & Jacqui McGrath Mary Burns<br />
Tulfarris Tom O’Shea Noel.A. Kelly & Ita McCarron John Horan<br />
Tullamore P.J. Barron Dermot Scanlon & Frances Silke Aidan Marsden<br />
Virginia Seamus O’Meara John Mulvany & Pauline Hutchinson Joe Greene<br />
Warrenpoint Leslie Dalzell Michael Gilsenan & Sheila Casey Ruairi McCormack<br />
Waterford Richard Dowling Patrick Bolger & Ellen O’Halloran Damien Maguire<br />
Waterford Castle Tony Lee Brian Hegarty & Patricia Garry James Funnell<br />
Waterville William O’Driscoll David Farrell & Jane Bracken Noel Cronin<br />
West Waterford Justin Spratt Eddie Stack & Eileen Harty Austin Spratt<br />
Westmanstown Michael O’Shea Feargal Keane & Darina Curtis Edward Doyle<br />
Westport Pat Kearns Christy Madigan & Nuala Moody Karen Walsh<br />
Wexford Pat Geoghegan Paul Lauhoff & Martina Dempsey Paddy Cleary<br />
Wicklow Sean O’Brien Jimmy Carthy & Ann Reilly Roger Kennedy<br />
Woodbrook Tom Pitt Robert Argue & Karina Tierney Jim Melody<br />
Woodenbridge Philip Ormonde Mark Burke & Siobhan Saunders Paddy Byrne<br />
Woodlands John Williamson Andrew Maher & Ann Burns Orla Winder<br />
Woodstock James Meade Eugene Phillips & Margaret Ann Killeen Avril Guerin<br />
Youghal Jim O’Connell Tom Linehan & Patrica Kearney Margaret O’Sullivan<br />
In his autobiography,<br />
‘An Open Book’, the<br />
2011 Open champion<br />
Darren Clarke tells the<br />
gripping and moving<br />
story of his remarkable<br />
golfing life, including the<br />
heartbreak of losing his<br />
wife Heather to cancer<br />
prior to the 2006 Ryder<br />
Cup at the K Club.<br />
It’s a compelling read.<br />
Darren Clarke<br />
An Open Book<br />
My Autobiography<br />
C<br />
hristy O’Connor Jnr’s<br />
autobiography ‘From<br />
Rough to Fair Ways’ takes<br />
readers on a fascinating<br />
journey.<br />
The hero of Europe’s<br />
1989 Ryder Cup victory<br />
at The Belfry airs his<br />
gripes and tells the story<br />
of a life filled with joy and<br />
sadness.<br />
It’s an absorbing read.<br />
Christy<br />
From Rough to<br />
Fair Ways<br />
Irish PGA<br />
Club Professionals<br />
RUSSELL, Paul (Scrabo)<br />
RYAN, David (Cahir Park)<br />
RYAN, Eoin ((Navan)<br />
RYAN, Michael (Frankfield DR)<br />
RYAN, Michael (Oughterard)<br />
RYAN, Padraig (Kerry <strong>Golf</strong>)<br />
RYAN, Raymond (Galway Bay)<br />
SAMMON, Christopher (Malahide)<br />
SAVAGE, John (Water Rock)<br />
SCOTT, Donal (Edmondstown)<br />
SCULLION, Jerry (Kilkeel)<br />
SHAW, Nigel (Warrenpoint)<br />
SHERWOOD, Brady (Castlemartyr)<br />
SIMMONDS, Andrew (Darren Clarke GS)<br />
SKILLEN, Roy (Castlereagh Hills)<br />
SMALLWOODS, Sam (City of Derry)<br />
SMYTH, Bryan (Royal Co. Down)<br />
SMYTH, Ciaran (Rossmore)<br />
SMYTH, Gordon (Slieve Russell)<br />
SMYTH, James (Massereene)<br />
SMYTH, Larry (Carrigdhoun GR)<br />
SOMERS, Jason (Ardee)<br />
SPRING, Graham (Kerries DR)<br />
St. JOHN, Ian (Carrick-on-Suir)<br />
STAFFORD, Ian (Innishannon DR)<br />
STAUNTON, Emmet (Castleknock)<br />
STEVENSON, Paul (Portadown)<br />
SUGRUE, John (Tralee)<br />
TEAGUE, Vivian (Loughall)<br />
THOMPSON, Paul (Powerscourt)<br />
TIGHE, Darragh (Howth)<br />
TRACEY, Eddie (Nevada Bobs)<br />
TRAINOR, Barrie (Mayobridge)<br />
TURNER, Paul (Howth)<br />
TWITCHETT, Marcus (GR Learning Ctr)<br />
TWOMEY, Frederick (Muskerry)<br />
VAUGHAN, Paul (Ardglass)<br />
WALKER, Daniel (Rosslare)<br />
WALKER, David (Foxrock)<br />
WALKER, Leslie (Dundalk)<br />
WALSH, Michael (Plus Four Sports)<br />
WARD, Martin (Ennis)<br />
WARDLOW, Gary (Dunmurry)<br />
WHELAN, Sean (Ballinrobe)<br />
WHITEHEAD, Adrian (Ring of Kerry)<br />
WHITFORD, Richard (Knock)<br />
WHITSON, Kevan (Royal Co. Down)<br />
WHYTE, David (Frankfield DR)<br />
WILSON, Barry (Shandon Park)<br />
WOOLFSON, Marc (Royal Dublin)<br />
YATES, Roger (St. Anne’s)<br />
YOUNG, Johnny (Rosslare)<br />
YOUNG, Sean (Foyle GC)<br />
Hodder & Stoughton<br />
Paperweight Publications<br />
BACKSPIN | 29
with PAT CASHMAN<br />
On these pages we feature a selection of<br />
photographs taken by Pat Cashman at various<br />
events on the domestic golf scene.<br />
Visit www.cashmanphotography.ie<br />
Eddie McGroddy and Peter Smyth<br />
celebrate Rosapenna’s Irish<br />
Mixed Foursomes victory<br />
Rosapenna <strong>Golf</strong> Club, winners of the 2012 Irish Mixed Foursomes, sponsored by the Spanish Tourist Board, at Clontarf <strong>Golf</strong> Club. L-R: Front:<br />
Ena Gilroy (Lady Captain, Clontarf GC), Peter Smyth (Team Captain, Rosapenna GC), Marjorie McCorduck (President, ILGU), Eddie McGroddy<br />
(Captain, Rosapenna GC), Ivor McCandless (President-Elect, GUI), Gonzalo Ceballos (Spanish Tourist Board) and Seamus Smith (Captain, Clontarf<br />
GC). Back row: Marty McDermott, Con Boyce, Martyn Carlin, Bernadette North, Terri McBride, Dympna Kelly, Des Killen (President, Clontarf<br />
GC), Orla Lenny, Kit Boyce, Suzanne Gallagher, Frank Casey Jr, Pat Boyce and Enda Kennedy.<br />
Clubs encouraged to support Musgrave/Crumlin Children’s Challenge<br />
Three clubs - Limerick County, Nenagh<br />
and Castleblayney - have successfully<br />
defended the Musgrave sponsored<br />
Crumlin Hospital Club Challenge since it<br />
was launched in 1998 and this is the task<br />
facing Heath <strong>Golf</strong> Club in 2013.<br />
Represented by John Fennell, Joe<br />
Keenan and JB Conroy, the Leinster<br />
champions took the national title in the<br />
grand final in the Algarve last October. The<br />
other finalists were Nenagh, Concra Wood<br />
and Bearna.<br />
The title was decided over 36-holes at<br />
Palmares and the highly rated Christy<br />
30 | BACKSPIN<br />
O’Connor Jnr course at the Oceanico<br />
Amendoeira Resort.<br />
GUI President Fintan Buckley was<br />
present for the 15th national final of a<br />
competition that has raised over €1.5m for<br />
Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin.<br />
<strong>Golf</strong> Clubs nationwide can get involved<br />
in the 2013 Musgrave Crumlin Children’s<br />
Hospital Club Challenge either by including<br />
the three person “Rumble for Crumlin”<br />
competition day in their club’s diary or by<br />
hosting a singles event with the winner,<br />
runner-up and gross winner representing<br />
the club at the Provincial Final.<br />
The competition format allows for all<br />
male, all female or mixed teams.<br />
An entry fee of €50 per team is<br />
recommended with a view to raising<br />
€1,000 per participating club (20 teams),<br />
but the fee is at each club’s discretion.<br />
All funds raised through entry fees go<br />
directly to Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital<br />
thanks to the generous support provided by<br />
The Musrave Group, who cover all the<br />
expenses associated with the event.<br />
Entry forms for the 2013 event can be<br />
obtained by contacting event co-ordinator<br />
Pat Cashman at litia@eircom.net
Brian Casey triumphs<br />
Mullingar <strong>Golf</strong> Club Captain, John G Kelly<br />
presenting the 2012 Grant Thornton<br />
Mullingar Scratch trophy to Brian Casey<br />
(Headfort). Also in the picture below are (from<br />
left) Paul Ralaigh (Grant Thornton), Fintan<br />
Buckley (President, GUI) and Noel Delaney<br />
(Grant Thornton).<br />
Left: Local golfer Des Morgan finished 3rd in the<br />
2012 Grant Thornton Mullingar Scratch trophy.<br />
Above left: Maria Dunne (Skerries) and Eoin Arthurs (Forrest Little) winners<br />
of the East of Ireland Mixed Foursomes Championship at the K Club pictured<br />
with Anne O'Sullivan (ILGU Eastern District Chairman), Jim Kirwan (Captain,<br />
K Club) and John Ferriter (Hon Secretary, Leinster GUI).<br />
Above right: Joe McNamara (Hon Treasurer, Leinster GUI) presenting the<br />
Leinster Seniors' Amateur Open Championship trophy to Brendan<br />
McDonnell (K Club) at Waterford GC. Also pictured are runner-up John<br />
Mitchell (Tramore) and George Walsh (President, Waterford GC).<br />
Left: The winning Stackstown team in the final of the Metropolitan Trophy<br />
at Stackstown. Front row: Gary Ryan, Conor O’Mara, Eamon Flaherty (Vice-<br />
Captain), Dermot Gregan (Captain), John Ferriter (Leinster GUI), Stephen<br />
Stewart (Team Manager), Gerry Carter (President) Martin Cleary and Tom<br />
Collins. Back row: David Horan, Dave McNamara, Ciaran O’Rourke, Jim<br />
Kavanagh, Ritchie Ryan, Eoin Cotter, Mateo Crowley, Stephen Whelan,<br />
Damien Mulvey and Enda O’Halloran.<br />
Photo: Ronan Quinlan<br />
Left: The 2012 finalists in the Musgrave<br />
Crumlin Hospital All-Ireland Club Challenge<br />
final pictured at the O'Connor Jnr course in<br />
the Algarve, Portugal. Included in the picture<br />
are Joe Quinsey of the Childrens Medical &<br />
Research Foundation, Pat Cashman<br />
(Tournament Co-ordinator), Fintan Buckley,<br />
President of the GUI, Chris Martin, Group<br />
CEO, Musgrave Group, Norma O’Sullivan and<br />
Adrian Grey, Musgrave Group, and Supervalu<br />
retailers, Dominic McKenna, Pat McNamara<br />
and Cathal O’Gorman.<br />
The teams were, Leinster, The Heath GC:<br />
Joe Keenan, JB Conroy, John Fennell & Kevin<br />
Wolfe (vice-Captain); Connaught, Bearna GC:<br />
Tom Hillary, John Darby, Pat Ward and<br />
Brendan McLaughlin (Captain); Munster,<br />
Nenagh GC: Jim Whelehan, Mark O’Dwyer,<br />
Noel O’Dwyer, Sean Minogue (Captain) and<br />
Breda Fitzgibbon (Lady Captain); Ulster,<br />
Concra Wood GC: Noel Flanagan, Noel<br />
O’Reilly, Seán Whelan and Andy Whelan<br />
(President).<br />
Photo: Ronan Quinlan<br />
BACKSPIN | 31
PARTING SHOT from the Editor...<br />
BUBBA WATSON<br />
Pic courtesy of GMS<br />
Leading professionals<br />
equipped for battle<br />
Three of the top equipment brands – Nike <strong>Golf</strong>, PING and<br />
Callaway <strong>Golf</strong> – made significant announcements concerning<br />
staff players prior to the start of the 2013 season.<br />
Rory McIlroy’s mega-million<br />
dollar endorsement deal with<br />
Nike <strong>Golf</strong> instantly places<br />
the 23-year-old Holywood<br />
superstar amongst the world’s sporting<br />
elite in terms of sponsorship earnings.<br />
With two majors already in the bag<br />
it’s on the cards that Rory will dominate<br />
the game for years to come, in the same<br />
way that Nike <strong>Golf</strong> stablemate Tiger<br />
Woods did between 1997 and 2006.<br />
Indeed, Rory has the tools to<br />
emulate, maybe even surpass, the<br />
record of eighteen major titles set by<br />
Jack Nicklaus.<br />
Whatever unfolds for the richly<br />
talented Ulsterman over the coming<br />
years, Nike <strong>Golf</strong> can certainly expect to<br />
benefit considerably from their<br />
association with golf’s new poster boy.<br />
At the announcement of the multiyear<br />
arrangement on the eve of the Abu<br />
Dhabi Championship in January, Cindy<br />
Davis, President of Nike <strong>Golf</strong>, remarked,<br />
“Rory is an extraordinary athlete who<br />
creates enormous excitement with his<br />
on-course performances while, at the<br />
same time, connecting with fans<br />
everywhere. He is the epitome of a Nike<br />
Athlete, and he is joining our team<br />
during the most exciting time in Nike<br />
<strong>Golf</strong>’s history. We are looking forward to<br />
partnering with him to take his<br />
remarkable career to the next level.”<br />
RYO ISHIKAWA<br />
Pic courtesy of<br />
Callaway <strong>Golf</strong><br />
There have also been significant<br />
announcements recently by two other<br />
premier equipment manufacturers,<br />
PING and Callaway <strong>Golf</strong>.<br />
Three players riding high in the<br />
World’s top-10 at the start of 2013 -<br />
Louis Oosthuizen, Lee Westwood and<br />
Bubba Watson - have extended their<br />
contract arrangements with the iconic<br />
Pheonix-based PING company.<br />
Commenting on the multi-year<br />
contracts, John A. Solheim, PING<br />
Chairman & CEO. said, “Personally, it<br />
has been gratifying to watch these men<br />
progress in their careers and achieve<br />
the potential they first showed at very<br />
young ages. Success in this sport is<br />
tremendously hard to achieve, and to<br />
sustain their high level of play over<br />
many years is a testament to how hard<br />
they work, which enables them to get<br />
the most out of their unique talents.<br />
We’re proud to have played a role in<br />
helping them reach an elite level by<br />
providing them with custom-fit<br />
equipment, and supporting them on<br />
tour. Louis, Lee and Bubba are<br />
wonderful global representatives for the<br />
PING brand.”<br />
Meantime, two rising stars - Ryo<br />
Ishikawa and Kristoffer Broberg - have<br />
joined the Callaway <strong>Golf</strong> team of Staff<br />
Professionals.<br />
With ten Japanese Tour wins under<br />
his belt by the age of 21, Ryo Ishikawa<br />
has already gained legend status in his<br />
native land and huge things are<br />
expected of him in the future.<br />
Broberg, a 26-year-old Swede, is a<br />
rising star in Europe.<br />
Last August he shot 75-under-par in<br />
a four-tournament stretch on the<br />
Challenge Tour. Three victories and a<br />
runner-up spot catapulted him to 2nd<br />
place in the end of year rankings and<br />
earned him a place on this season’s<br />
European Tour.<br />
Editorial, Advertising<br />
& Accounts:<br />
“Birkdale”,<br />
4, Rathmichael Manor,<br />
Loughlinstown,<br />
County Dublin, Ireland.<br />
Email: golfbiz@eircom.net<br />
Tel: (00.353.1) 2827269<br />
32 | BACKSPIN<br />
CELEBRATING 14 YEARS ON THE IRISH MARKET<br />
www.backspingolfmagazine.com
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01 281 2555 or email golf.membership@druidsglenresort.com<br />
All prices include vat<br />
RANKED AMONGST IRELAND’S TOP-10 LINKS COURSES IN BACKSPIN’S LAST THREE POLLS<br />
The Island <strong>Golf</strong> Club <strong>Golf</strong>graffix App is now available to download free to your smart phone.<br />
Please visit our website www.theislandgolfclub.com or Itunes and type ‘theislandgolfclub golfgraffix’ to download.<br />
Features include full course guide and video of each hole<br />
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @islandgolfclub<br />
T: 01-8436205 F: 01-8436860 E: info@theislandgolfclub.com W: www.theislandgolfclub.com