Irish Golfer Series tees off at balmy Baltray with a hole-in-one

Irish Golfer
|
|

Darran Flynn Hole in one at Baltray

Irish Golfer

Feature Interviews

Latest Stories

The sun shone on the opening day of the Irish Golfer Event Series 2019 and there was plenty of hot scoring to match at a pristine Baltray.

With the wind mercifully quiet and the links offering ample fairway run, 124 golfers took their chance and with more than €5,000 worth of prizes up for grabs, the competition was fierce.

Category Two perhaps proved most compelling with Darran Flynn edging out Carton House’s Declan Meagher on countback for the ‘W’. Flynn went home with a Taylormade M6 Driver for the effort but that only told half the story as the Irish Golfer Series witnessed its first ever hole-in-one thanks to an inspired Flynn.

play-sharp-fill

The Waterford Castle man landed his maiden ace on the par-3 seventh. With his playing partners deceived by the unassuming short hole, Flynn clubbed up to ensure he cleared the awaiting trap, but beyond that he was clueless as to the fate of his ball.

“I had an eight in my hand and I saw the two boys going into the bunker short so I thought I better hit seven,” said a beaming Flynn.

“I didn’t even realise it went in to be honest! It went over the bunker and I thought, sure that’ll be grand. Next thing we’re walking down and there’s lads leaping up and down and I’m wondering, what’s wrong with them?!

“I couldn’t believe it. It feels great!”

Incredible scenes Darron, great playing!

Joseph McKenna took home third spot in Category Two and a Taylormade Hi-Toe lob-wedge to go with it.

There was top quality scoring elsewhere too. In the Gross Prize, Ian Lynch was a worthy winner after taking advantage of conditions to fire a three-under par 69 at County Louth. Lynch took top spot on a countback after flying home in just 31 strokes to set a stern benchmark for the gross category ahead of the Irish Golfer season.

In Category One, Jason Ryan’s 41 points off 10 was good enough to oust Ger Tracey’s 40 off 8 with Ryan taking home a Taylormade M5 Driver for the effort. Tracey had consolation in taking home an M5 3-wood while Eugene Ryan’s 39 points grabbed him a podium finish and a Taylormade Hi-Toe wedge.

While last but not least, Aisling Costelloe took out the Ladies Category with a superb 39 points playing off 14. The Gowran Park golfer fought off a spirited display by Elaine McLoughlin to pip the win on countback, taking home a Taylormade Kalea Driver for a wonderful performance.

 

There was further opportunity for prizes in the Long Drive competition for both ladies and men. Maura Madden took home the women’s prize of a Taylormade 2019 stand-bag while Lar Ryan beat all in the men’s category to take home a stand-bag of his own.

With our most recent competition winner, Darragh Curran having just returned from an historic visit to Augusta National, a trip to the 2020 Masters is now up for grabs for all 124 golfers who teed up today, while those competing at any event in the Irish Golfer series will be put in the draw for Augusta also.

Thanks to all the staff at Baltray for making it a start to remember for Irish Golfer Events in 2019. The course was in superb condition, the sun shone and the benchmark has been set for what should be a great series.

The second of our 14 events nationwide takes us to the Montgomerie Course at Carton House with limited spots still available. Competitions are singles stableford and are open to all with a GUI/ILGU handicap.

With over €5,000 worth of prizes up for grabs at each event, live scoring and first tee announcements for all players, don’t miss your chance to be part of the ultimate Tour experience.

If you have any queries or wish to be added to our mailing list for event updates contact Irish Golfer on events@irishgolfer.ie or call the events team on 01 5036090 / 5036099.

 

FULL RESULTS FROM BALTRAY:

CATEGORY 1 (Handicap – up to 11)

1st Prize – TaylorMade M5 Tour Driver – Jason Ryan 41 off 10 Handicap

2nd Prize – TaylorMade M5 Tour 3 wood – Ger Tracey 40 Handicap

3rd Prize – TaylorMade 60 degree Hi-Toe wedge – Eugene Ryan 39 off 11 Handicap

 

CATEGORY 2 (Handicap 12-24 / 36 Ladies)

1st Prize – TaylorMade M6 Driver – Darran Flynn 40 off 13 Handicap (BB9)

2nd Prize – TaylorMade M6 3 wood – Declan Meagher 40 off 24 Handicap

3rd Prize – TaylorMade 60 degree Hi-Toe wedge – Joseph McKenna 39 off 19 Handicap

 

LADIES CATEGORY (Handicap up to 36 max)

1st Prize – TaylorMade Kalea Driver – Aisling Costelloe 39 off 14 (BB9)

2nd Prize – TaylorMade Kalea 3 wood Elaine McLoughlin 39 off 22

3rd Prize – TaylorMade Kalea Rescue – Deirdre O’Connor 38 off 23

 

Longest Drive – 3rd HOLE

LADIES – TaylorMade 2019 Stand Bag – Maura Madden

GENTS – TaylorMade 2019 Stand Bag – Lar Ryan

 

Nearest the Pin – 15th HOLE

Motocaddy S1 Digital 2019 Lithium Golf Trolley – David Kearney 45’’

Hole-in-One – Darran Flynn – 7th

Best Gross

Golfbuddy LR7 Laser – Ian Lynch (69) BB9 (home in -4!)

 

Stay ahead of the game. Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest Irish Golfer news straight to your inbox!

More News

Leave a comment


The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy & Terms of Service apply.