Cork Golf Club welcomed the return of the Irish Golfer Series for 2020 with golfers hungry for competition taking part in our first event since Covid-19.
A steady wind all day ensured players would be severely tested but the rain mercifully held off for the most part to allow some impressive scoring around the pristine track.
With three categories in operation this year once more and over €5,000 in prizes, it was all systems go for the starting field but try as they might, there was no catching Monkstown’s Brian Kenny who claimed the top prize in Category One – a TaylorMade SIM Driver and a place in this year’s Grand Final – with a stunning 41 points off 8.
Out in the best part of the day – mid-afternoon – Kenny took advantage of conditions to edge out Muskerry’s Olan Buckley who fired an admirable 39 points off 6 with his better back nine pushing Cahir Park’s Paul Eivers, who shot the same number off a 2 handicap, into third.
In Category Two, it was again a case of conditions easing and having the skill to take advantage that saw late starter, Kenneth Condon claim top spot with another whopping 41 points, this time off 14.
The Fermoy swinger, who teed off just before 5pm, led home Rathdowney’s Mark Tobin who fired a quality 40 points off 15. Tobin’s better back nine edged Castlemartyr’s Bernard Rohan into third place on countback.
There was a competitive turnout in the ladies category too that meant the large contingent from Kinsale had their work cut out to claim top honours. However, there was no stopping Ann Daly who didn’t have far to travel from Kinsale to triumph at Cork Golf Club.
Off a 15 handicap, Daly’s 38 points proved untouchable on the day where she put her name on a new TaylorMade SIM Max Driver plus a place in this year’s Grand Final.
Not far behind were her clubmates from Kinsale, Mary O’Hare and Liz O’Neill who filled the podium places with 35 and 34 points respectfully in a superb showing from the local crew.
In the Nearest the Pin competition, Eugene Ryan from Rathdowney broke the heart of Hilary Clein after both players lay their approach to 4′ 2″ on the tricky par-3 13th. In the end, the Motocaddy S1 Electric Trolley went to Ryan who managed to hole the birdie putt after the competition came down to who scored better on the hole.
There was more joy for Kinsale in the Long Drive competition on hole 15 where Rose Harrington’s booming effort took out the ladies prize while Muskerry’s David Lane showed off his best Bryson DeChambeau impression to take the men’s prize. Both players claim Taylormade stand bags for the effort.
While last but not least, he came off the course puffing but it was relief in the end for Thurles star Lar Ryan who took out the Gross contest with a smashing 72 wallops off the stick after going out in the toughest part of the day.
Thanks again to everyone who took part and well done to all of our winners, especially our category winners who we will see at our Grand Final later this year. A member of our events team will get in contact with you early next week to arrange collection or delivery of your prize.
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