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Therese O’Leary, Parknasilla, Catherine Murphy, Beaufort, pictured with Jenny Pigott, winner of the ladies section of The Kerryman Captain’s Challenge.
CASTLEGREGORY Golf and Fishing Club played host to The Kerryman Captain’s Challenge on the Dr Arthur G Spring designed course on Saturday last.
With the weather more akin to Spain than West Kerry on the October Bank Holiday weekend, the course was shown at its pristine best to all visiting golfers.
The sun shone bright in a clear blue sky, reflecting off the azure waters of Lough Gill and Brandon Bay. In a very relaxed atmosphere, the participants enjoyed tea/coffee and scone on arrival, prior to the shotgun start.
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Visitors were greeted by Club Captain and Tournament Director, Mike Mercer and club secretary, Eddie Hanafin, who made the draw for golfers, going out in three balls.
The competition, for all Captain’s Prizewinners of Kerry golf clubs, ladies and gents, was 18 holes singles stableford. Local knowledge proved decisive in the Men’s competition, where Castlegregory’s Tommy King, had a clear lead over his fellow competitors.
Tommy who is incidentally, club vice-captain and treasurer, had 39pts on his card, which ensured he was taking home the magnificent perpetual Waterford Crystal Trophy. Geoffrey O’Mahony, representing Dooks and David Walsh, Parknasilla, were second and third respectively.
In the ladies competition, the scoring was much closer than the gents section. After scrutinising the cards to make sure everything was in order, Jenny Pigott, representing Dooks Golf Club, was declared the winner. Jenny had one point to spare over Mags Hayes, Tralee Golf Club with Julianne Browne, Castleisland, in third place.
The guest prize went to Castlegregory member, Carmel Kearney, who pipped Club Chairman, Tom Moriarty.
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Pictured at the Kerryman Captain’s Challenge on Saturday last, from left: Desmond Fitzerald, Mike Mercer, Captain Castlegregory GC, Mags Hayes, Tralee, Tom Moriarty, Jenny Pigott, Dooks, Tomm King, Castlegregory, Paul Brennan, Sports Editor The Kerryman, Julianne Browne, Castleisland, David Walsh, Parknasilla, Patrician Goodwin, Lady President Mary Calnan, Carmel Kearney and Eddie Hanafin, Castlegregory.
Following golf, the participants and guests, adjourned to Tomaisin’s Restaurant, Stradbally for dinner and presentation of prizes. Castlegregory Captain, Mike Mercer and Paul Brennan, Kerryman Sports Editor, were on hand to welcome all.
Mike thanked all who had represented their clubs and hoped they enjoyed the competition, the facilities of Castlegregory Golf Club and the hospitality extended. It is hoped that the tournament will be an annual fixture in Castlegregory Golf Club.
He also thanked Mr John Feerick, Managing Director of The Kerryman, for sponsoring the tournament. The Management Committee of Castlegregory Golf Club were also thanked for granting the use of the course and club on the day.
Also present was Desmond Fitzgerald, who was one of the people who inaugurated the competition, when he was Captain of Tralee Golf Club.
Paul Brennan, representing The Kerryman, said he was delighted to see the competition up and running, having been dormant for a number of years. He thanked Castlegregory Golf Club for hosting the competition and wished them continued success with the tournament in the future.
