Picture - Backspin Golf Magazine

Paul McGinley 

2013 NEW YEAR/SPRING ISSUE €2.95 incl. VAT 

Pic by © GETTY IMAGES 

Also inside: 

• Who’s Who In Irish Golf 

• Record of Irish Champions 

Paul McGinley 

A perfect captain 

Mount Juliet 

Course Rankings 

Focus on 

Srixon staff player 

G-Mac pic by ACTION IMAGES 

ISSN 1393 - 9122 

04 

9 771393 912027 

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ISSN 1393 - 9122 

EDITOR’S COMMENT... 

an inspired choice 

for ‘Ryder’ captaincy 

Pic by © GETTY IMAGES 

Paul McGinley 

2013 NEW YEAR/SPRING ISSUE €2.95 incl. VAT 

Paul McGinley 

A perfect captain 

Mount Juliet 

Course Rankings 

Focus on 

Srixon staff player 

Also inside: 

• Who’s Who In Irish Golf 

• Record of Irish Champions 

9 771393 912027 

EQUIPMENT: PING LAUNCH STRIKING NEW G25 SERIES 

FRONT COVER: Main photo of 

Graeme McDowell taken by Action 

Images during the 2012 Open 

Championship at Royal Lytham. 

Inset pic of Paul McGinley on cover 

and below taken by © Getty Images. 

PAUL McGINLEY 

04 

G-Mac pic by ACTION IMAGES 

At long last we can celebrate the first Irishman to captain 

a Ryder Cup team against the United States of America. 

It’s a massive honour for popular 46-year-old Dubliner 

Paul McGinley and richly deserved. 

There were hopes that it might happen in 2006, when Ireland staged the Ryder Cup for 

the first time, and it’s puzzling why Ryder Cup legend Christy O’Connor Snr was overlooked 

in the 1970s when the honour should have been bestowed upon him. 

Ireland has made a massive contribution to the Ryder Cup down the years and the man 

chosen to lead Europe into battle against the Americans at Gleneagles next year is an 

inspired choice for the role. 

Paul McGinley is the consummate professional. He is passionate about golf and a 

wonderful ambassador for the game at home and abroad. 

As a player he was a member of three consecutive and victorious European Ryder Cup 

teams (2002-2006) and, of course, he held the winning putt at The Belfry in 2002. 

He has outstanding captaincy credentials. Not only has he played a crucial role as a 

vice-captain in Europe’s last two Ryder Cup wins at Celtic Manor and Medinah respectively, 

he has also been captain of two winning Great Britain and Ireland teams in the Vivendi 

Seve Trophy, defeating Continental Europe in both 2009 and 2011. 

Richard Hills, Europe’s Ryder Cup Director, said: “We are delighted that Paul has 

accepted the invitation of the Tournament Committee to take up the role as Captain for 

2014. Having played in three Ryder Cups, Paul has an innate understanding of every 

attribute required to be a successful Captain. 

“Paul’s meticulous nature and his passion for the 

strategic aspects of the Captain’s role have been evident 

for many years, through his role as a Ryder Cup Vice- 

Captain and as Captain of the Great Britain and Ireland 

Team in the Vivendi Seve Trophy. We already know that 

he will leave no stone unturned in his quest to retain The 

Ryder Cup at Gleneagles in September 2014.” 

Yours in Golf, 

DECLAN O’DONOGHUE, Publisher / Editor 

Publisher / Editor: 

Declan O’Donoghue 

Guest Writers: 

Mark Jones, Ewen Murray, Philip Quinn, Colm Smith 

Photography & Art: 

Reuters-Action Images (London), Alan Bleakley, 

Pat Cashman, Noel Kelly 

Creation & Design: The Golf Business 

Typesetting & Colour Repro: Esther Behan 

Printers: GPS Colour Graphics 

Distribution: EM News, Newspread, The Golf Business 

Advertisement Sales: The Golf Business 

Cover Price: €2.95 (incl VAT) 

NEXT ISSUE: Masters Review 2013 

DISCLAIMER: The copyright of all matter appearing in BACKSPIN is reserved by The Golf Business, and no matter may be reproduced or stored in any way without the 

written consent of the editor. The articles which appear in this magazine reflect the opinions of their authors and the Publisher. The Golf Business assumes no 

responsibility for the contents or accuracy of advertisements appearing in BACKSPIN, nor for the return of unsolicited manuscripts, art or photography. 

BACKSPIN | 1

for 

These are exciting times for Srixon staff player 

Graeme McDowell. He signed off 2012 in a 

blaze of glory with victory in the World 

Challenge in California and the 2010 US Open 

champion returns to action fresh, focused and 

fired-up for more fireworks in this year’s Majors. 

Here we focus the spotlight on one of the most 

outstanding talents in world golf. 

2 | BACKSPIN

Feature photos by 

REUTERS / 

ACTION IMAGES 

Graeme McDowell is a 

Srixon staff player. 

www.srixon.co.uk 

Left: Graeme has reasons to be 

cheerful following his victory in the 

World Challenge at Thousand Oaks in 

California last December. 

Opposite page: Graeme splashes 

from a bunker during the 2012 World 

Challenge. 

Below: G-Mac with the 2012 World 

Challenge Trophy. 

At age 33 G-Mac can reflect on a 

remarkable career in golf illuminated 

by a bunch of victories including his 

first Major title at Pebble Beach in 2010. 

However, G-Mac is not the type of guy who 

dwells too much on the past. He’s focused on 

the future and right now the world is his 

oyster. 

He’ll never forget 2010, that’s for sure. In 

addition to his breakthrough in the Majors he 

recorded three other victories and sealed 

Europe’s memorable Ryder Cup win at Celtic 

Manor by defeating Hunter Mahan in the allimportant 

singles match. 

The pace slowed in 2011 as he adjusted to 

the stresses and strains of life as a Major 

winner, but there were signs towards the end 

of that season that he was starting to turn 

things around and get back in the groove. 

In October he tied 3rd in the Alfred Dunhill 

Links Championship in Scotland, with rounds 

of 67+67+67+69, and he scored another 

top-3 finish in the WGC-HSBC Champions 

event with rounds of 69+69+67+67. 

A tie for 13th in the Barclays Singapore 

Open and tie for 11th in the Dubai World 

Championship followed and raised his hopes 

for 2012. 

continued... 

BACKSPIN | 3

for 

Below: G-Mac in action on his way 

to victory in the 2012 World 

Challenge at Thousand Oaks in 

California. 

Photograph taken by 

REUTERS / ACTION IMAGES 

He certainly bounced back in style in 2012 

with his game returning to the boil. 

He was fast out of the blocks last year with 

a third place finish in Abu Dhabi in January 

followed by a runner-up finish to Tiger in the 

Arnold Palmer Invitational in March. 

Two weeks later he recorded his best finish 

in The Masters at Augusta, firing a closing 68 

to tie for 12th spot. 

He came agonisingly close to winning the 

Volvo World Matchplay Championship the 

following month, but lost in the final to 

Nicolas Colsaerts. 

In June a second US Open title loomed 

large as he was tied for the lead entering the 

final act with rounds of 69+72+68, however a 

slow front nine proved costly and despite a 

rousing finish he had to settle for runner-up 

spot with Michael Thompson behind Webb 

Simpson. 

G-Mac was also tied for the lead entering 

the final round of The Open Championship 

four weeks later at Royal Lytham & St. Annes. 

Opening rounds of 67+69+67 left him 

snapping at the heels of pacesetter Adam 

Scott. However, Sunday was a tough day at 

the office and he battled hard to finish 5th. 

The following month, in the USPGA 

Championship at Kiawah Island, runaway 

winner Rory McIlroy stole the limelight with a 

sensational performance but G-Mac stuck to 

his guns and posted rounds of 68+76+71+71 

to ensure that he finished top-12 in all four 

Majors in 2012. 

He took time out in November and got 

engaged to his longtime girlfriend Kristin 

Stape, a top interior designer in her native 

Florida. Not one to do things by half, G-Mac 

proposed to Kristin on the 656ft high helipad 

at the iconic Burg Al Arab Hotel in Dubai! 

A month later he was back in the winner’s 

enclosure for the first time in two years. 

California is a happy hunting ground for 

the richly talented Northern Irishman and, 

two years after beating Tiger Woods in a 

play-off at the Sherwood Country Club, he 

rose to the challenge again with a sizzling 

performance to take his second World 

Challenge title. 

G-Mac upstaged the elite 18-man field 

with a confident display. He entered the final 

round with a two stroke lead and fired a 68 to 

finish three clear of Srixon/Cleveland Golf 

stablemate Keegan Bradley. 

At the presentation ceremony he 

remarked, “This event has been incredibly 

good to me. This one feels even more 

amazing. It just puts me in a nicer frame of 

mind going into the offseason.” 

G-Mac’s focus is now on this year’s Majors 

at Augusta National (April 11-14), Merion 

(June 13-16), Muirfield (July 18-21) and the 

East Course at Oak Hill Country Club in 

Rochester, New York (August 8-11). 

All the signs are pointing towards Major 

No.2 for one of the toughest and most 

determined competitors in world golf. 

continued... 

All the signs are 

pointing towards 

Major No.2 for one 

of the toughest and 

most determined 

competitors in 

world golf 

4 | BACKSPIN

It’s not the taking part 

It’s the winning 

year after year after year after year after year after year 

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 

At Srixon, we’re all about the winning. So much so that winning golfers have made 

us the UK’s top-selling 2-piece ball brand for the last six years in a row * . If the ball you’re 

currently using isn’t a Srixon,then quite simply you’ve yet to fi nd the winning choice for you. 

Go to www.srixon.co.uk today to fi nd the right ball for your game! 

*SPORTS MARKETING SURVEYS INC & GOLF DATATECH RETAIL AUDITS

for 

continued... 

Throughout his career, both as an 

amateur and professional, Graeme McDowell 

has been a stand-out performer in big events. 

His big break as an amateur came in 2000 

when he won the Irish Youths Championship 

and both the South of Ireland and Irish 

Amateur Close titles. He was on his way. 

He was a member of the 2001 GB&Ireland 

team that retained the Walker Cup at Sea 

Island in Georgia. He partnered fellow 

Northerner Michael Hoey to victory in both 

foursomes sessions. 

And prior to turning professional in 2002, 

he was the top-ranked Collegiate golfer in 

America while representing the University of 

Alabama. 

The transition from amateur to 

professional golf can be a daunting 

experience, but G-Mac hit the ground 

running. He scored his maiden Tour victory in 

the Scandinavian Masters in just his fourth 

start as a professional. 

He made steady progress and his game 

moved to a new level in 2008 with victories in 

the Ballantine’s Championship and Barclays 

Scottish Open sealing his Ryder Cup debut at 

Valhalla later that season. 

The following year he maintained the pace 

with top-20 finishes in The Masters, US Open 

and USPGA Championship. 

G-Mac’s CV in the Major Championships 

is impressive...29 appearances as a pro, one 

win, one runner-up slot, 3 top-5s, 4 top-10s 

and 13 top 25s. 

He also thrives in the white heat of Ryder 

Cup battle. He has made three appearances 

in the biennial team event (2008, 2010 and 

2012) and registered a solid 50% strike rate 

in his twelve matches with five victories and 

two half points. 

Right: 

Another putt drops for G-Mac 

during the World Challenge in 

California last December...a win 

that sets him up for a big 2013. 

Feature photos by 

REUTERS / 

ACTION IMAGES 

6 | BACKSPIN 

G-Mac Factfile 

Full Name: Graeme McDowell 

Born: 30th July 1979, Portrush, N.Ireland 

Height/weight: 5ft 11’ and 12st 

Interests: Cars, snooker & Manchester United 

Status: Engaged to Kristin Stape 

Amateur highlights: 1999 - Irish Youths C’ship, 

2000 - Irish Youths, South of Ireland C’ship, Irish 

Amateur Close C’ship, World Universities C’ship; 

2001 - Conference USA Player of the Year; 2001 

& 2002 - Ranked No.1 Collegiate player in USA; 

Representative (as an amateur): Ireland 1997- 

2001, Palmer Cup 2000/2001, Walker Cup 2001 

Turned Pro: 2002 

Tournament Wins: 2002 - Volvo Scandinavian 

Masters; 2004 - Italian Open; 2008 - Ballantine's 

C’ship, Barclays Scottish Open; 2010 - Celtic 

Manor Wales Open, US Open, Andalucia 

Valderrama Masters, Chevron World Challenge; 

2012 - World Challenge 

Ryder Cup: 2008, 2010 and 2012 

World Ranking (mid Jan 2013): 17th

What’s in G-Mac’s bag 

G-Mac used the following equipment when 

he won the 2012 World Golf Challenge in 

California... 

Driver: Cleveland Classic 290, 9.0°, with 

Miyazaki Kusala Indigo 52X shaft 

Fairway: Cleveland Launcher FL with 

Miyazaki Kusala 72X shaft 

Irons: Srixon Z-TX II irons (4-9) with Project 

X 6.5 shafts 

Wedges: Cleveland 588 Forged Wedges - 

48, 54 & 58° 

Ball: Srixon Z-Star XV ball . 

To view the full range of 

Srixon & Cleveland golf products visit 

www.srixon.co.uk 

G-Mac’s results in the last 16 majors 

2009 Venue Position Scores 

US Masters Augusta National 17th 69 + 73 + 73 + 69 

US Open Bethpage 18th 69 + 72 + 69 + 74 

British Open Turnberry (Ailsa) 34th 68 + 73 + 71 + 73 

USPGA Hazeltine National 10th 70 + 75 + 71 + 72 

2010 

US Masters Augusta National MC 75 + 74 

US Open Pebble Beach Winner 71 + 68 + 71 + 74 

British Open St. Andrews 23rd 71 + 68 + 76 + 70 

USPGA Whistling Straits MC 76 + 71 

2011 

US Masters Augusta National MC 74 + 73 

US Open Congressional 14th 70 + 74 + 69 + 69 

British Open Royal St. Georges MC 68 + 77 

USPGA Atlanta Athletic Club MC 74 + 78 

2012 

US Masters Augusta National 12th 75 + 72 + 71 + 68 

US Open The Olympic Club 2nd 69 + 72 + 68 + 73 

British Open Royal Lytham 5th 67 + 69 + 67 + 75 

USPGA Kiawah Island 11th 68 + 76 + 71 + 71 

Above: A classic all-action study of 

G-Mac taken during the 2012 World 

Challenge at Thousand Oaks in 

California. 

Graeme McDowell is a Srixon 

staff player. He is represented 

by Horizon Sports Management 

in Dublin, who also manage 

Rory McIlroy. 

BACKSPIN | 7

BACKSPIN’S 2012/13 Irish Course Rankings Poll 

Mount Juliet 

Fresh approach 

benefits Irish golf 

Links & parkland jewels share the spotlight 

In 2007 BACKSPIN broke fresh ground by becoming the 

first publication ever to conduct a poll which ranked 

Ireland’s links and parkland courses separately. This 

pioneering and imaginative approach creates a greater 

awareness and appreciation of the quality and variety 

of the Irish golf product and, significantly, it provides 

our wonderful links and parkland courses with the 

stand alone recognition they richly deserve. 

Royal Portrush 

– Dunluce 

1st Links category 

Waterville 

8 | BACKSPIN 

5th Links category 

How can one even start to compare links 

jewels like Royal Portrush and Royal 

County Down with parkland classics like 

Mount Juliet and the Palmer course at the K 

Club 

They are, after all, two entirely different 

forms of golf. 

That was the thinking behind the fresh 

approach this magazine took when we 

conducted our first biennial Irish golf course 

rankings poll at the end of 2007. 

Our imaginative and original approach 

serves to showcase Irish golf in a completely 

new light and provides our top links and 

parkland courses with the stand alone 

recognition they richly deserve. 

Irish golf is blessed with several of the finest 

links courses in the world. 

Golfers will always cherish visits to such 

majestic settings as Royal Portrush, Royal 

Co. Down, Portmarnock, The European Club, 

Waterville, Lahinch, Ballybunion, Baltray, 

Rosses Point, The Island, Ballyliffin, Tralee, 

Doonbeg...the list goes on. 

Our world class links courses will be talked 

about in glowing terms until eternity, and rightly 

so, but significantly there’s a growing awareness 

and appreciation at home and abroad of 

Ireland’s wealth of outstanding parkland 

courses. 

Parkland courses have staged many of the 

biggest events in Irish golf in recent times.

1st Parkland category 

BACKSPIN’S VOTING PANEL 

3rd biennial poll - 2012/13 - first published January 2012 

IRISH PROFESSIONALS 

Raymond Burns 

Eddie Doyle 

Peter Hanna 

David Higgins 

Liam Higgins 

Francis Howley 

Brendan McGovern 

David Mortimer 

Keith Bardon 

Michael Burns 

Colin Byrne 

Michael Coote 

Karen Delaney 

Barry Doyle 

Eddie Dunne 

Jody Fanagan 

Mark Gannon 

Loyal Goulding 

Niall Goulding 

Dougie Heather 

John L. Hughes 

Helen Jones 

Pat Cashman 

Cathal Dervan 

Paul Gallagher 

Shay Keenan 

Brian Keogh 

Denis Kirwan 

IRISH AMATEURS 

GOLFING MEDIA 

Christy O’Connor Jnr. 

Denis O’Sullivan 

Peter O’Hagan 

Des Smyth 

Gordon Smyth 

Paul Thompson 

Philip Walton 

Ken Kearney 

Enda Lonergan 

Mary McKenna 

Harry McKinney 

Sheena McElroy 

Seamus McParland 

Adrian Morrow 

Christy Moylan 

Pat Murray 

Peter O’Hara 

Paddy O’Looney 

Eddie Power 

Eileen Rose Power 

Barry Reddan 

Declan O'Donoghue 

Philip Quinn 

John Redmond 

Ray Scott 

Colm Smith 

Liam Spratt 

The Jack Nicklaus signature course at Mount 

Juliet has hosted the WGC AmEx Championship 

and Irish Open...the K Club’s Palmer course 

staged the 2006 Ryder Cup...and other top-10 

ranked courses Adare, Killarney Killeen, Druids 

Glen, Killeen Castle and The Heritage have all 

staged major professional events. 

Our 3rd biennial Irish course rankings poll - 

as first published in January 2012 - reflects the 

views of 55 experienced and opinionated 

personalities with a strong appreciation of the 

Irish golfing landscape. 

Our voting panel includes players with Ryder 

Cup, Walker Cup and Curtis Cup experience, 

Irish PGA members, distinguished amateurs, 

prominent administrators, media figures and 

other respected personalities who are, quite 

simply, passionate about golf. 

For Royal Portrush our latest poll represents 

a significant breakthrough. The 1951 Open 

Championship venue, ranked 3rd in our two 

previous polls, soars above Portmarnock and 

Royal County Down on this occasion. 

For Mount Juliet there is the distinction of 

being voted Ireland’s No. 1 Parkland Course for 

a third consecutive time and by a convincing 

margin once again. 

Our 2012/13 poll results appear on the 

following pages and have been conveyed to 

thousands of key people across all spectrums of 

Irish and international golf via our website... 

www.backspingolfmagazine.com continued... 

PARKLAND COURSES 

36 

37 

38 

39 

40 

41 

42 

43 

44 

45 

46 

47 

48 

49 

50 

51 

52 

53 

54 

55 

56 

57 

58 

59 

60 

61 

62 

63 

A 

HEADFORT (New) 

HEADFORT (Old) 

HERMITAGE 

HILTON TEMPLEPATRICK 

HOLYWOOD 

HOWTH 

K CLUB (Palmer) 

K CLUB (Smurfit) 

KILKENNY 

KILLARNEY (Killeen) 

KILLARNEY (Mahony's Point) 

KILLEEN CASTLE 

KNIGHTSBROOK 

LIMERICK GOLF CLUB 

LISBURN 

LOUGH ERNE 

LURGAN 

LUTTRELLSTOWN CASTLE 

MALONE 

MILLTOWN 

MOUNT JULIET 

MOUNT WOLSELEY 

MOYOLA PARK 

MULLINGAR 

NEW FOREST 

NEWLANDS 

OLD CONNA 

PALMERSTOWN STUD 

Druids Glen 

A 

1 ARDGLASS 

2 ARKLOW 

3 BALLYBUNION (Old) 

4 BALLYBUNNION (Cashen) 

5 BALLYLIFFIN (Glashedy) 

6 BALLYLIFFIN (Old) 

7 BANTRY BAY 

8 BELMULLET (Carne) 

9 BUNDORAN 

10 CASTLEMARTYR RESORT 

11 CASTLEROCK 

12 CEANN SIBEAL 

13 CO. LOUTH (Baltray) 

14 CO. SLIGO (Rosses Point) 

15 CONNEMARA 

16 DONEGAL (Murvagh) 

17 DOOKS 

18 DOONBEG LINKS 

19 DUNFANAGHY 

20 ENNISCRONE 

21 GREENORE 

22 GWEEDORE 

23 LAHINCH (Old Course) 

24 LAYTOWN & BETTYSTOWN 

25 MULRANNY 

26 NARIN & PORTNOO 

27 OLD HEAD, KINSALE 

28 PORTMARNOCK (Hotel & Golf Links) 

29 PORTMARNOCK (Old Course) 

30 PORTSALON 

31 PORTSTEWART (Strand/C'ship) 

32 ROSAPENNA (Old) 

33 ROSAPENNA (Sandy Hills) 

34 ROSSLARE 

35 RYL CO.DOWN (C'ship) 

36 RYL. PORTRUSH (Dunluce) 

AP AQ AR AS AT AU AV AW 

100 100 80 120 130 70 

60 225 

60 

250 175 225 200 225 225 250 50 

90 100 

225 150 150 175 150 

50 

70 120 70 80 140 175 80 

250 60 175 120 

90 

150 

60 

175 225 200 250 250 250 225 175 

120 120 

VOTES 

LINKS COURSES VOTES 

AH AI AJ AK AL AM AN AO 

150 225 

150 90 

110 175 120 90 200 140 150 50 

150 

110 90 120 

80 

80 120 

90 110 90 

150 60 175 100 140 

70 120 100 140 110 250 150 70 90 

70 80 

150 50 70 

110 70 80 140 80 80 90 50 130 

70 100 

175 70 225 60 

50 

100 100 100 60 

60 200 200 175 250 225 200 250 130 

130 

200 120 

250 225 250 225 130 250 175 150 175 200 250 225 225 200 

Fair & transparent 

O 

ur voting panellists are 

provided with a complete 

directory of links and 

parkland courses in the 32 

counties. The two lists are set-out 

in alphabetical order on a county 

by county basis for easy reference. 

Voters are asked to nominate, 

in order of preference, the fifteen 

courses in both categories that 

impress and delight them most. 

Our voting system awards points to 

golf clubs as follows...1st - 250; 

2nd - 225; 3rd - 200; 4th - 175; 5th 

- 150; 6th - 140; 7th - 130; 8th - 

120; 9th - 110; 10th - 100; 11th - 

90; 12th - 80; 13th - 70; 14th - 60; 

and 15th - 50pts. 

5th Parkland category 

BACKSPIN | 9

BACKSPIN’S 2012/13 

IRELAND’S TOP 25 

LINKS COURSES 

2012/13 rankings, points scored & previous rankings in brackets 

1st 10545 pts Royal Portrush - Dunluce (3rd) 

2nd 10475 pts Portmarnock (1st) 

3rd 9955pts Royal County Down (2nd) 

4th 7845 pts The European Club (4th) 

5th 7285 pts Waterville (6th) 

6th 7215 pts Lahinch - Old (8th) 

7th 6945 pts Ballybunion - Old (7th) 

8th 6940 pts Co. Louth / Baltray (5th) 

9th 5380 pts Co. Sligo / Rosses Point (9th) 

10th 4005 pts The Island (10th) 

11th 3405 pts Ballyliffin - Glashedy (14th) 

12th 3175 pts The Royal Dublin (11th) 

13th 2875 pts Tralee (13th) 

14th 2725 pts Doonbeg (12th) 

15th 2255 pts Enniscrone (15th) 

16th 2105 pts Old Head Golf Links (17th) 

17th 2000 pts Portstewart - Strand (18th) 

18th 1740 pts Ballyliffin - Old (16th) 

19th 1290 pts Connemara (19th) 

20th 1170 pts Rosapenna - Sandy Hills (23rd) 

21st 1160 pts Donegal / Murvagh (20th) 

22nd 1150 pts Portmarnock Hotel & Links (22nd) 

23rd 955 pts Castlerock (New Entry) 

24th 900 pts Belmullet / Carne (21st) 

25th 755 pts Seapoint (New Entry) 

The Heritage 

OUR NEXT POLL 

BACKSPIN’s 4th biennial 

poll will be conducted 

later this year. 

The results will be 

published in our 

New Year 2014 issue 

and valid for 2014/15. 

For details of our three 

biennial polls to date 

(2008/9, 2010/11 

and 2012/13) 

visit our website... 

backspingolfmagazine.com 

The European Club 

10 | BACKSPIN

IRISH COURSE RANKINGS POLL 

The Island 

IRELAND’S TOP 25 

PARKLAND COURSES 

2012/13 rankings, points scored & previous rankings in brackets 

1st 10215 pts Mount Juliet (1st) 

2nd 8495 pts K Club - Palmer Course (2nd) 

3rd 8405 pts Adare (3rd) 

4th 7500 pts Killarney - Killeen (5th) 

5th 6075 pts Druids Glen (4th) 

6th 5465 pts Killeen Castle (11th) 

7th 4980 pts The Heritage Resort (6th) 

8th 4655 pts Headfort - New Course (8th) 

9th 4190 pts Lough Erne (13th) 

10th 3635 pts Carlow (10th) 

11th 3275 pts Palmerstown Stud (7th) 

12th 3270 pts Fota Island Resort (12th) 

13th 3080 pts Carton House - Montgomerie (9th) 

14th 2695 pts Cork - Little Island (14th) 

15th 2480 pts Malone (15th) 

16th 2365 pts Slieve Russell (16th) 

17th 2135 pts Concra Wood (23rd) 

18th 1825 pts Hermitage (19th) 

19th 1770 pts Belvoir Park (21st) 

20th 1650 pts Carton House - O’Meara (18th) 

21st 1545 pts Bunclody (27th) 

22nd 1325 pts Westport (20th) 

23rd 1190 pts K Club (Smurfit Course) (17th) 

24th 920 pts Tramore (31st) 

25th 890 pts Grange (30th) 

Headfort - New Course 

BACKSPIN | 11

Golfers discovering the 

benefits of yoga 

Golfers of all standards seeking to gain 

a vital edge in terms of performance 

will be interested to learn about a 

service being provided by Louise Scannell. 

Louise is the dynamic lady behind 

Golfyoga Ireland. This fascinating 

approach to golf conditioning is a hybrid of 

Western biomechanical research and 

Eastern mind/body conditioning. 

She has been the 

Golfyoga coach to the 

Irish Amateur golfing 

squads at the GUI in 

Carton House for a 

number of years. 

Louise explains 

that the Golfyoga 

programme is about 

enabling participants 

to improve flexibility 

& strength, enhance 

breathing awareness, quieten the mind, 

improve overall fitness and increase their 

sense of balance. 

For more information contact Louise 

Scannell on 086-3625191 or visit her 

website...www.Golfyogaireland.com 

Exciting year ahead at Killarney Golf & Fishing Club 

At this year’s Captains drive-in at Killarney Golf & Fishing Club were Clare English (Junior Captain), 

Sean Coyne (President), Christine Carroll (Lady Captain), James Ormonde (Captain) and Padraig 

Collins (Junior Captain). 

Pic by Michelle Cooper Galvin 

New 

academy 

at the 

Slieve 

Russell 

resort in 

Cavan 

Anew aspect at the Slieve 

Russell resort in Co. Cavan 

is a fully equipped golf 

academy, featuring the latest golf 

tuition technology and excellent 

game improvement facilities. 

The new facility, run by 

resident PGA professional Gordon 

Smyth, incorporates a five-bay 

floodlit range, short game area 

and a large practice putting green. 

The facility welcomes golfers 

of all levels from beginners 

through to accomplished players. 

Kells born Gordon has gained 

a big reputation as a coach since 

joining Slieve Russell in 2007. 

Amongst his pupils is rising star 

Rory McNamara, who scored an 

impressive victory last year in 

the North of Ireland Amateur 

Championship. 

HOUSE & GOLF LINKS 

GOLF TRAVEL 

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We invite 

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golf groups of all 

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NEW 

travel agency 

for golfers 

Visitors and Societies Welcome 

For Tee Times, Rates and Reservations 

Tel: 066-9474102 Fax: 066-9474482 

WATERVILLE, COUNTY KERRY 

Email: wvgolf@iol.ie 

www.watervillegolflinks.ie 

Avail of our wonderful choice of 

destinations, our expertise and 

competitive pricing. 

GOLF TRAVEL INTERNATIONAL, 

Park House, Donabate, Co. Dublin. 

Tel: 01-895 8154. Fax: 01-843 4736 

Email: Neal@gti-ireland.com 

www.golftravelinternational.com 

12 | BACKSPIN

Heavenly Headfort 

Quality, variety and 

excellent value, combined 

with a wonderful location 

and the warmest of welcomes, 

is a package that event 

organisers will always find 

irresistible and these qualities 

are available in abundance at 

Headfort Golf Club in the heart 

of County Meath. 

Blessed with one of the 

most delightful settings in Irish 

golf and situated just outside 

the historic town of Kells, this 

magnificent 36-hole facility is 

an inspired choice of venue for 

golf days, society and corporate 

outings and special family 

occasions. 

Location is a big attraction. 

The golf club is within an hour 

of Dublin on the main M3 and it 

is conveniently situated for 

golfers based in Counties 

Meath, Cavan, Louth and 

Kildare. 

Headfort Golf Club provides 

the complete package. 

Golf has been played at 

Headfort since 1928 and the 

sense of old and new blends 

beautifully. 

The Old course is a joy to 

play in a lovely mature setting. 

The New course, opened in 

2000, is a spectacular 

challenge with Headfort House 

(built in 1780), the River 

Blackwater and splendid 

scenery creating a thrilling 

canvas and backdrop. 

Significantly, the New 

Old Course 

Course, designed by Ryder Cup 

legend Christy O’Connor Jnr, 

has featured amongst the elite 

top-8 parkland courses in 

Ireland in the three biennial 

ranking polls conducted to date 

by BACKSPIN. 

The combination of two 

wonderful courses, sensibly 

priced green fees, an inviting 

atmosphere and excellent 

clubhouse facilities attracts a 

large volume of groups and 

societies. 

Headfort Golf Club hosts a 

busy programme of open 

events and it is an excellent 

option for groups planning an 

overnight visit or golfing break 

with lots of accommodation 

options closeby. 

The popular family run 

Headfort Arms Hotel, just two 

minutes from Headfort Golf 

Club, offers very attractive play 

and stay packages. 

The charming and friendly 

hotel can arrange tee-times, 

luxury B&B accommodation, 

and dinner if required, at very 

reasonable rates. 

The Headfort Arms is an 

institution in Kells. It offers 45 

luxurious bedrooms, excellent 

dining facilities and relaxing 

spa rooms. It is a perfect base 

for golfers visiting Headfort and 

other Co. Meath attractions. 

Check out the following 

websites for latest offers 

www.headfortgolfclub.ie and 

www.headfortarms.ie 

L 

GOLF 

G 

EA 

HEADF ORTOR 

H 

D 

RT 

CLUB 

L 

Winter Green Fees 

Old: Sun-Fri €25 Sat €30 

New: Sun-Fri €30 Sat €35 

HEADFORT 

GOLF CLUB Golf only bookings: 

+353 (0) 46 9282001 

www.headfortgolfclub.ie 

The Dream Team 

Relax with us after a satisfying round 

of golf at the stunning Headfort 36 Hole Complex. 

Park your Clubs in our new secure e 

car park. Have a Golfer’s Tonic massage at our spa 

and 

savour the delights 

of our award winning restaurant and then retire to 

the comfort of our 

45 luxury bedrooms. The Headfort has it all. 

Midweek Rates from; 

€99pps 

One Round of Golf at Headfort, 

One night B&B with Dinner. 

Weekend Rates from; 

€169pps 

Two Rounds of Golf at Headfort, 

One night B&B with Dinner. 

Headfort Arms Hotel, Kells, Co. Meath 

Packages ages Enq: + 353 (0)46 924 0063 

Email: info@headfortarms.ie 

ortarms.ie 

Visit our Website: www.headfortarms.ie 

Only 90 minutes from Belfast & 45 mins from Dublin 

BACKSPIN | 13

Above: The Pure Golf Leopardstown 

team of PGA professionals, from left, 

Michael McDermott, John Langan, 

Michael Allan and Michael Kavanagh. 

Right: The state-of-the-art two-tier 

driving range at the Leopardstown 

Golf Centre, which features fully 

automated Power Tee ball 

dispensing technology and striking 

new bay dividers bearing the crest of 

iconic equipment and clothing brand 

PING. 

Photos by PAT CASHMAN 

www.cashmanphotography.ie 

All of the world’s top golfers have 

one thing in common...they devote 

a considerable amount of time to 

improving their skills. 

Practice will not turn everyone into a 

world beater but if you have designs on 

becoming a better golfer in 2013 now is 

the time to act by adopting the state-ofthe-art 

Leopardstown Golf Centre as 

part of your golfing life. 

It is a unique facility where young 

golfing talent is nurtured and enthusiasts 

of all ages and skill levels share a great 

passion for golf. 

Ireland’s Home of Golf offers a 

complete suite of game improvement 

facilities and services staffed by the 

Pure Golf Leopardstown team of 

professionals. 

Game improvement on any level 

involves a commitment, even if it’s only 

an hour or two each week, and for those 

who make that commitment during the 

winter months there is the exciting 

prospect of hitting the ground running 

when club competitions resume in the 

Springtime. 

There’s certainly no excuse for golfers 

living in the metropolitan area as the 

Leopardstown Golf Centre is very 

conveniently situated just off Exit 14 

southbound on the M50. The centre is 

within 20-minutes drive of the Red Cow 

roundabout and equidistant from points 

as far south as Delgany and Greystones. 

The Leopardstown Golf Centre is a 

hive of activity each day with golfers of all 

ages, aspirations and skill levels 

developing their skills, while it is also 

‘home’ to 26 ladies golf societies, each of 

which has a weekly slot on the lovely 

18-hole golf course. 

The whole emphasis is on providing 

the total golf experience in a friendly 

family environment with a strong 

emphasis on offering outstanding value 

for money. 

Whether you wish to simply sharpen 

your skills on the range or embrace all 

aspects of game improvement, the most 

advanced technology, systems and 

expertise are available under one roof. 

New Look Driving Range... 

You can practice from early morning 

to late evening in the fully automated 74- 

bay floodlit driving range, which now 

sports a great new look following the 

installation of attractive royal blue bay 

dividers bearing the logo of iconic golf 

brand PING. They afford greater privacy 

as you work on your game. 

A large basket of balls costs just €6 

between 8am-4pm (Mon to Fri), and for 

convenience range regulars tend to avail 

of a top-up facility on their Loyalty Card. 

Fuel your passion at Ireland’s 

14 | BACKSPIN

Short Game Facility... 

You can also avail of the centre’s allweather, 

floodlit tour-spec short game 

area, with a charge of just €5 per hour 

or annual membership for just €100. 

Putting Studio... 

You can introduce a real cutting edge 

to your short game and make some 

intriguing discoveries by booking a 

course of lessons with the Pure Golf PGA 

team in the centre’s dedicated Putting 

Studio, where every aspect of your 

putting stroke can be analysed. 

PGA Services at the Golf Centre... 

The Pure Golf Leopardstown team of 

PGA professionals is on hand to provide 

expert tuition and a full range of support 

services including custom fitting. 

The mix of skills amongst the four 

resident professionals - Michael Allan, 

Michael Kavanagh, John Langan and 

Michael McDermott - creates a fantastic 

game improvement environment. 

The upper tier of the driving range 

has private bays for group and individual 

tuition, along with a dedicated custom 

fitting facility which provides a 

fascinating insight to the benefits of 

getting your equipment customised. 

Michael Kavanagh explains, “With the 

revolutionary Max-Out technology at our 

disposal we can evaluate swings in fine 

detail and this enables us to determine 

the club and ball characteristics most 

suited to each individual.” 

Visit www.puregolfireland.com to 

learn more about the PGA services 

available at the centre. 

A great introduction 

for junior golfers 

Over the years thousands of golfers 

have taken their first steps in the 

game at the Leopardstown Golf 

Centre. 

The centre provides coaching to over 

1,000 juniors each year and these 

enthusiasts enjoy the thrill of forming 

lasting friendships while developing an 

interest in the game. 

Many will develop a lifelong passion 

for golf, some could even emulate their 

idols and become future champions. 

The emphasis at Junior Camps and 

coaching sessions organised by the 

resident PGA professionals is on 

providing kids with an enjoyable and 

enlightening introduction to the game. 

The availability of golf’s latest craze 

- SNAG - adds to the fun for youngsters 

as it’s an easy and quick way for them to 

grasp the fundamentals of golf without 

being burdened with too much technical 

detail at the outset. 

SNAG is a modified form of golf. It 

has its own simple rules and 

terminology, which enhances its appeal 

to kids. 

SNAG will be incorporated into the 

regular junior golf academies run by the 

Pure Golf Leopardstown PGA team. 

Resident professional Michael Allan 

explains, “This excellent new concept 

helps kids make more athletic 

movements that benefit their swings. 

This is achieved through various 

exercises and games which develop 

athletic movement patterns.” 

For details regarding 2013 Junior 

Camps and Coaching Programmes 

contact the Pro Shop on 01-2897452. 

SNAG is an easy and fun way to introduce kids to golf. 

SPECIAL OFFER 

Large basket of balls 

€6.00 

8am-4pm Mon-Fri 

incl Bank Holiday 

Mondays! 

Great Value! 

Green Fee Rates (18 holes) 

Adults .............................................€15 

Students & Seniors..........................€12 

Juniors (aged 10-16 yrs) ..................€10 

Twilight Rate (after 7pm) ................€10 

Driving Range 

Large Basket of balls .........................€6 

(8am-4pm Mon-Fri, incl Bank Holiday Mondays) 

Loyalty Card (top-up as you wish) 

All-Weather Practice Facility 

Short game practice (per hour) ..........€5 

Annual Membership Card.............€100 

GOLF CENTRE OPENING HOURS: 

Monday to Friday 

8am-10pm 

Weekends & Bank Holiday (Mon) 

8am - 7pm 

SNAG - now at the Golf Centre - 

is an easy way for kids to learn 

the fundamentals of the golf 

swing in a fun environment 

BACKSPIN | 15

NEW LAUNCH 

Top marks for new 

G25 

Adjustable 

Driver 

PING TAKE GAME IMPROVEMENT TO A NEW LEVEL 

One of the great success stories in PING’s long and celebrated history of clubmaking 

has been the evolution of the innovative G-Series which was originally unveiled in 

2003 with the G2 line. 

A decade on, following the hugely successful launches of the G5, G10, G15 and G20 

lines, PING’s engineers have introduced further refinements and taken performance 

and playability to a new level with the recent launch of the G25 range which ticks all the 

boxes for game improvers at every level. 

The G25 range, featuring an adjustable driver, fairway clubs, hybrids and irons, will 

be available to Irish golfers from February. 

Meet the G25 family... 

G25 Adjustable Driver 

G25 

Fairway 

Wood 

The G25 Adjustable Driver features PING’s 

largest-profile, most forgiving head design. Ultrathin-crown 

technology in the deeper profile, 460cc 

Ti 8-1-1 head distributes weight to the perimeter, 

positions the CG lower and farther back than any 

PING driver to date. 

Golfers can optimise launch conditions for 

maximum distance through a lightweight, 

aerodynamic adjustable-hosel design using 

Trajectory Tuning Technology. 

With a PING wrench, golfers can add or 

subtract one-half degree of loft to the 8.5°, 9.5°, 

10.5° and 12° heads. 

The G25 is powered by the innovative TFC 189D, 

a lightweight, high-balance-point shaft developed 

specifically for the G25 driver. This shaft creates 

increased clubhead momentum at impact, which 

leads to greater ball velocity and forgiveness. 

A striking charcoal non-glare finish helps with 

alignment, eliminates reflections, and promotes 

confidence. 

Significantly, PING pros Bubba Watson and 

Hunter Mahan have switched to the new 

adjustable G25 driver. 

16 | BACKSPIN 

G25 

Hybrid 

An extreme variable-thickness face creates an 

efficient energy transfer, producing faster ball 

speeds for greater distance. The face is the 

thinnest of any PING fairway wood. The lowprofile, 

forgiving design features mass low in the 

17-4 stainless steel clubhead, positioning the CG 

low and back for higher launch and increased 

forgiveness, especially on shots hit low on the face, 

the most common “miss-hit”. It features a large 

Hybrids have brought a whole new dimension to 

the game and offer golfers options and solutions 

when faced with certain shots. 

Features of the G25 Hybrids include a large 

hitting surface and thin face perimeter which 

provide forgiveness and high ball speeds. A 

squared-up toe and heel improves consistency and 

G25 Fairway Woods 

G25 Hybrids 

head design with a traditional shape that aligns 

easily with the target. As with the G25 driver, the 

Fairway Woods also feature a distinctive charcoal 

non-glare finish. 

G25 Fairway woods are fitted with a TFC 189F 

graphite shaft (various flexes) and are available in 

the following options: 3 (15º), 4 (16.5º), 5 (18º), and 

7-woods (21º). 

makes alignment easy. 

The dark, non-glare finish eliminates 

distractions. 

Hybrids are available in the following lofts: 17º, 

20º, 23º, 27º, 31º 

They are fitted with a Proprietary graphite TFC 

189H shaft.

“The entire 

G25 series 

represents our 

continued 

commitment to 

engineering 

products that 

lead to lower 

scores and more 

enjoyment.” 

– John A. Solheim 

PING Chairman & CEO 

G25 Irons 

A sleek design featuring thinner top lines and 

moderate offset offers a look that will appeal to a 

wide variety of golfers looking for a high-launching, 

extremely forgiving game-improvement model. 

The attractive new dark, non-glare matte finish 

eliminates reflections and helps the golfer focus. 

The Custom Tuning Port (CTP) is integrated into 

the sole to lower the mass and position the CG for 

high-launching, forgiving results. 

Support bars in the cavity stabilise the 17-4 

stainless steel face to ensure a solid feel and 

exceptional distance control throughout the set. 

A multi-material cavity badge further enhances 

sound and feel. The progressive sole widths provide 

higher-launching, more-forgiving long irons, and 

short irons with added playability and control. 

The complete set of G25 irons includes 3-9, PW, 

UW, SW, LW. 

There are steel and graphite shaft options. 

G25 Iron 

BACKSPIN’S VERDICT 

The new G25s are 

outstanding in terms 

of look, feel and 

performance. 

They are sleek, stylish, 

superbly crafted 

and inspire great 

confidence. 

RRP of G25s in Ireland 

G25 Adjustable Driver 

€385 

G25 Fairway Woods 

€257.00 per club 

G25 Hybrids 

€219.00 per club 

G25 Irons 

€103 per club 

(steel shaft) 

€129 per club 

(graphite shaft) 

Let the good times roll with PING’s new 

Scottsdale® TR (True Roll) Adjustable-Length Putters 

PING’s new Scottsdale TR putters feature two 

industry-first innovations....an insert with variabledepth 

grooves, and the option of an adjustable-length 

shaft in all traditional-length models. 

The variable-depth grooves in the insert improve 

ball-speed consistency whether the ball is struck on 

the centre, heel or toe. The grooves are deepest in the 

centre and get shallower toward the perimeter. 

PING Chairman and CEO, John Solheim, explains: 

“We’ve engineered a putter insert with forgiveness. 

Regardless of where the ball impacts the insert, the 

variable-depth grooves produce nearly identical ball 

speeds. The distance control is the best we’ve ever 

seen when compared to inserts of all types.” 

Traditional-length models can be ordered with a 

USGA/R&A-conforming shaft that adjusts from 31” to 

38” to give golfers the option of varying the length of 

their putter prior to a round of golf. 

Solheim added. “Our studies show that golfers are 

much more accurate and consistent with putters fit to 

the correct length. With the adjustable-length shaft in 

the Scottsdale TR, golfers can now properly adjust 

their putter themselves to the ideal length.” 

View the complete 

range of PING 

equipment, clothing 

and accessories at... 

www.ping.com 

BACKSPIN | 17

ROLL CALL OF NATIONAL CHAMPIONS 1892-2012 

IRISH OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP 

Year Winner Venue 

1927 G. Duncan Portmarnock 

1928 E.R. Whitcombe Royal Co. Down 

1929 A. Mitchell Portmarnock 

1930 C. Whitcombe Royal Portrush 

1931 E. Kenyon Royal Dublin 

1932 A. Padgham Cork 

1933 E.W. Kenyon Malone 

1934 S. Easterbrook Portmarnock 

1935 E. Whitcombe Royal Co. Down 

1936 R. Whitcombe Royal Dublin 

1937 B. Gadd Royal Portrush 

1938 A. Locke Portmarnock 

1939 A. Lees Royal Co. Down 

1940-45 No Championship 

1946 F. Daly Portmarnock 

1947 H. Bradshaw Royal Portrush 

1948 D. Rees Portmarnock 

1949 H. Bradshaw Belvoir Park 

1950 H.O. Pickworth Royal Dublin 


1953 E.C. Brown Belvoir Park 


1963 Restyled as Carrolls International 

1963 B.J. Hunt Woodbrook 

1964 C. O’Connor Snr Woodbrook 

1965 N.C. Coles Cork 

1966 C. O’Connor Snr Royal Dublin 


1968 J. Martin Woodbrook 

1969 R.D. Shade Woodbrook 

1970 B. Huggett Woodbrook 

1971 N.C. Coles Woodbrook 


1973 P. McGuirk Woodbrook 

1974 B. Gallacher Woodbrook 

1975 Revived as The Irish Open 

1975 C. O’Connor Jnr Woodbrook 

1976 B. Crenshaw Portmarnock 

1977 H. Green Portmarnock 

1978 K. Brown Portmarnock 

1979 M. James Portmarnock 

1980 M. James Portmarnock 

1981 S. Torrance Portmarnock 

1982 J. O’Leary Portmarnock 

1983 S. Ballesteros Royal Dublin 

1984 B. Langer Royal Dublin 

1985 S. Ballesteros Royal Dublin 

1986 S. Ballesteros Portmarnock 

1987 B. Langer Portmarnock 

1988 I. Woosnam Portmarnock 

1989 I. Woosnam Portmarnock 

1990 J.M. Olazabal Portmarnock 

1991 N. Faldo Killarney 

1992 N. Faldo Killarney 

1993 N. Faldo Mount Juliet 

1994 B. Langer Mount Juliet 

1995 S. Torrance Mount Juliet 

1996 C. Montgomerie Druids Glen 

1997 C. Montgomerie Druids Glen 

1998 D. Carter Druids Glen 

1999 S. Garcia Druids Glen 

2000 P. Sjoland Ballybunion 

2001 C. Montgomerie Fota Island 

2002 S. Hansen Fota Island 

2003 M. Campbell Portmarnock 

2004 B. Rumford Co. Louth 

2005 S. Dodd Carton House 

18 | BACKSPIN 


2006 T. Bjorn Carton House 

2007 P. Harrington Adare Manor 

2008 R. Finch Adare Manor 

2009 S. Lowry Co. Louth 

2010 R. Fisher Killarney 

2011 S. Dyson Killarney 

2012 J. Donaldson Royal Portrush 

IRISH SENIORS OPEN 


1985 C. O’Connor Snr Co. Louth 

1986 E. Jones Waterville 

1987 J. Kinsella Waterville 

1988 L. Higgins Waterville 


1997 T. Horton St. Margaret’s 

1998 J. McDermott Woodbrook 

1999 J. Morgan Mount Juliet 

2000 B. Fleisher Tulfarris 

2001 S. Ebihara Powerscourt 

2002 S. Ebihara Adare Manor 

2003 N. Ratcliffe Adare Manor 

2004 C. Mason Adare Manor 

2005 N. Ratcliffe The Heritage 

2006 S. Torrance Fota Island 

2007 C. Rocca PGA National 

2008 J. Quiros Ballyliffin 

2009 I. Woosnam Ballybunion 

2010 M. Farry Carton House 

2011 Championship Discontinued 

IRISH PGA CHAMPIONSHIP 


1907 J. Edmundson Royal Portrush 

1908 J. Edmundson Portmarnock 

1909 M. Moran Newcastle 

1910 M. Moran Royal Dublin 

1911 M. Moran Royal Portrush 

1912 M. Moran Castlerock 

1913 M. Moran Portmarnock 

1914 C. Hope Newcastle 


1919 P. O’Hare Portmarnock 

1920 J. O’Hare Castlerock 

1921 J. Cromwell Portmarnock 

1922 J. Martin Royal Portrush 

1923 M. O’Neill Milltown 

1924 M. O’Neill Malone 

1925 M. O’Neill Portmarnock 

1926 S. Fairweather Malone 

1927 P. O’Hare Royal Dublin 

1928 L. Wallace Co. Sligo 

1929 H. McNeill Newcastle 

1930 J. McCartney Castle 

1931 J. McCartney Portstewart 

1932 H. McNeill Royal Dublin 

1933 J. Adams Castlerock 

1934 W. Nolan Dun Laoghaire 

1935 S. Fairweather Belvoir Park 

1936 J. McCartney Galway 

1937 P.J. Mahon Portmarnock 

1938 P.J. Mahon Royal Portrush 

1939 P.J. Mahon Bundoran 

1940 F. Daly Cork 

1941 H. Bradshaw Co. Sligo 


1942 H. Bradshaw Hermitage 

1943 H. Bradshaw Dun Laoghaire 

1944 H. Bradshaw Hermitage 

1945 J. McKenna Newlands 

1946 F. Daly Clandeboye 

1947 H. Bradshaw Co. Louth 

1948 J. McKenna Galway 

1949 C. Kane Royal Portrush 

1950 H. Bradshaw Grange 

1951 H. Bradshaw Balmoral 

1952 F. Daly Mullingar 

1953 H. Bradshaw Dundalk 

1954 H. Bradshaw Newcastle 

1955 E. Jones Castletroy 

1956 C. Greene Clandeboye 

1957 H. Bradshaw Ballybunion 

1958 C. O’Connor Snr Royal Belfast 

1959 N. Drew Mullingar 

1960 C. O’Connor Snr Warrenpoint 

1961 C. O’Connor Snr Lahinch 

1962 C. O’Connor Snr Bangor 

1963 C. O’Connor Snr Cork 

1964 E. Jones Knock 

1965 C. O’Connor Snr Mullingar 

1966 C. O’Connor Snr Warrenpoint 

1967 H. Boyle Tullamore 

1968 C. Greene Knock 

1969 J. Martin Dundalk 

1970 H. Jackson Massereene 

1971 C. O’Connor Snr Galway 

1972 J. Kinsella Bundoran 

1973 J. Kinsella Limerick 

1974 E. Polland Portstewart 

1975 C. O’Connor Snr Carlow 

1976 P. McGuirk Waterville 

1977 P. Skerritt Woodbrook 

1978 C. O’Connor Snr Royal Dublin 

1979 D. Smyth Royal Dublin 

1980 D. Feherty Royal Dublin 

1981 D. Jones Woodbrook 

1982 D. Feherty Woodbrook 

1983 L. Higgins Woodbrook 

1984 M. Sludds Skerries 

1985 D. Smyth Co. Louth 

1986 D. Smyth Waterville 

1987 P. Walton Co. Louth 

1988 E. Darcy Castle 

1989 P. Walton Castle 

1990 D. Smyth Woodbrook 

1991 P. Walton Woodbrook 

1992 E. Darcy The K Club 

1993 M. Sludds The K Club 

1994 D. Clarke Galway Bay 

1995 P. Walton Belvoir Park 

1996 D. Smyth Slieve Russell 

1997 P. McGinley Fota Island 

1998 P. Harrington Powerscourt 

1999 N. Manchip The Island 

2000 P. McGinley Co. Louth 

2001 D. Smyth Castlerock 

2002 P. McGinley Westport 

2003 P. McGinley Adare Manor 

2004 P. Harrington St. Margaret’s 

2005 P. Harrington PGA National 

2006 D. Mortimer Druids Heath 

2007 P. Harrington European Club 



2010 D. Mortimer Seapoint 

2011 S. Thornton Seapoint 

2012 D. Higgins Mount Juliet

IRISH AMATEUR CLOSE C’SHIP 


1893 T. Dickson Royal Portrush 

1894 R. Magill Royal Co. Down 

1895 W.H. Webb Royal Dublin 

1896 J.S. Moore Royal Portrush 

1897 H.E. Reade Royal Co. Down 

1898 W.H. Webb Royal Dublin 

1899 H.E. Reade Royal Portrush 

1900 R.G.N. Henry Portmarnock 

1901 W.H. Boyd Royal Co. Down 

1902 F.B. Newett Royal Dublin 

1903 H.E. Reade Royal Portrush 

1904 H.A. Boyd Portmarnock 

1905 F.B. Newett Royal Co. Down 

1906 H.A. Boyd Royal Dublin 

1907 H.M. Cairnes Royal Portrush 

1908 L.O. Munn Portmarnock 

1909 A.H. Patterson Royal Co. Down 

1910 JF. Jameson Royal Dublin 

1911 L.O. Munn Royal Portrush 

1912 A.H. Craig Castlerock 


1914 L.O. Munn Hermitage 


1919 E.F. Carter Portmarnock 

1920 C.O. Hezlet Castlerock 

1921 E.F. Carter Portmarnock 

1922 E.M. Munn Royal Portrush 

1923 J.D. MacCormack Milltown 

1924 J.D. MacCormack Royal Co. Down 

1925 C.W. Robertson Portmarnock 

1926 A.C. Allison Royal Portrush 

1927 J.D. MacCormack Cork 

1928 D.E.B. Soulby Castlerock 

1929 D.E.B. Soulby Royal Dublin 

1930 J. Burke Lahinch 

1931 J. Burke Co. Sligo 

1932 J. Burke Royal Portrush 

1933 J. Burke Cork 

1934 J.C. Brown Rosslare 

1935 R.M. McConnell Galway 

1936 J. Burke Castlerock 

1937 J. Bruen Jnr Ballybunion 

1938 J. Bruen Jnr Castle 

1939 G.H. Owens Co. Sligo 

1940 J. Burke Royal Dublin 



1947 J. Burke Lahinch 

1948 C. Ewing Royal Portrush 

1949 J.P. Carroll Galway 

1950 B. Herlihy Co. Louth 

1951 M. Power Cork 

1952 T.W. Egan Royal Belfast 

1953 J. Malone Co. Sligo 

1954 J.B. Carr Carlow 

1955 J.R. Mahon Lahinch 

1956 A.G.H. Love Malone 

1957 J.B. Carr Galway 

1958 C. Ewing Ballybunion 

1959 T. Craddock Portmarnock 

1960 M. Edwards Portstewart 

1961 D.B. Sheahan Co. Sligo 

1962 M. Edwards Co. Louth 

1963 J.B. Carr Killarney 

1964 J.B. Carr Royal Co. Down 

1965 J.B. Carr Co. Sligo 

1966 D.B. Sheahan Royal Dublin 

1967 J.B. Carr Lahinch 

1968 M.D. O’Brien Royal Portrush 

1969 V. Nevin Co. Sligo 


1970 D.B. Sheahan Grange 

1971 R.M. Kane Ballybunion 

1972 K. Stevenson Royal Co. Down 

1973 R.K.M. Pollin Co. Sligo 

1974 R.M. Kane Portmarnock 

1975 M.D. O’Brien Cork 

1976 D. Branigan Royal Portrush 

1977 M.A. Gannon Westport 

1978 M.F. Morris Carlow 

1979 J. Harrington Ballybunion 

1980 R. Rafferty Royal Co. Down 

1981 D. Branigan Co. Sligo 

1982 P. Walton Woodbrook 

1983 T. Corridan Killarney 

1984 T.B.C. Hoey Malone 

1985 D.F. O’Sullivan Westport 

1986 J. McHenry Royal Dublin 

1987 E. Power Tramore 

1988 G. McGimpsey Royal Portrush 

1989 P. McGinley Co. Sligo 

1990 D. Clarke Co. Louth 

1991 G. McNeill Ballybunion 

1992 G. Murphy Portstewart 

1993 E. Power Enniscrone 

1994 D. Higgins Portmarnock 

1995 P. Harrington Lahinch 

1996 P. Lawrie Royal Co. Down 

1997 K. Kearney Westport 

1998 E. Power The Island 

1999 C. McMonagle Killarney 

2000 G. McDowell Royal Portrush 

2001 G. McNeill Co. Sligo 

2002 J. McGinn Carlow 

2003 M. O’Sullivan Tramore 

2004 B. McElhinney Donegal 

2005 R. McIlroy Westport 

2006 R. McIlroy European Club 

2007 S. Lowry Cork 

2008 P. O’Hanlon Belvoir Park 

2009 P. Murray Enniscrone 

2010 D. Lernihan Royal Dublin 

2011 P. Cutler Shannon 

2012 C. Selfridge Royal Portrush 

IRISH AMATEUR OPEN C’SHIP 


1892 A. Stuart Royal Portrush 

1893 J. Ball Jnr Royal Co. Down 

1894 J. Ball Jnr Royal Dublin 

1895 W.B. Taylor Royal Portrush 

1896 W.B. Taylor Royal Co. Down 

1897 H.H. Hilton Royal Dublin 

1898 W.B. Taylor Royal Portrush 

1899 J. Ball Jnr Portmarnock 

1900 H.H. Hilton Royal Co. Down 

1901 H.H. Hilton Royal Dublin 

1902 H.H. Hilton Royal Portrush 

1903 G. Wilkie Portmarnock 

1904 J.S. Worthington Royal Co. Down 

1905 H.A. Boyd Royal Dublin 

1906 H.H. Barker Royal Portrush 

1907 J.Douglas Brown Portmarnock 

1908 J.F. Mitchell Royal Co. Down 

1909 L.O. Munn Royal Dublin 

1910 L.O. Munn Royal Portrush 


1912 G. Lockhart Royal Co. Down 

1913 C.A. Palmer Royal Dublin 


1919 C. Bretherton Royal Portrush 

1920 G.N.C. Martin Portmarnock 

1921 D. Wilson Smyth Royal Co. Down 

1922 A. Lowe Royal Portrush 

Louis Oosthuizen - 

2002 Irish Amateur 

Open champion 

Pic by Pat Cashman 


1923 G.N.C. Martin Royal Co. Down 

1924 E.F. Spiller Royal Dublin 

1925 T.A. Torrance Royal Portrush 

1926 C.O. Hezlet Portmarnock 

1927 R.M. McConnell Royal Co. Down 

1928 G.S. Noon Royal Dublin 

1929 C.O. Hezlet Royal Portrush 

1930 W. Sutton Portmarnock 

1931 E.A. McRuvie Royal Co. Down 

1932 J. McLean Royal Dublin 

1933 J. McLean Royal Co. Down 

1934 H. Thomson Portmarnock 

1935 H. Thomson Royal Portrush 

1936 J.C. Brown Portmarnock 

1937 J. Fitzsimmons Royal Dublin 

1938 J. Bruen Jnr Royal Co. Down 

1939 Event Cancelled Portmarnock 


1946 J.B. Carr Royal Portrush 


1948 C. Ewing Royal Co. Down 

1949 W.M. O’Sullivan Killarney 

1950 J.B. Carr Co. Sligo 

1951 C. Ewing Portmarnock 

1952 N.V. Drew Royal Portrush 

1953 N.V. Drew Killarney 

1954 J.B. Carr Royal Dublin 

1955 J.F. Fitzgibbon Royal Co. Down 

1956 J.B. Carr Portmarnock 

1957 J.L. Bamford Royal Portrush 

1958 T. Craddock Royal Dublin 

1959 J. Duncan Royal Co. Down 


1995 Championship Revived 

1995 P. Harrington Fota Island 

1996 K. Nolan Fota Island 

1997 K. Nolan Fota Island 

1998 M. Hoey Royal Dublin 

1999 G. Cullen Royal Dublin 

2000 N. Fox Royal Dublin 

2001 R. McEvoy Royal Dublin 

2002 L. Oosthuizen Royal Dublin 

2003 N. Fox Royal Dublin 

2004 C. Smith Carton House 

2005 R. Ramsay Carton House 

2006 A. Ahokas Portmarnock 

2007 L. Saltman Royal Dublin 

2008 P. Figuerido Royal Dublin 

2009 G. Dear Royal Dublin 

2010 A. Dunbar Royal Dublin 

2011 R. Pugh Royal Dublin 

2012 G. Moynihan Royal Dublin 

BACKSPIN | 19

ROLL CALL OF NATIONAL CHAMPIONS CONTD... 

IRISH SENIORS OPEN C’SHIP 


1970 C. Ewing Lahinch 

1971 J. O’Sullivan Rosslare 

1972 B.J. Scannell Co. Sligo 

1973 J.W. Hulme Warrenpoint 

1974 P. Walsh Cork 

1975 S.A. O’Connor Woodbrook 

1976 B.J. Scannell Athlone 

1977 D.B. Somers Warrenpoint 

1978 D.P. Herlihy Limerick 

1979 P. Kelly Royal Tara 

1980 G.N. Fogarty Galway 

1981 G.N. Fogarty Bundoran 

1982 J. Murray Douglas 

1983 F. Sharpe Courtown 

1984 J. Boston Connemara 

1985 J. Boston Royal Co. Down 

1986 J.D. Coey Waterford 

1987 J. Murray Castletroy 

1988 W.B. Buckley Westport 

1989 B. McCrea Royal Belfast 

1990 C. Hartland Cork 

1991 C. Hartland Mullingar 

1992 C. Hartland Athlone 

1993 P. Breen Bangor 

1994 W.B. Buckley Tramore 

1995 T.B.C. Hoey Dundalk 

1996 E. Condren Oughterard 

1997 B. Wilson Knock 

1998 J. Harrington Thurles 

1999 A. Lee Tullamore 

2000 D. Jackson Westport 

There are many reasons why ride on 

golf buggies are becoming the 

norm at golf clubs across the UK 

and Ireland. 

It’s common knowledge that we are 

in the middle of a deep recession and 

one of the first things to be cut in a 

recession is expenditure on leisure 

activities, consequently revenue is down 

for many golf clubs. 

Golf buggies are a great source of 

additional revenue. Ask any club 

professional these days and they will 

tell you that the first thing enquiring 

societies and visitors ask is “do you 

have buggies” 

It’s also widely accepted that the 

golfing fraternity is an ageing 

population and many golfers require the 

use of a ride on golf buggy to continue 

playing. The provision of ride on single 

seat buggies can boost revenue for 

clubs. 

20 | BACKSPIN 


2001 D. Jackson Clandeboye 

2002 T. Fox Limerick 

2003 P. Jones Mullingar 

2004 M. Morris Roscommon 

2005 J. Baldwin Royal Co. Down 

2006 J. Baldwin Limerick 

2007 V. Smyth Hermitage 

2008 A. Morrow Westport 

2009 A. Stracey Bangor 

2010 M. Kelly Castletroy 

2011 H. Smyth Rosslare 

2012 A. Morrow Athenry 

There is no getting away from the 

fact that we need to embrace golf 

buggies as they will undoubtedly be the 

norm in the future in every golf club. 

IRISH SENIORS CLOSE C’SHIP 


2009 M. Kelly Roscommon 

2010 M. Kelly Blainroe 

2011 G. McGimpsey Thurles 

2012 G. McGimpsey Clandeboye 

Photo above: Garth McGimpsey, winner of the 2012 

Tourism Malaysia sponsored Irish Seniors Amateur 

Close title, with Brian McAdam (Captain, 

Clandeboye GC) and Fintan Buckley (GUI President). 

Photo by Pat Cashman. 

RIDE ON GOLF BUGGIES 

THE WAY TO GO 

says PGA professional Eamonn Darcy 

I was very pleased to discover a 

revolution in the buggy industry whilst 

playing in the Senior Masters at Woburn 

Golf Club last year. 

The Fairway Rider G3 is a breath of 

fresh air, sleek, stylish and extremely 

comfortable and a pure joy to use. This 

is why I had no hesitation in ordering 

one, which I now use regularly when I 

play at home in Ireland. 

What a fantastic piece of engineering 

for any golfer who needs the use of a 

ride on golf buggy. I would say they are 

a must for the individual golfer and a 

great asset for any golf club looking to 

increase revenue with both lease and 

purchase options available at great 

value. 

Further details regarding the 

revolutionary Fairway Rider G3 can 

be obtained by visiting the website... 

www.fairwayrider.co.uk

IRISH YOUTHS C’SHIP 


1969 D. Branigan L’town & B’town 

1970 L.A. Owens Tullamore 

1971 M.A. Gannon Athlone 

1972 M.A. Gannon Mullingar 

1973 J. Purcell Tullamore 

1974 S. Dunlop Athlone 

1975 P. McNally Mullingar 

1976 R. McCormack Tullamore 

1977 B. McDaid Athlone 

1978 T. Corridan Thurles 

1979 R. Rafferty Tullamore 

1980 J. McHenry Clandeboye 

1981 J. McHenry Westport 

1982 K. O’Donnell Mullingar 

1983 P. Murphy Cork 

1984 J. Morris Bangor 

1985 J. McHenry Co. Sligo 

1986 J. Morris Carlow 

1987 C. Everett Killarney 

1988 P. McGinley Malone 

1989 A.W. Mathers Athlone 

1990 D. Errity Dundalk 

1991 R. Coughlan Lahinch 

1992 K. Nolan Clandeboye 

1993 C.D. Hislop Co. Sligo 

1994 B. Omelia Tullamore 

1995 S. Young Ballybunion 

1996 S. Young Royal Portrush 

1997 N. Howley Galway 

1998 A. Murray Headfort 

1999 G. McDowell Cork 

2000 G. McDowell Malone 

2001 M. Ryan Enniscrone 

2002 G. Wright Seapoint 

2003 C. Mills Cork 

2004 R. McIlroy Clandeboye 

2005 S. Power Portumna 

2006 G. Shaw Royal Tara 

2007 S. Power West Waterford 

2008 S. Power Lisburn 

2009 K. McDonagh Athlone 

2010 P. Dunne Dun Laoghaire 

2011 B. Casey Tramore 

2012 S. Grehan Loughrea 

The Irish Youths Amateur Championship 

was an Open Championship prior to 2009 

IRISH BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP 


1983 J. Carvill Curragh 

1984 E. O’Connell Warrenpoint 

1985 K. Kearney Athlone 

1986 D. Errity Royal Tara 

1987 G. McNeill Warrenpoint 

1988 D. McGrane Birr 

1989 D. Higgins Mullingar 

1990 R. Burns Kilkenny 

1991 R. Coughlan Thurles 

1992 J. O’Sullivan Athlone 

1993 H. Armstrong Warrenpoint 

1994 P. Byrne Nenagh 

1995 L. Dalton Mullingar 

1996 M. Campbell Galway 

1997 M. Hoey City of Derry 

1998 D. Jones Youghal 

1999 M. McTernan Kilkenny 

2000 D. McNamara Strandhill 

2001 M. McHugh Donaghadee 

2002 C. McNamara Thurles 

Stuart Grehan 

(Tullamore) 



2003 B. McCarroll Hermitage 

2004 R. McIlroy Castlebar 

2005 N. Kearney Kilkeel 

2006 S. Healy Kinsale 

2007 G. McGrane Malahide 

2008 P. Dunne Portumna 

2009 P. Dunne Bangor 

2010 D. McElroy Dungarvan 

2011 J. Hood Ardee 

2012 G. Lappin Hermitage 

Killenard 

County Laois 

Ireland 

Kevin Le Blanc 

(The Island) 


IRISH BOYS U-15 C’SHIP 


2006 I. Keane Balbriggan 

2007 G. Collins Westport 

2008 D. McElroy Massereene 

2009 A. Gleeson Mallow 

2010 W. Russell Naas 

2011 M. Boucher Galway 

2012 K. LeBlanc City of Derry 

Phone: 

057 8645500 

Fax: 

057 8642350 

It’s all about the 

Golf and Open Days 

2013 OPEN DAYS 

Gents Open Singles Every Monday 

– SPECIAL €30 ENTRY FEE – 

Book online now at 

www.theheritage.com 

"This is a true championship 

course with which I'm proud 

to be associated." 

- Seve Ballesteros 

2013 Membership available (no joining fee) for 

The Ballesteros Course and Leix Par-3 Course. 

Now taking society bookings for 2013 with rates starting from €35pp 

For further details contact: Niall Carroll on 057.8642321 

or email: ncarroll@theheritage.com 

BACKSPIN | 21

ROLL CALL OF NATIONAL CHAMPIONS CONTD... 

IRISH WOMEN’S CLOSE C’SHIP 


1894 C. Mulligan Carnalea 

1895 Ms Cox Royal Portrush 

1896 N. Graham Royal Dublin 

1897 N. Graham Royal Dublin 

1898 J. Magill Malone 

1899 M. Hezlet Newcastle 

1900 R. Adair Malone 

1901 R. Adair Portmarnock 

1902 R. Adair Newcastle 

1903 R. Adair Royal Portrush 

1904 M. Hezlet Portmarnock 

1905 M. Hezlet Royal Portrush 

1906 M. Hezlet Newcastle 

1907 F. Walker Leigh Royal Dublin 

1908 M. Hezlet Royal Portrush 

1909 M. Ormsby Lahinch 

1910 M. Harrison Newcastle 

1911 M. Harrison Malahide 

1912 M. Harrison Portsalon 

1913 J. Jackson Lahinch 

1914 J. Jackson Castlerock 


1919 J. Jackson Portmarnock 

1920 J. Jackson Royal Portrush 

1921 S. French Hermitage 

1922 C. Gotto Newcastle 

1923 J. Jackson Portmarnock 

1924 C.G. Thornton Castlerock 

1925 B. Jackson Lahinch 

1926 P. Jameson Newcastle 

1927 Ms. McLoughlin Royal Dublin 

1928 W. Dwyer Cork 

1929 M. Hall Rosapenna 

1930 J.B. Walker Portmarnock 

1931 E.C. Pentony Newcastle 

1932 B. Latchford Ballybunion 

1933 E.C. Pentony Newcastle 

1934 Ms Sherlock-FletcherPortmarnock 

1935 D. Ferguson Rosapenna 

1936 C. Tiernan Ballybunion 

1937 H. Glendinning Royal Portrush 

1938 J. Black Portmarnock 

1939 C. MacGeagh Bundoran 


1946 P. Garvey Lahinch 

1947 P. Garvey Royal Portrush 

1948 P. Garvey Rosslare 

1949 C. Smye Co. Louth 

1950 P. Garvey Co. Sligo 

1951 P. Garvey Ballybunion 

1952 D. Foster Newcastle 

1953 P. Garvey Rosslare 

1954 P. Garvey Portmarnock 

1955 P. Garvey Co. Sligo 

1956 P. O’Sullivan Killarney 


1958 P. Garvey Carlow 

1959 P. Garvey Lahinch 

1960 P. Garvey Cork 

1961 Kitty McCann Newcastle 

(previously won in 1949 as C. Smye) 

1962 P. Garvey Co. Louth 

1963 P. Garvey Co. Louth 

1964 Z. Fallon Royal Portrush 

1965 E. Purcell Mullingar 

1966 E. Bradshaw Rosslare 

1967 G. Brandon Castlerock 

1968 E. Bradshaw Lahinch 

1969 M. McKenna Ballybunion 


1971 E. Bradshaw Co. Louth 

1972 M. McKenna Killarney 

1973 M. Mooney Bundoran 

1974 M. McKenna Lahinch 

1975 M. Gorry Tramore 

1976 C. Nesbitt Co. Sligo 

1977 M. McKenna Ballybunion 

1978 M. Gorry Grange 

1979 M. McKenna Donegal 

1980 C. Nesbitt Lahinch 

1981 M. McKenna L’town & B’town 

1982 M. McKenna Royal Portrush 

1983 C. Hourihane Cork 

1984 C. Hourihane Co. Sligo 

1985 C. Hourihane Waterville 

1986 T. O’Reilly Castlerock 

1987 C. Hourihane Lahinch 

1988 L. Bolton Tramore 

1989 M. McKenna Westport 

1990 E.R. McDaid The Island 

1991 C. Hourihane Ballybunion 

1992 E.R. Power Cork 

(nee McDaid) 

1993 E. Higgins Royal Belfast 

1994 L. Webb Co. Sligo 

1995 E.R. Power Cork 

1996 B. Hackett Tramore 

1997 S. Fanagan Enniscrone 

1998 L. Behan Clandeboye 

1999 C. Coughlan Carlow 

2000 A. Coffey Co. Louth 

2001 A. Coffey European Club 

2002 R. Coakley Cork 

2003 M. Gillen Donegal 

2004 D. Smith The Island 

2005 T. Mangan Portsalon 

Mary McKenna 

2006 T. Mangan European Club 

2007 K. Delaney Lahinch 

2008 Leona Maguire Westport 

2009 Lisa Maguire Fota Island 

2010 M. Dowling Portstewart 

2011 D. McVeigh Carlow 

2012 Leona Maguire Co. Louth 

IRISH WOMEN’S OPEN 

STROKEPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP 


1994 H. Kavanagh Milltown 

1995 N. Quigg Grange 

1996 E.R. Power Grange 

1997 Y. Cassidy Waterford Castle 

1998 S. O’Brien Waterford Castle 

1999 H. Kavanagh Waterford Castle 

2000 R. Coakley Birr 

2001 A. Laing Birr 

2002 R. Coakley Dundalk 

2003 C. Coughlan Rathsallagh 

2004 T. Delaney Cork 

2005 T. Delaney Hermitage 

2006 M. Gillen Co. Sligo 

2007 S. Keating Clandeboye 

2008 B. Loucks Elm Park 

2009 Lisa Maguire Douglas 

2010 H. Burke Newlands 

2011 Leona Maguire Elm Park 

2012 E. Taylor The Island 

IRISH SENIOR WOMEN’S 

CLOSE CHAMPIONSHIP 


2006 T. O’Reilly Thurles 

2007 M. Madden Portumna 

2008 S. O’Brien-Kenney Hollystown 

2009 M. Henderson Ardee 

2010 S. McElroy Tullamore 

2011 S. McElroy Adare Manor 

2012 H. Jones Bunclody 

IRISH SENIOR WOMEN’S OPEN 



2001 M. McKenna Co. Louth 

2002 P. Williamson Co. Louth 

2003 P. Williamson Seapoint 

2004 A. Murdoch Seapoint 

2005 A. Murdoch Woodbrook 

2006 V. Thomas Woodbrook 

2007 A. Murdoch Ennis 

2008 V. Thomas Lisburn 

2009 A. Murdoch L’town & B’town 

2010 H. Jones L’town & B’town 

2011 M. Kaarnalahti Greenore 

2012 M. Kaarnalahti Royal Belfast 

Enquire now about joining a ladies golf society at the state-of-the-art 

Leopardstown Golf Centre 

IRELAND’S PREMIER GAME IMPROVEMENT CENTRE - TEL: 01-2895341 

22 | BACKSPIN

IRISH GIRLS’ CLOSE C’SHIP 

Year Winner Winner’s Club 

1961 Margaret Coburn Royal Co. Down 

1962 Pearl Boyd Donaghadee 

1963 Patricia Atkinson Ballycastle 

1964 Christine Scarlett Ballycastle 

1965 Vivienne Singleton Donabate 

1966 Maeve O’Connell Fortwilliam 

1967 Maeve O’Connell Fortwilliam 

1968 Carol Wallace Dungannon 

1969 Elizebeth A. Gregor Massereene 

1970 Elizebeth A. Gregor Massereene 

1971 Josephine Mark Milltown 

1972 Patricia Smyth Milltown 

1973 Mary Governey Carlow 

1974 Rhona Hegarty Bandon 

1975 Mary Irvine Elm Park 

1976 Phil Wickham L’town & B’town 

1977 Anne Ferguson Spa 

1978 Carol Wickham L’town & B’town 

1979 Laura Bolton Cairndhu 

1980 Bridget Gleeson Killarney 

1981 Bridget Gleeson Killarney 

1982 Derval Langan Carlow 

1983 Eileen Rose McDaid Skibbereen 

1984 Suzanne Sheehan Dundalk 

1985 Suzanne Sheehan Dundalk 

1986 Deirdre Mahon Roscommon 

1987 Vari McGreevy Rossmore 

1988 Lynn McCool Strabane 

1989 Aideen Rogers The Island 

1990 Geraldine Doran Royal Co. Down 

Year Winner Winner’s Club 

1991 Aideen Rogers The Island 

1992 Michelle McGreevy Rossmore 

1993 Michelle McGreevy Rossmore 

1994 Aisling O’Leary Wexford 

1995 Pamela Murphy The Island 


1997 Jennifer Gannon Co. Louth 



2000 Martina Gillen Beaverstown 

2001 Dawn Marie Conaty Ashbourne 

2002 Karen Delaney Carlow 

2003 Karen Delaney Carlow 

2004 Tara Delaney Carlow 

2005 Danielle McVeigh Royal Co. Down 

2006 Stephanie Meadow Royal Portrush 

2007 Kate Gallagher Claremorris 

2008 Lisa Maguire Slieve Russell 

2009 Emma O’Driscoll Ballybunion 

2010 Laura Grant Lisburn 

2011 Paula Grant Lisburn 

2012 Jessica Carty Holywood 

IRISH GIRLS’ U-18 OPEN 



2011 Perrine Delacour Knightsbrook 

2012 Leona Maguire Roganstown 

LADIES IRISH OPEN 

(Ladies European Tour event) 


1983 C. Panton Portstewart 

1984 K. Whitworth Clandeboye 


1995 L. Davies St. Margarets 

1996 A. Nicholas Citywest 

1997 P.M. Lebouc Luttrellstown 

1998 S. Gustafson Ballyliffin 

1999 S. Mendiburu Letterkenny 

2000 S. Gustafson Faithlegg 

2001 R. Carriedo Faithlegg 

2002 I. Tinning Killarney 

2003 S. Gustafson Killarney 

Northern Ireland Ladies’ Open 

2007 L. Hall Templepatrick 

Ladies’ Irish Open revived in 2008 

as part of the countdown to the 

2011 Solheim Cup match in Ireland 

2008 S. Pettersen The Links 

Portmarnock 

2009 D. Luna The Links 

Portmarnock 

2010 S. Gustafson Killeen Castle 

2011 S. Pettersen Killeen Castle 

2012 C. Matthew Killeen Castle 

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BACKSPIN | 23

Who’s Who in Irish Golf 

Irish PGA 

Club Professionals 

ALLAN, Michael (Pure Golf Leopardstown) 

BALDWIN, Sid (Bellewstown) 

BAMFORD, Sue (Roganstown) 

BANNON, Michael (Unattached) 

BARRETT, Stephen (Tullamore) 

BARRY, Cathal (Turvey) 

BARTON, David (Portmarnock DR) 

BEATTIE, Daniel (Deer Park) 

BEIRTH, Kevin (An Grianan AEC) 

BELL, Chris (Malone) 

BELL, Christopher (Royal Tara) 

BELL, Colin (Laganview) 

BELL, Douglas (Kelly’s GC) 

BLAIR, Ian (Gracehill) 

BLEAKLEY, Geoff (Balmoral) 

BOLGER, Jimmy (Kilkenny) 

BONNER, Fintan (Black Bush) 

BOSHELL, Brian (Play Better Golf Ire) 

BOWLER, Liam (Wexford) 

BOYLE, Andrew (Malone) 

BRADY, Eamonn (Clontarf) 

BRENNAN, Deirdre (Tramore) 

BRENNAN, Garrett (Nevada Bobs) 

BRETT, Keith (Strandhill) 

BRODERICK, Gerard (Kinsale) 

BROPHY, Edward (Garrylough DR) 

BROWNE, Bobby (L’town & B’town) 

BULL, Kevin (Unattached) 

BURKE, Gerry (Curragh) 

BURKE, Michael (Galway DR) 

BURNS, John (Mullingar) 

BURNS, Liam (Youghal) 

BURNS, Raymond (Lisheen Springs) 

BURRELL, Gillian (Stepaside GC) 

BYRNE, Darren (Moyvalley) 

BYRNE, David (Longford DR) 

BYRNE, Graham (Palmerstown Hse) 

BYRNE, Henry (Acushnet Ireland) 

BYRNE, John (Royal Tara) 

BYRNE, Simon (Hermitage) 

CALLAN, Mark (Woodbrook) 

CALLAN, Noel (Rosapenna) 

CAREY, William (Belvoir Park) 

CARROLL, Ciaran (Bray) 

CARROLL, David (Seapoint) 

CARROLL, Michelle (Celbridge DR) 

CASSIDY, Maurice (Nuremore) 

CHAMBERS, Gary (Killymoon) 

CLINTON, Seamus (Letterkenny) 

COCKROFT, Robert (Ballyreagh) 

CODD, Shane (Rosslare) 

COLLINS, Mark (Adare Manor) 

COLLINS, Michael (Mallow DR) 

COLLINS, Philip (Galgorm Castle) 

COLLINS, Ronan (Callaway Golf Eur) 

CONWAY, Graham (Mallow) 

CONWAY, Sean (Mallow) 

COONE, John (Courtown) 

COSGROVE, Brian (Killeen) 

COSTIGAN, David (The Island) 

COTTER, Sean (Mount Juliet) 

COVENEY, Tony (Tony’s Fine Clothes) 

COYLE, Nigel (Clara DR) 

CREAMER, Richard (Tuam) 

CREHAN, Kieran (Dunloe) 

CROOKS, Stephen (Holywood) 

CROWLEY, Daniel (Fota Island) 

CUDDY, Paul (Pro Eye Golf) 

CULLY, David (Dunmurry Springs) 

CUNNINGHAM, Declan (Golf Style) 

DALY, Robert (Arklow) 

DALY, William (Glenlo Abbey) 

DARCY, Louise (GUI National Acad) 

DARCY, Martin (Knockanally) 

DEEGAN, Shane (Spawell) 

DEVENNEY, Shaun (Roe Park) 

DEVERY, Conor (Tullamore) 

DIGNAM, John (Slade Valley) 

DIXON, Michael (The K Club) 

DOLAN, John P (Ballybofey & Stran) 

DOLAN, John (Dunmurry) 

DONAGHER, Ryan (Kilcock) 

DONNELLY, Shaun (Castle Hume) 

DOOLEY, John (Old Head Golf Links) 

24 | BACKSPIN 

Golf Club Club President Club Captains Sec-Mgr/Hon Sec/Admin 

Abbeyleix Martin Mahoney Donal O’Callaghan & Liz Meagher Gerry O’Hara 

Achill Island Michael English Canice O’Sullivan & Mary Gallagher Hugo Boyle 

Adare Tom Kane Bill Hutch & Kate Fleming Eimear Kenny 

Adare Manor Sean MacMahon Sebastian Stacpoole & Bernie O’Dea Michael O’Donnell 

Ardee David O’Neill John Travers & Bernie Breen Eamonn Gaffney 

Ardfert John Fitzgerald James Conway & Kathleen Finnegan Gerard Pierce 

Ardglass William Shaw Sean Murnin & Anne McGrath Cormac Cahalane 

Arklow Jimmy Tancred Dave Canavan & Catherine Dunne Isabella Fleming 

Ashbourne Greg O’Hara Keith Ludlow & Noleen Byrne Ciara Nolan 

Athenry Tony Farrell Conrad Byrnes & Noreen Doherty Sarah McDermott 

Athlone Maeve Donohoe Ray King & Breda Ryan Ita Dockery 

Athy Con Doyle Ivor Hegarty & Gabrielle Craig Kathleen Gray 

Aughnacloy Ed Boyd Al McKenna & Pat Collins Sidney Houston 

Balbriggan Ian Fraher Paul Cox & Evelyn Clinton Elaine Spillane 

Balcarrick Gerry Mulholland Ray Crilly & Dolores Murray Patricia Fennelly 

Ballinascorney Dermot Murray Peter Boate & Doreen Martin Gerard Redmond 

Ballinastoe Anthony Mulligan Patrick Harvey & Joyce Dempsey Fergal Mulligan 

Ballinrobe Noel Galvin Richie Donohue & Connie Darcy John G. Burke 

Ballybunion Eamon Condon Michael Barry & Maria Shanahan Vari McGreevy 

Ballycastle N/A Cecil Watson & Brenda McNeill Bronagh Trainor 

Ballyclare John Luke George Hall & Elaine Marks Michael Stone 

Ballyhaunis Kay Curley Michael Lyons & Joan McGuire Liam Rochford 

Ballyheigue Castle Mike Joe Quinlan Timothy Kenny & Jane Lewis Marian & John Barrett 

Ballyliffin Frank Logue Seamus Mallon & Roisin Shirreffs John Farren 

Ballymena Carl McAuley James Drennan & Mary Kearney Margaret Connon 

Ballymote Eamon Scanlon Alfie Parke & Maura Murray Trevor Mattimoe 

Balmoral Patrick Mullaney Tony Sheppard & Joan Morris Paul Scullion 

Baltinglass Pauric Kavanagh Pat Byrne & Linda Kennedy Jim Murray 

Banbridge John Parkes Declan Dooher & Robena McCandless Sandra Duprey 

Bandon Pat Murphy Jerry Mehigan & Siobhan O’Leary Kay Walsh 

Bangor N/A Matt Gillan & Sheila McCourt Ann Vaughan 

Bantry Bay Denis Lucy John Lynch & Eileen Hopkins Steven Ellis 

Bearna Catherine Quinlan Pat Sheehan & Valerie Kiely Kieran Boden 

Beaufort Frank Coffey Christy O’Mahony & Sally Filby Colm Kelly 

Beaverstown Paul M. Martin Aidan Smith & Cora Kee Gillian Harris 

Beech Park Maurice Palmer Noel Frazer & Mary Lou Quinn Paddy Maguire 

Bellewstown Paul Kelly Paul Tobin & Mary Kennedy Michael Leonard 

Belmullet Donal Shine Chris Tallott & Sheila Tallott Mary Walsh 

Belvoir Park Garth McClure James Sloan & Una Bready Jim Cullen 

Berehaven John O’Shea Gary Sullivan & Olivia O’Shiel Aidan Dunbar 

Birr Richard Johnston John Irwin & Susan Reidy Bernadette McTague 

Black Bush Michael Connellan Kevin Mason & Ellen Collins Aiden Burns 

Blainroe Jack Meehan John Mulqueen & Nuala McGlinchey Patrick Bradshaw 

Bodenstown Jim McCann Michael J. Bradley & Mary O’Brien Ronan Douglas 

Bray Denis Walsh Giuseppe Galvin & Nikki Gordon Alan Threadgold 

Bright Castle Gordon Ennis Stephen Stranney Harry Scott 

Brown Trout Joe Logue Gary Hamilton Robert Orr 

Bunclody Barty Byrne Peter Crean & Alice Druhan Ciaran Redmond 

Buncrana Paul Eccles Kevin McDermott & Evelyn Smith Francis McGrory 

Bundoran Margaret O’Doherty David Ruane & Ann Marie Beglane Noreen Allen 

Burnfield House Michael Jackson Danny Hakins Brian Millar 

Bushfoot David Kirkwood Kenny Gault & Alana Wallace David Jones 

Cabra Castle Gene Smith Franny Farrelly & Kitty Sullivan John Skeehan 

Golfing Union of Ireland Officers 2013 

Central Council 

President - Ivor McCandless (Lisburn) President Elect – Liam Martin (Castletroy) 

Hon Secretary – Albert Lee (Mullingar) Hon Treasurer - Rollo McClure (Malone) 

General Secretary – Pat Finn (Thurles) 

CONNACHT 

Chairman – Michael Connaughton (Roscommon) 

Hon Sec – Jim McGovern (Castlebar) 

General Secretary – Enda Lonergan (Westport) 

LEINSTER 

Chairman – Kevin McIntyre (Ardee) 

Hon Sec – John Ferriter (Castlewarden) 

Executive Officer – Teresa Thompson (Delgany) 

PROVINCIAL OFFICERS 

MUNSTER 

Chairman – John Moloughney (Templemore) 

Hon Sec – Jim Long (Monkstown) 

Executive Officer – Karen Walsh (Doneraile) 

ULSTER 

Chairman – Peter Sinclair (Knock) 

Hon Sec – Eamonn O’Connor (Donegal) 

General Secretary – Kevin Stevens (Rockmount)

2013 Golf Club Officers 


Cahir Park Patrick O’Callaghan James Flannery & Eileen Ryan Paul Adamson 

Cairndhu N/A Alex Maguire & Laura Maguire Richard Todd 

Callan John Kinchella Paul Cashin & Rose Brophy Margaret Maher 

Carlow Paddy Governey Dick Gillman & Mary Farrell Donard MacSweeney 

Carnalea Bobby Conroy Jim Murphy & Margaret Clarke Nicola Greene 

Carrickfergus Jack Purdy Allen Chestnutt & Adrienne Baker Des Graham 

Carrickmines Marcus Webb Clive Lauder & Sarah Acton Brian Levis 

Carrick-on-Shannon Michael Daly Oliver Curran & Dolores Mulvey Chris Lowe 

Carrick-on-Suir John Geraghty Michael Hassett & Pattie Leonard Michael O’Sullivan 

Carton House Lee Mallaghan John F. Kelly & Marie Sudway Francis Howley 

Castle Moss Flood Michael Bollard & Justine Agnew John McCormack 

Castlebar Jimmy Broderick Eamon Mongan & Mary Caulfield Padraic Corrigan 

Castlecomer Brian Harrington Eamonn Breen & Marjie Gannon Marnie Brennan 

Castlegregory Michael Burrows Seamus Cronin & Isabel Mancera Noel Earlie 

Castleisland Patsy O’Sullivan Sean Turner & Liz Galwey Francis Hartnett 

Castleknock Paul Monahan Bernard Hudson & Eilish O’Sullivan Niall Monahan 

Castlerea Tommy Bruen Tony Brophy & Valerie Rabbitt Eddie Webb 

Castlerock Jackie Graham Barney Mullen & Diane Stuart Mark Steen 

Castletroy Tony Fitzgibbon Gerard Maher & Ann O’Friel Louis Keegan 

Castlewarden Jim Corbett Keith White & Joan Healy Andy Callanan 

Castle Barna Kieran Mangan Brian McCormack & Phil Carroll Kieran Mangan 

Castle Dargan Dermot Fallon Tony Wasylocha & Pauline Lennon Xavier Medas 

Castle Hume Hugh Johnston Malcolm Sloan & Fiona Cathcart Declan O’Connell 

Ceann Sibeal Bob Willis Tomas O’Muircheartaigh & Kate O’Connor Steve Fahy 

Celbridge/Elm Hall Ger Colgan Chris Grimes & Bernie Delaney John J. O’Connor 

Charlesland Patrick Crowe Ambrose Mullins & Linda Ryan Gerry O’Brien 

Charleville Peter Butler Brendan Buckley & Margaret Deady Pat Nagle 

Cill Dara Joe Watters Martin Morris & Patricia Ennis Dan Doody 

City of Belfast Peter Long Graeme Duffield David Linder 

City of Derry Brian Long Michael McCullough & Rosaleen McAnulla Andrew Meenagh 

Citywest Tom Dowling Seamus Grehan & Margaret Dowling Brenda Colgan 

Clandeboye Gerry Fyfe Michael McAvoy & Helen Cole Gary Steele 

Claremorris Danny McHugh Brendan Mellett & Noreen McHugh Niall McCarthy 

Clones Martin Taylor Gerard Kelly & Roisin Kerr Paddy McKeown 

Clonmel Sean Callaghan Jimmy Cass & Gwen Walshe Aine Myles-Keating 

Clontarf Dermot Gilroy Tom Byrne & Bernadette Maguire Arthur Cahill 

Cloverhill Charlie O’Hare Colin McParland & Michelle Boyle Peter Byrne 

Co. Armagh Jack Moore John Flack & Hilary Johnston Damien Murray 

Co. Cavan Patricia Treacy Mark Lynch & Mary Malone Liam Henry 

Co. Longford Patrick Groarke Tim Shanley & Breege Shanley Brian Leahy 

Co. Louth Michael McGuirk Finbar Ronan & Anne Landy Liam Murphy 

Co. Meath Jerry Kearney Denys Merrick & Trudi McEntee Janice Higgins 

Co. Sligo Padraic Keane Terry Brady & Attracta Pender David O’Donovan 

Co. Tipperary Des O’Neill Michael Ryan & Margaret Ryan William Crowe 

Cobh David Sloane Tom Moore & Brid O’Connor Stuart Meredith 

Concra Wood Andy Whelan Martin Malone & Moira O’Brien Gareth McMahon 

Connemara Paddy Gannon Declan Mannion & Josephine O’Neill Kathleen Burke 

Coollattin Perry Kelly John Thompson & Mary Timmins Jack Lynch 

Cork Pat Nash Liam Walley & Valerie Fitzgerald Matt Sands 

Corrstown Ciaran Conneely Fergus Rafferty & Catherine Fitzgerald Michele Jeanes 

Courtown Brendan Sheehan Karl Caulfield & Barbara Long Sharon O’Hara 

Craddockstown Fergus Lynskey Mick Kelly & Joan Fitzgerald Pat Meagher 

Crover House George McClarey Matt Murphy & Finola Doyle Liam Burke/John Higgins 

Irish Ladies’ Golf Union Officers 

CENTRAL COUNCIL 

President - Mary McKenna 

CEO – Sinead Heraty 

DISTRICT OFFICERS 

CONNACHT 

Chairman – Mary Kennedy 

Hon Sec – Rita Grealish 

Chairman of Tournaments – 

Beatrice Timlin 

EAST LEINSTER 

Chairman – Anne O’Sullivan 

Hon Sec – Lucia Farrell 


Pauline Byrne 

MID LEINSTER 

Chairman – Bernie Whelan 

Hon Sec – Yvonne MacSweeney 


Nollaig Lucas 

MUNSTER 

Chairman – Noreen Buckley 

Hon Sec – Marion Pattenden 


Ber Murphy 

ULSTER 

Chairman – Ann Brown 

Hon Sec – Joyce Hughes 


Terry Crothers 

The PGA in Ireland 

Chairman 

Geoff Bleakley 

Captain 

Jimmy Bolger 

Secretary 

Michael McCumiskey 

Special thanks to the GUI, ILGU, 

Irish PGA and all featured 

Golf Clubs for providing details 

for this special directory 

Irish PGA 


DORAN, Rory (Royal Co. Down) 

DOYLE, Eddie (Natural Golf School) 

DOYLE, Edward (Westmanstown) 

DREW, Gordon (Donaghadee) 

DUCKETT, Ricky (Fortwilliam) 

DUFFY, Seamus (Seamus Duffy Acad) 

DUGGAN, Hugh (Killorglin) 

DUGGAN, Liam (Athlone Golf Acad) 

DUIGNAN, Peter (Co. Longford) 

DUNLEA, Graeme (Adare Manor) 

DUNLOP, Neil (Groomsport GC) 

DWYER, Finian (Celbridge DR) 

DWYER, John (Ashbourne) 

EGAN, Gerard (Naas DR) 

ENNIS, Stephen (Balcarrick) 

EWING, Harry (Waterford) 

FAIRWEATHER, Gordon (Bradsows Brae) 

FALLON, Bobby (Nuremore) 

FARR, Colin (Whitehead) 

FARRELL, Philip (Philip Farrell Golf) 

FAY, James (Co. Meath) 

FAY, Patrick (Co. Meath) 

FERGUSON, Andrew (Royal Belfast) 

FISHER, Arnold (Clandeboye) 

FITZPATRICK, Stephen (Enniscorthy) 

FLANAGAN, Melvyn (Mount Temple) 

FLANAGAN, Michael (Mount Temple) 

FOLEY, David (Dromoland Castle) 

FORD, Dara (Co. Sligo) 

FOSTER, Johnny (Green Acres GC) 

FOY, Kevin (Stepaside GC) 

FRAWLEY, Joe (Joe Frawley Golf) 

GALLAGHER, James (Redcastle) 

GALLAGHER, Michael (Killymoon) 

GALVIN, Stephen (Curragh) 

GARVEY, Kevin (Bellinter GC) 

GERAGHTY, Jim (Grange) 

GERAGHTY, Patrick (Druids Glen) 

GERMENEY, Dalvyn (Mahon) 

GILBERT, Andrew (Carlow) 

GILES, Robert (Greenore) 

GITTENS, Patrick (Corrstown) 

GLEESON, Donal (Old Conna) 

GORDON, Stephen (Bangor) 

GRAHAM, Neil (Kirkistown Castle) 

GRAY, Anthony (Strandhill) 

GRAY, Paul (Holywood) 

GREALY, Kevin (Athlone) 

GREEN, Seamus (Retired) 

GREENAWAY, Jason (Banbridge) 

GREGORY, Peter (Clandeboye) 

HAMILL, Stephen (Lisburn) 

HANLON, Anthony (Stackstown) 

HANNA, Deborah (Blackwood GC) 

HANNA, Peter (Lurgan) 

HARNETT, John (Milltown) 

HARRINGTON, Lee (Limerick) 

HARRIS, James (Ballykisteen) 

HAYES, David (Dungarvan) 

HAYES, Robert (Clonmel) 

HAYES, Stephen (Douglas) 

HEINEMANN, Mark (Skellig Bay) 

HENDLEY, Gary (Stepaside DR) 

HENRY, George (George Henry Golf) 

HERBERT, Karl (Howth) 

HETHERINGTON, Mark (Corrstown) 

HICKEY, Peter (Cork) 

HIGGINS, Brian (Waterville) 

HIGGINS, David (Waterville) 

HIGGINS, Liam (Waterville) 

HIGGINS, Ted Jnr (Mount Wolseley) 

HOEY, Stephen (Waterford Castle) 

HOGAN, Robert (Halpenny Golf) 

HOGG, Chris (Dun Laoghaire) 

HOLMES, Karl (Greystones) 

HOOD, Stephen (Cairndhu) 

HOWIE, Gary (Adare Manor) 

HOWLEY, Francis (Carton House) 

HOWLEY, Nigel (Balbriggan) 

HUGHES, David (Massereene) 

HUNT, Ryan (Faithlegg) 

HUNTER, Alan (Portstewart) 

HURLEY, Brian (Dooks) 

continued... 

BACKSPIN | 25


Irish PGA 


HUTCHINSON, Michael (Lisburn) 

HUTTON, Robbie (Downpatrick) 

HYNES, Leo (Killiney) 

JAMES, Thomas (K Club) 

JELLY, Christopher (Dungannon) 

JOHNSTON, Thomas (Castlerock) 

JOHNSTON, Richard (Ballyearl GC) 

JONES, David (Bushfoot) 

JONES, Gerard (Thurles) 

JONES, Peter (Coollattin) 

JUDD, Anthony (Forrest Little) 

JUDGE, Deirdre (Kinsealy Grange) 

KANE-NASH, James (Charlesland) 

KAVANAGH, Gavin (Delgany) 

KAVANAGH, Michael (Stackstown) 

KEARNEY, David (Grange) 

KEARNEY, Gary (St. Margaret’s) 

KEARNEY, Ian (Doonbeg) 

KEATING, David (Killarney) 

KEENAGHAN, David (Mount Temple) 

KEENAN, Dympna (Tandragee) 

KELLEHER, Brian (Fota Island) 

KELLEHER, Kevin (Dun Laoghaire) 

KELLY, Karl (Elm Green) 

KELLY, John (St. Margaret’s) 

KELLY, Maurice (Allen Park GC) 

KELLY, Robert (Tipperary) 

KERLEY, Brian (Green Life GC) 

KERR, Ian (Bunclody) 

KIELY, Paul (Cork) 

KIELY, Derry (Faithlegg) 

KILMARTIN, Angela (Tandragee) 

KINSELLA, Bobby (Skerries) 

KINSELLA, David (Castle) 

KIRKPATRICK, Scott (Ardee) 

KYNES, Marc (Dargle View) 

LACEY, Fintan (Newlands) 

LANGAN, John (Pure Golf Leopardstown) 

LANGFORD, Michael (Roe Park) 

LAVELLE, David (Spawell) 

LEAHY, Noel (Hotel Kilkenny) 

LEATHAM, Philip (Lisburn) 

LEECH, Robert (Dunloe) 

LEHANE, Martin (Muskerry) 

LEIGH, Declan (Cassidy Golf) 

LEUNG, Martin (Red Lane GC) 

LEWIS, David (Greystones DR) 

LOGUE, Eamonn (Hilton T’patrick) 

LOMAS, Rachel (Naas) 

LOUGHRAN, Thomas (Carnalea) 

LOUGHREY, Geoff (Roganstown) 

LUNNY, Gavin (Naas) 

LYNCH, Declan (Declan Lynch Golf) 

LYONS, Daragh (Narin & Portnoo) 

LYTTLE, Colin (Ballyclare) 

MAC FARLANE, Don (East Cork) 

MACHIN, Robin (Co. Meath) 

MAC SWEENEY, Donard (Galway) 

MADDEN, Gary (Bearna) 

MADDEN, Shane (Athlone Golf Acad) 

MAGOWAN, Mark (ClereGolf.ie) 

MANCHIP, Neil (GUI Academy) 

MANSON, Andrew (Edenmore) 

MARTIN, Anthony (Kinsealy Grange) 

MARTIN, Edward (Beaverstown) 

MARTIN, Peter (Riverside Academy) 

MASSEY, Greg (Hermitage) 

McARDLE, Donagh (Tullamore) 

McBRIDE, James (Lucan) 

McCANN, Denis (Westmanstown) 

McCANN, Ryan (Nenagh) 

McCANNY, Emily (Ward DR) 

McCANNY, Paul (Killeen Castle) 

McCARROLL, Peter (Allen Park GC) 

McCARTHY, Charles (Kerry Golf Holidays) 

McCAUSLAND, Gareth (Ballyliffin) 

McCAVERY, Robert (Lahinch) 

McCLELLAND, Peter (McClelland Golf) 

McCONNELL, Jamie (New Forest) 

McCOOL, Liam (Enniskillen) 

McCOOL, Lynn (Lough Erne) 

McCORMICK, Conor (Newcastle West) 

McCRUDDEN, Michael (Royal Portrush) 

McDAID, Brendan (Unattached) 

26 | BACKSPIN 


Cruit Island Peter Sweeney Charles O’Donnell & Brid Mulhern Jimmy Bonner 

Curragh Seamus O’Giollain Declan Rasmussen & Helen O’Malley Ann Culleton 

Cushendall Niall Wheeler Austin McCarthy & Briege Stewart Shaun McLaughlin 

Deer Park Tom Walshe Tony Sweetman & Elizabeth Guinan Pat Nangle/Anne Seagrave 

Delgany John Connolly Jim Blake & Joan Browne Denzil Jones 

Djouce Marion Kennedy C.J. Doyle & Mary Lynch Donal McGillycuddy 

Donabate N/A Chris Ryan & Vivienne O’Daly Betty O’Connor 

Donaghadee William Devlin Noel McKeown & Margaret McKnight Alex McWilliams 

Donegal Michael Neary Peter Sweeney & Jane Brown Grainne Dorrian 

Doneraile John Meade Adam Carey & Eileen Ahern O’Connor Thomas Meade 

Dooks Jill Mangan John Noonan & Marguerita Mulcahy Brian Hurley 

Doonbeg Links Timmy Killeen Nigel Dillon & Mary Arthur Joe Russell 

Douglas Ray Quinn Kieran Canty & Mary Kenny Conor O’Brien 

Down Royal Stanley Wilson Michael Magennis Philip McMaster 

Downpatrick Hubert Bailie George Greene & Joanne Carson Elaine Carson 

Dromoland Martin O’Mahoney John O’Halloran & Maria Nolan John O’Halloran 

Druids Glen Donal Flinn Paul Costello Barry Dowling 

Druids Heath Donal Flinn Edward Richardson Barry Dowling 

Dun Laoghaire N/A Pat Nevin & Marie Igoe John Gerrard 

Dundalk Vincent Kelly Noel McGuinness & Brid Rocks Rita Woods 

Dunfanaghy Brian Dolan Michael Kelly & Heather Hamilton Mairead Murray 

Dungannon N/A Brendan Cullen & Meave McVeigh Sean T. Hughes 

Dungarvan Maurice Cliffe Michael O’Mahony & Mary Flahavan Irene Lynch 

Dunmore Neil O’Donovan Kieran Costello & Carol McCann Richard O’Sullivan 

Dunmore Demesne Niall Cloonan Nicholas Walsh & Phylis Reddington Padraig Donlon 

Dunmore East Harry O’Neill Ed Hopkins & Winnie Brooke Alan Skehan 

Dunmurry Colin Fleming George Gillespie & Jean White Tony Cassidy 

Dunmurry Springs Sean Holohan John Duffy & Edwina Hanley Una Holohan 

East Clare Redmond Walsh Derek Kenny & Mary Collins Michael O’Hanlon 

East Cork Eddie O’Brien Brian Barnes & Ann Lyons John Morrison 

Edenderry Padraig Farrell John Wyer & Siobhan O’Callaghan John Butler 

Edenmore Bobby Cosgrove Ronnie Girvan & Edith Watson Mervyn Nicholson 

Edmondstown Peter Gavin Tony McCarthy & Anne O’Connell Mark Lynch 

Elm Park Brendan Carrigy Frank Lyons & Marguerite Maher Adrian T. McCormack 

Elmgreen Frank Barrett Ray O’Kelly & Helen Stokes Fred Brereton 

Ennis Kitty Morris Des Neylon & Mary McMahon Pat McCarthy 

Enniscorthy Jim Delaney Martin Dempsey & Joan Dunbar John Cullen 

Enniscrone John Fleming Tommy Geraghty & Maura McGrath Albie O’Connor 

Enniskillen Patsy McCaffrey David Humphreys & Eileen Cochrane Deirdre McSorley 

Esker Hills Donal Molloy Pat Clavin & Catherine Horan Donal Molloy 

European Club Pat Ruddy Eddie Fallon Sidon Ruddy 

Faithlegg Frank Walsh Kieran Carey & Rosemary O’Carroll John Santry 

Farnham Estate Roy McCabe Mike Rea & Brenda Nicholson Bridie McManus 

Faughan Valley Trevor Peace Cecil King & Cathleen Cooke Trevor Lewers 

Fermoy John Mulcahy John Mulvihill & Helen O’Brien Denis Twomey 

Fintona Anthony McDermott Conor Corry & Jo McNelis Patricia McNabb 

Forrest Little Joseph Cummins Ted Corcoran & Maria Robinson Kevin McIntyre 

Fortwilliam R.J. Campbell P. Toal & Clare Loughrey M. Toner 

Fota Island Pat O’Callaghan Liam Tracey & Patricia O’Sullivan Jonathan Woods 

Foxrock Paddy Flynn Derek Scally & Coral Ruddle Frank Hayes 

Foyle Rob Gallagher George Fitzpatrick & Faye McGrotty John Joe Logue 

Galgorm Castle Des Cousley Ivan McCappin & Alison Beggs Ivan Graham 

Galway Frank O’Brien Tommy Glynn & Patricia Godwin Padraic Fahy 

Galway Bay Donal Flanagan Declan Murray & Marie Kelly Ronan Killeen 

N/A denotes detail 

not available at time 

of going to press 

Right: 

Marguerite Maher 

and Frank Lyons are 

this year’s captains 

at Elm Park Golf 

Club in Dublin.


Glasson Tom Reid Enda Duffy & Marian Diffley Declan O’Connor 

Glen of the Downs Michael Doyle Frank Lynch & Judy Graham Derek Murphy 

Glencullen Christy Mahon Ivor Harmon & Dee Jeffers Brendan O’Connor 

Goldcoast Stephen Greene Andrew Travers & Ashling Fennell Brendan O’Brien 

Gort Maureen Brennan John Skehill & Phil Mulkerrins Ed Purcell 

Gowran Park Eamon Kealy Melvyn Kennedy & Margaret Logue Joe Scriven 

Gracehill David Calvin Malcolm McConaghie & Edwina Milliken Ivan Harper 

Grange Matt Jones Peter O’Loghlen & Brenda Murray Frank O’Riordan 

Greencastle Thomas Doherty Leo McCauley & Paula McGilloway Billy McCaul 

Greenore Pat McParland John C. Phillips & Mary P. Kirk Linda Clarke 

Greystones Noel Earls Jim Hackman & Mary Lockhart Gerry Kenny 

Headfort Francis Duffy John Griffin & Maura Daly Peter Burns 

Heath Pat O’Keefe Kevin Woulfe & Mary Culliton Joe Dunne 

Heritage Mark McCrory Brian Byrne & Ann Murphy Niall Carroll 

Hermitage Nuala Acton Peter Ennis & Geraldine Rodgers Eddie Farrell 

Hibernian Eamonn Cox Mick Leahy & Emma Cooling Brendan Cooling 

Highfield Alan Duggan Michael Melia & Susan Tarpey Dennis Reynaud 

Hilton Templepatrick Raymond Caldwell Mervyn McCall & Hilary Shirley Eamonn Logue 

Hollystown Bill Barry Derek Hogan & Angela Harford Joseph Bedford 

Hollywood Lakes George O’Doherty Fergal Toland & Susan Somers Seamus Kelly 

Holywood Don Collins Stephen Doherty & Eithne McMullan Paul Gray 

Howth C. Gaisford St. Lawrence Michael Gray & Therese Gray George Reid 

Island, The Henry Collier Christy Bollard & Eithne Knight Ronan Smyth 

K Club Dr. Michael Smurfit Allan Crinion & Noreen O’Grady Niall Molloy 

Kanturk John Pigott Oliver O’Keefe & Margaret Fitzgerald Tony McAuliffe 

Kenmare Tom Carey Paul Brown & Laura Hatton John Sullivan 

Kilcock David Kearns Kevin O’Connor & Mary Campbell Brendan Ryan 

Kilcoole Brian Guyett Ian Calton & Bernie McGowan Jacqueline Jordan 

Kilkee Kieran Walshe Ger O’Flynn & Ann Boyle Jim Leyden 

Kilkenny Tom Gunning Luke Kelly & Sheila Brennan Sean Boland 

Killarney Sean Coyne James Ormonde & Christine Carroll Maurice O’Meara 

Killeen Castle Val Ledwith Seamus Tighe & Yvonne McEntee Michael Quinlan 

Killiney Karl Strecker Larry Sherin & Teresa Connaughton Michael Walsh 

Killorglin Brendan Campbell Joseph Kennedy & Agnes Carey Aidan Spillane 

Killymoon John McBride Eugene Conway & Oonagh McCoy Gerard Breslin 

Kilmashogue Elaine Healy Tony Bourke & Mary Gough Sandra Murtagh 

Kilrush Jimmy McSwiggan Michael Hogan & Margaret Donnelly Geraldine Burke 

Kinsale Edward Lambe Tony Long & Patricia Hollywood Donal Hickey 

Kirkistown Castle John McCammon Tim Reid & Joan Ditchfield Rosemary Coulter 

Knightsbrook Liam McMenamin Frank Leonard & Mary Higgins Gavin Hunt 

Knockanally No Club President David Powderly & Ger Eyres O’Brien Michael Stapleton 

Lahinch Christy Killeen John Madden & Aedin McCarthy Paddy Keane 

Lambeg Brian Bates Ritchie Gorman & Noeleen Anderson Darren McShane 

Larne Alan English Stephen Lyness & Lynne Armstrong Lisa Oldfield 

Laytown &B’town Hugh Leech Patrick Rooney & Brenda Phelan Helen Finnegan 

Letterkenny Barry Ramsey Henry McCahey & Sandra McMonagle Colin Morrow 

Limerick Bernard Collins Ray O’Halloran & Ann O’Sullivan Pat Murray 

Links Portmarnock Ronnie Maiti Colm Rushe & Moira Cassidy Joe Rowley 

Lisburn Ronnie Brooks Sam Moore & Sylvia McKelvey John McKeown 

Lisheen Springs N/A Séan Bergin & Diana Jameson Michael Mahon 

Lisselan Dominic McSweeney Brian Donovan & Marie Mackey Mark Coombes 

Loughrea Chris Murray John O’Neill & Kay Keating Daniel Hynes 

Lucan Kevin Doyle Patrick Carroll & Breda McGarry Francis Duffy 

Lurgan Desmond Gregg Sean Wilson & Anne Knox Muriel Gamble 

Luttrellstown Castle Kieran McManus Bobby Hawkshaw & Yvonne Coghlan Colm Hannon 

Macreddin No Club President Gearoid Griffin & Eleanor Lee David Lee 

Macroom Tim Keating Jim O’Connell & Ber O’Shea Cathal O’Sullivan 

Mahee Island David Lindsay Robert Wright & Frona Clarke Mervyn Marshall 

Malahide Robert Doyle Bill Lowe & Sadie Burke Mark Gannon 

Mallow Daniel Butler Joseph Dowling & Deirdre Linehan David Curtin 

Malone N/A David Watters & Linda Dean Peter Kelly 

Manor Marshall Eakin Stephen Wylie Charlie Hasson 

Massereene Brian Craig Ian Quigley & Marjorie Kelso Jim Smyth 

Mayobridge Joseph Fagen Harry Addis Damian McCloskey 

Millicent Daniel R.Killian John Davey & Bernie Holligan Niamh Killian 

Milltown Barry O’Sullivan Jim Byrne & Clare Kavanagh James Burns 

Mitchelstown William J. Murphy Liam O’Sullivan & Rita O’Brien Seanie Buckley 

Moate Joe Digan Dom Fitzpatrick & Mary Horan Anna O’Brien 

Monkstown Denis Richardson Joe Doyle & Marie Healy Hilary Madden 

Mount Juliet Des Fitzgerald Dermot Divilly & Dorothy Kilroy Francis Reynolds 

Mount Ober Raymond Dickson Brian Barry & Maggie Shore Ena Williams 

Mount Temple Michael Dolan Thomas Fox & Elma Linnane Michael Dolan 


Irish PGA 


McDAID, Paul (Greystones DR) 

McDERMOTT, Brendan (Co. Tipperary) 

McDERMOTT, Michael (Pure Golf Leopardstown) 

McDIARMID, Alistair (Galgorm Castle) 

McDONALD, John (Blainroe) 

McELDERRY, Colin (Golf Ballistix Ltd) 

McENEANEY, Eugene (Delphi Golf) 

McEVOY, Damien (Ballycastle) 

McFARLANE, Don (East Cork) 

McGAHAN, Paul (Elm Green) 

McGEE, Michael (Malone) 

McGIVERN, Kevin (Mannan Castle) 

McGIVERN, Michael (Belvoir Park) 

McGOVERN, Brendan (Headfort) 

McGRATH, Kevin (Birr DR) 

McGUIRK, John (Howth) 

McGUIRK, Michael (Howth) 

McGUIRK, Paddy (Co. Louth) 

McHENRY, John (McHenry Golf Ltd) 

McINTYRE, David (Wicklow) 

McINTYRE, Thomas (Ballyclare) 

McKENNA, Conor (Concra Wood) 

McKENNA, Lee (Balmoral) 

McLAUGHLIN, Philip (Royal Dublin) 

McLEAN, Gary (Bunclody) 

McLOUGHLIN, Darren (Kilcock) 

McLOUGHLIN, Enda (Wicklow) 

McMONAGLE, Seamus (Dunfanaghy) 

McNAMARA, Cian (Monkstown) 

McNAMARA, Derek (Portmarnock) 

McNEILL, Gary (Royal Portrush) 

McNULTY, Neil (Slieve Russell) 

McQUILLAN, David (Castlebar) 

McSHEA, Gareth (Edmondstown) 

McSWEENEY, Donal (Unigolf) 

McTERNAN, Martin (Co. Sligo) 

McVITTY, Christopher (Bundoran) 

McWILLIAMS, Darren (Blackwood GC) 

MEALIA, Alex (Unattached) 

MEDAS, Xavier (Castle Dargan) 

MERCER, Gary (Ormeau) 

MOONEY, Damian (Ballyliffin) 

MOONEY, David (Golf Graffix) 

MOORE, Darren (Townley Hall) 

MOORE, Steve (Spawell) 

MORAN, Aidan (Aidan Moran Acad) 

MORGAN, Peter (Elm Park) 

MORIARTY, Brian (Fermoy) 

MORIARTY, Chris (Open Fairways) 

MORRIS, Kevin (Fota Island) 

MORRIS, Paul (Gorey Driving Range) 

MORRISON, Derek (Foyle GC) 

MORTIMER, David (Galway) 

MULFORD, Alan (Powerscourt) 

MULHOLLAND, Tony (Tobermore DR) 

MULLALLY, Tristan (Moyvalley) 

MULRYAN, Michael (Athenry) 

MURPHY, Bart (Monkstown) 

MURPHY, Donal (Carlow) 

MURPHY, Felix (Craddockstown) 

MURPHY, Philip (Glasson) 

MURPHY, Tom (Golf Dept) 

MURRAY, Joe (Hollystown) 

MURRAY, John (Malahide) 

MURRAY, Niall (Golf Events Ireland) 

NICHOLSON, Mark (M.N. Golf) 

NILAND, Thomas (Athenry) 

NOBLE, William (Co. Cavan) 

O’BOYLE, Billy (Killarney) 

O’BOYLE, Mark (Heath) 

O’BOYLE, Patrick (Bandon) 

O’BRIEN, Bart (Newcastle West) 

O’BRIEN, Brian (Castlewarden) 

O’BRIEN, Peter (Stepaside GC) 

O’CALLAGHAN, Brian (Ballybunion) 

O’CALLAGHAN, Wayne (WO’C Golf) 

O’CONNOR, Arnold (Elm Green) 

O’CONNOR, Eoin (Kilkenny) 

O’CONNOR, Eugene (Galway GR) 

O’DONNELL, Karl (Newlands) 

O’DONNELL, Stephen (Stepaside DR) 

O’DONOGHUE, Derek (Rathcore) 

O’FLANAGAN, Eamonn (Natural Golf School) 

continued... 

BACKSPIN | 27


Irish PGA 


O’GRADY, Shane (Black Bush) 

O’HAGAN, Peter (Luttrellstown Castle) 

O’HAIRE, Joanne (B’bofey & S’orlar) 

O’HARA, Brian (Unattached) 

O’KEEFFE, Carl (Howth) 

O’KEEFFE, Joseph (Fingal GC) 

O’MEARA, Alan (Blarney) 

O’NEILL, Hugh (Connemara) 

O’NEILL, Keith (Co. Sligo) 

O’NEILL, Thomas (Tulfarris) 

O’ROURKE, Padraic (Ballybunion) 

O’SHEA, Denise (Castletroy) 

O’SHEA, Michael (Callan) 

O’SULLIVAN, Alan (Portmarnock DR) 

O’SULLIVAN, David (Cobh) 

O’SULLIVAN, Jamie (Charleville) 

O’SULLIVAN, Kieran (Waterville) 

OWENS, Leonard (Royal Dublin) 

PADAYACHEE, Krishna (H’wood Lakes) 

PARK, Roderick (Park Consulting) 

PATTERSON, Bryan (Newtownstewart) 

PETTIT, Edward (CGS) 

PITKANEN, Jussi (Dave Pelz SGS) 

POWER, Cormac (Scarke DR) 

POWER, David (Tralee) 

POWER, Paul (Edenderry Academy) 

PRENDERGAST, Ian (Fota Island) 

PURCELL, Duncan (Ballybunion) 

PURCELL, Joey (Portmarnock) 

PYKE, Artie (Shannon) 

QUIGLEY, Bernard (Carton House) 

QUINLAN, Ralph (Lee Valley) 

QUINLIVAN, James (Mullingar) 

QUINLIVAN, Michael (Nevada Bobs) 

RAMSAY, Wesley (Knockbracken Acad) 

RANKIN, Alan (Co. Armagh) 

REDMOND, Dean (The Heritage) 

REILLY, Dominic (American Golf) 

REILLY, Stephen (PR Golf) 

REVIE, Ken (Ballymena) 

RIBLET, Emmanuel (Carton House) 

RING, Philip (Elm Green) 

RIORDAN, Marian (Greystones) 

RITCHIE, Steven (Shandon Park) 

ROBINSON, David T. (Bundoran) 

ROBINSON, Glen (St. Helen’s Bay) 

ROBINSON, Jim (Co. Sligo) 

ROBINSON, Leslie (Donegal) 

ROCHE, James (New Ross) 

ROULLIER, Zak (Beech Park) 

ROURKE, Steven (Ormeau) 

RUSHGROVE, Gary (Athlone Acad) 

RUSSELL, Conor (Sutton) 


Mount Wolseley Don Morrissey Gerard Connolly & Ann Duffy Martin Savage 

Mountbellew Evelyn Clarke Basil King & Helen Costello Peter T. Connellan 

Mountrath Andy Morrissey Noel Larkin & Maeve Morrissey Lar Scully 

Moyola Park Derick Munro Tony McGuire & Bernie O’Neill Michael Gribbin 

Moyvalley John Kennedy Frank Shortt & N/A Steven Curle 

Mullingar Pat Taaffe Paddy Dunne & Ann Tyrell Sean Finnegan 

Muskerry Bill Mullins Gearoid Walsh & Frances Jermyn Hugo Gallagher 

Naas Joe Keogh Brendan Ryan & Eleanor O’Dwyer Denis Mahon 

Narin & Portnoo Dom Gallagher Hugh F. Shovlin & Agnes Shovlin Michael Glynn 

Navan Cyril Carty Liam Buggy & Nellie Murray Kevin Boland 

Nenagh Pat Nugent Eamonn Callanan & Mary Ryan Paul Maloney 

New Ross Brian Dolan Seamus McGuinness & Geraldine Donohoe Kathleen Daly 

Newcastle West Pat Neville Paddy Lane & Joan Maher John Whelan 

Newlands Margaret Carroll Greg Ryan & Deirdre Ryan Gay Nolan 

Newtownstewart John Bimson Cyril Muldoon & Doreen Kee Robert Glackin 

North West N/A John McGinley & Helen Quigley Sean Carroll 

Nuremore Fergus Lane Cathal O’Gorman & Ena Gilsenan Michael Crawley 

Old Conna John Hennessy Billy Farrell & Annette Rath Tom Sheridan 

Old Head John O’Connor John Lee Jim O’Brien 

Omagh Liam Maxwell Brian Mellon & Christine McGuckin Thomas Doran 

Ormeau Denis McKnight Jackie McIlwaine & Moira Quail Gerry McWilliams 

Oughterard Tim Hernon Pierce O’Malley & Mary Cheevers-McInerneyMartin Lee 

Parknasilla Dermot O’Mahoney Gerard O’Mahoney & Margaret Christian Sean McCarthy 

Portadown David Henderson Hugo Marley & Eithne Little Barbara Whitaker 

Portarlington David Hainsworth Philip Lyons & Christine Collier Tom Hainsworth 

Portmarnock Thomas Cuddihy John Power John J. Quigley 

Portsalon Kathleen McCormick Joseph Harkin & Deirdre Hensey Peter Doherty 

Portstewart Dr. John McHugh Malcolm Glover & Mo Giffin Michael Moss 

Portumna Suzanne Corcoran Martin Carty & Pauline McEvoy Michael Ryan 

Powerscourt Joe Duignan John Shiel & Christine McCluskey Bernard Gibbons 

Raffeen Creek Jim Kellaghan John Harte & Amanda Welch Bryan Crowley 

Rathbane Billy O’Doherty Martin Ennis & Mairead O’Connell Dan Heelan 

Rathdowney Joe Dufficy Terry Campion & Kathleen Maher Martin O’Brien 

Rathfarnham Maura O’Carroll Brian Holmes & Deirdre McDermott John Lawler 

Rathmore Eddie Mason Rodney Montgomery Stan Short 

Rathsallagh John Mullan Francis Donnelly & Eleanor Brazill Joe O’Flynn 

Ring of Kerry Tommy McNicholas Thomas O’Driscoll & Vera Shaw James Mitchell 

Roe Park Frank McGuigan Anthony O’Neill & Margaret Patterson Terry Kelly 

Roganstown No Club President Michael Murphy & Bernadette Scully Laing Elaine McLoughlin 

Rosapenna John Sweeney Patrick McClafferty & Bernadette North Frank Casey Jnr. 

Roscommon John Sweeney Michael Dolan & Margaret Brennan Kate Walshe 

Roscrea Liam Shanahan Paddy Bergin & Eleanor Ryan Carroll Steve Crofton 

Rosslare Terry Fortune Len Fowler & Moira Fortune Frank Codd 

Rossmore Della Hunt Seamus Meehan & Ann Durnin Henry Durnin 

Royal Belfast Ronnie McMillan Peter Kearney & Phillipa Crone Susanna Morrison 

Royal Dublin, The Harry McElhinney Paul O’Grady Eoin O’Sullivan 

Royal Portrush John McElderry John Moss & Helen Jones Wilma Erskine 

HOT 

off the 

PRESS 

The remarkable success enjoyed by Irish golfers in the 

Major Championships in recent times is superbly 

captured, celebrated and illustrated in ‘The Irish 

Majors’, which is, quite simply, a ‘must read’ 

publication. 

Irish Times golf correspondent Philip Reid provides 

a fascinating inside track on each of the seven recent Irish 

Major victories, from Padraig Harrington’s three wins 

and the breakthrough Major wins of Graeme McDowell 

and Darren Clarke, through to double Major winner 

Rory McIlroy’s record breaking exploits in the 2012 

USPGA Championship at Kiawah Island. 

The Irish Majors 

Irish Golf’s Magnificent Seven 

by Philip Reid 

Published by Gill & Macmillan 

28 | BACKSPIN



Royal Tara Des Foley Noel Rowland & Alice Collier John McGrath 

Rush Tomas McNally Michael Redmond & Elizabeth Brophy Noeline Quirke 

Scrabo David Kay Alec Russell & Heather O’Brien Diane Plant 

Seafield David Cullen Martin MacDonnell & Janice McDonal Joe Keegan 

Seapoint Andrew Taaffe P.J. Campbell & Irene Kirwan Ger McKeown 

Shandon Park Raymond Allen Norman White & Nancy Anglin Greg Bailie 

Shannon Mary O’Looney Michael McInerney & Mary Sheehan Michael Corry 

Skellig Bay Jackie Hardy Eamon McGillicuddy & Marie Flood Mark Heinemann 

Skerries Cecil Keaveney Willie Prendergast & Zita Devine Ian Fraher 

Skibbereen David Ring Noel Kearney & June Ring Michael Collins 

Slade Valley Paddy Cunningham Michael Treacy & Bernie Chubb Dermot Clancy 

Slieve Russell Paudge Tobin Brian Cunningham & Liz Cogan Michelle McGreevy 

Slievenamon Margaret Lalor Robert Reid & Chris Hayes Brendan Kenny 

Spa Alf Bailie Jack Hood & Sally Ann Douglas Terry Magee 

St. Anne’s Cormac Cronin Eamon Weir & Therese McCormack Ted Power 

St. Helen’s Bay Seamus McCormack Maurice Cooper & Peigi O’Ruairc Larry Byrne 

St. Margaret’s Gerry Buckley George O’Leary Arthur McKenna 

Stackstown Brendan Tuckey Eamon Flaherty & Nora Farrell Raymond Murphy 

Strabane Francie Devine Ciaran Kelly & Annette Patton Brian O’Kane 

Strandhill Brian Harte Michael Phelan & Carmel Clarke Sandra Corcoran 

Sutton Victor Gibbons Tim Beggs & Mary Lennon Michael Healy 

Swords No Club President Thomas O’Rourke & Eileen Foran Orla McGuinness 

Tara Glen Felim Maguiness Frank Brennan & Carol Moran Marion Siggins 

Templemore Denis Tuohy Francis O’Meara & Sadie Tynan Michael Keely 

Thurles Jean Butler Toss Hayes & Louise Maher Ashling Moroney 

Tipperary Michael O’Donoghue Tim Walsh & Kitty O’Reilly Michael Tobin 

Townley Hall Michael Foley Peter McNally & Eithne McCole Malachy McMahon 

Tralee Padraic Coughlan Joe McCarthy & Angela Deenihan Anthony Byrne 

Tramore Anthony Condon Tom Corcoran & Bid Cullinane Richard Walsh 

Tuam Vincent Cunniffe Gerry Murphy & Jacqui McGrath Mary Burns 

Tulfarris Tom O’Shea Noel.A. Kelly & Ita McCarron John Horan 

Tullamore P.J. Barron Dermot Scanlon & Frances Silke Aidan Marsden 

Virginia Seamus O’Meara John Mulvany & Pauline Hutchinson Joe Greene 

Warrenpoint Leslie Dalzell Michael Gilsenan & Sheila Casey Ruairi McCormack 

Waterford Richard Dowling Patrick Bolger & Ellen O’Halloran Damien Maguire 

Waterford Castle Tony Lee Brian Hegarty & Patricia Garry James Funnell 

Waterville William O’Driscoll David Farrell & Jane Bracken Noel Cronin 

West Waterford Justin Spratt Eddie Stack & Eileen Harty Austin Spratt 

Westmanstown Michael O’Shea Feargal Keane & Darina Curtis Edward Doyle 

Westport Pat Kearns Christy Madigan & Nuala Moody Karen Walsh 

Wexford Pat Geoghegan Paul Lauhoff & Martina Dempsey Paddy Cleary 

Wicklow Sean O’Brien Jimmy Carthy & Ann Reilly Roger Kennedy 

Woodbrook Tom Pitt Robert Argue & Karina Tierney Jim Melody 

Woodenbridge Philip Ormonde Mark Burke & Siobhan Saunders Paddy Byrne 

Woodlands John Williamson Andrew Maher & Ann Burns Orla Winder 

Woodstock James Meade Eugene Phillips & Margaret Ann Killeen Avril Guerin 

Youghal Jim O’Connell Tom Linehan & Patrica Kearney Margaret O’Sullivan 

In his autobiography, 

‘An Open Book’, the 

2011 Open champion 

Darren Clarke tells the 

gripping and moving 

story of his remarkable 

golfing life, including the 

heartbreak of losing his 

wife Heather to cancer 

prior to the 2006 Ryder 

Cup at the K Club. 

It’s a compelling read. 

Darren Clarke 

An Open Book 

My Autobiography 

C 

hristy O’Connor Jnr’s 

autobiography ‘From 

Rough to Fair Ways’ takes 

readers on a fascinating 

journey. 

The hero of Europe’s 

1989 Ryder Cup victory 

at The Belfry airs his 

gripes and tells the story 

of a life filled with joy and 

sadness. 

It’s an absorbing read. 

Christy 

From Rough to 

Fair Ways 

Irish PGA 


RUSSELL, Paul (Scrabo) 

RYAN, David (Cahir Park) 

RYAN, Eoin ((Navan) 

RYAN, Michael (Frankfield DR) 

RYAN, Michael (Oughterard) 

RYAN, Padraig (Kerry Golf) 

RYAN, Raymond (Galway Bay) 

SAMMON, Christopher (Malahide) 

SAVAGE, John (Water Rock) 

SCOTT, Donal (Edmondstown) 

SCULLION, Jerry (Kilkeel) 

SHAW, Nigel (Warrenpoint) 

SHERWOOD, Brady (Castlemartyr) 

SIMMONDS, Andrew (Darren Clarke GS) 

SKILLEN, Roy (Castlereagh Hills) 

SMALLWOODS, Sam (City of Derry) 

SMYTH, Bryan (Royal Co. Down) 

SMYTH, Ciaran (Rossmore) 

SMYTH, Gordon (Slieve Russell) 

SMYTH, James (Massereene) 

SMYTH, Larry (Carrigdhoun GR) 

SOMERS, Jason (Ardee) 

SPRING, Graham (Kerries DR) 

St. JOHN, Ian (Carrick-on-Suir) 

STAFFORD, Ian (Innishannon DR) 

STAUNTON, Emmet (Castleknock) 

STEVENSON, Paul (Portadown) 

SUGRUE, John (Tralee) 

TEAGUE, Vivian (Loughall) 

THOMPSON, Paul (Powerscourt) 

TIGHE, Darragh (Howth) 

TRACEY, Eddie (Nevada Bobs) 

TRAINOR, Barrie (Mayobridge) 

TURNER, Paul (Howth) 

TWITCHETT, Marcus (GR Learning Ctr) 

TWOMEY, Frederick (Muskerry) 

VAUGHAN, Paul (Ardglass) 

WALKER, Daniel (Rosslare) 

WALKER, David (Foxrock) 

WALKER, Leslie (Dundalk) 

WALSH, Michael (Plus Four Sports) 

WARD, Martin (Ennis) 

WARDLOW, Gary (Dunmurry) 

WHELAN, Sean (Ballinrobe) 

WHITEHEAD, Adrian (Ring of Kerry) 

WHITFORD, Richard (Knock) 

WHITSON, Kevan (Royal Co. Down) 

WHYTE, David (Frankfield DR) 

WILSON, Barry (Shandon Park) 

WOOLFSON, Marc (Royal Dublin) 

YATES, Roger (St. Anne’s) 

YOUNG, Johnny (Rosslare) 

YOUNG, Sean (Foyle GC) 

Hodder & Stoughton 

Paperweight Publications 

BACKSPIN | 29

with PAT CASHMAN 

On these pages we feature a selection of 

photographs taken by Pat Cashman at various 

events on the domestic golf scene. 

Visit www.cashmanphotography.ie 

Eddie McGroddy and Peter Smyth 

celebrate Rosapenna’s Irish 

Mixed Foursomes victory 

Rosapenna Golf Club, winners of the 2012 Irish Mixed Foursomes, sponsored by the Spanish Tourist Board, at Clontarf Golf Club. L-R: Front: 

Ena Gilroy (Lady Captain, Clontarf GC), Peter Smyth (Team Captain, Rosapenna GC), Marjorie McCorduck (President, ILGU), Eddie McGroddy 

(Captain, Rosapenna GC), Ivor McCandless (President-Elect, GUI), Gonzalo Ceballos (Spanish Tourist Board) and Seamus Smith (Captain, Clontarf 

GC). Back row: Marty McDermott, Con Boyce, Martyn Carlin, Bernadette North, Terri McBride, Dympna Kelly, Des Killen (President, Clontarf 

GC), Orla Lenny, Kit Boyce, Suzanne Gallagher, Frank Casey Jr, Pat Boyce and Enda Kennedy. 

Clubs encouraged to support Musgrave/Crumlin Children’s Challenge 

Three clubs - Limerick County, Nenagh 

and Castleblayney - have successfully 

defended the Musgrave sponsored 

Crumlin Hospital Club Challenge since it 

was launched in 1998 and this is the task 

facing Heath Golf Club in 2013. 

Represented by John Fennell, Joe 

Keenan and JB Conroy, the Leinster 

champions took the national title in the 

grand final in the Algarve last October. The 

other finalists were Nenagh, Concra Wood 

and Bearna. 

The title was decided over 36-holes at 

Palmares and the highly rated Christy 

30 | BACKSPIN 

O’Connor Jnr course at the Oceanico 

Amendoeira Resort. 

GUI President Fintan Buckley was 

present for the 15th national final of a 

competition that has raised over €1.5m for 

Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin. 

Golf Clubs nationwide can get involved 

in the 2013 Musgrave Crumlin Children’s 

Hospital Club Challenge either by including 

the three person “Rumble for Crumlin” 

competition day in their club’s diary or by 

hosting a singles event with the winner, 

runner-up and gross winner representing 

the club at the Provincial Final. 

The competition format allows for all 

male, all female or mixed teams. 

An entry fee of €50 per team is 

recommended with a view to raising 

€1,000 per participating club (20 teams), 

but the fee is at each club’s discretion. 

All funds raised through entry fees go 

directly to Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital 

thanks to the generous support provided by 

The Musrave Group, who cover all the 

expenses associated with the event. 

Entry forms for the 2013 event can be 

obtained by contacting event co-ordinator 

Pat Cashman at litia@eircom.net

Brian Casey triumphs 

Mullingar Golf Club Captain, John G Kelly 

presenting the 2012 Grant Thornton 

Mullingar Scratch trophy to Brian Casey 

(Headfort). Also in the picture below are (from 

left) Paul Ralaigh (Grant Thornton), Fintan 

Buckley (President, GUI) and Noel Delaney 

(Grant Thornton). 

Left: Local golfer Des Morgan finished 3rd in the 

2012 Grant Thornton Mullingar Scratch trophy. 

Above left: Maria Dunne (Skerries) and Eoin Arthurs (Forrest Little) winners 

of the East of Ireland Mixed Foursomes Championship at the K Club pictured 

with Anne O'Sullivan (ILGU Eastern District Chairman), Jim Kirwan (Captain, 

K Club) and John Ferriter (Hon Secretary, Leinster GUI). 

Above right: Joe McNamara (Hon Treasurer, Leinster GUI) presenting the 

Leinster Seniors' Amateur Open Championship trophy to Brendan 

McDonnell (K Club) at Waterford GC. Also pictured are runner-up John 

Mitchell (Tramore) and George Walsh (President, Waterford GC). 

Left: The winning Stackstown team in the final of the Metropolitan Trophy 

at Stackstown. Front row: Gary Ryan, Conor O’Mara, Eamon Flaherty (Vice- 

Captain), Dermot Gregan (Captain), John Ferriter (Leinster GUI), Stephen 

Stewart (Team Manager), Gerry Carter (President) Martin Cleary and Tom 

Collins. Back row: David Horan, Dave McNamara, Ciaran O’Rourke, Jim 

Kavanagh, Ritchie Ryan, Eoin Cotter, Mateo Crowley, Stephen Whelan, 

Damien Mulvey and Enda O’Halloran. 

Photo: Ronan Quinlan 

Left: The 2012 finalists in the Musgrave 

Crumlin Hospital All-Ireland Club Challenge 

final pictured at the O'Connor Jnr course in 

the Algarve, Portugal. Included in the picture 

are Joe Quinsey of the Childrens Medical & 

Research Foundation, Pat Cashman 

(Tournament Co-ordinator), Fintan Buckley, 

President of the GUI, Chris Martin, Group 

CEO, Musgrave Group, Norma O’Sullivan and 

Adrian Grey, Musgrave Group, and Supervalu 

retailers, Dominic McKenna, Pat McNamara 

and Cathal O’Gorman. 

The teams were, Leinster, The Heath GC: 

Joe Keenan, JB Conroy, John Fennell & Kevin 

Wolfe (vice-Captain); Connaught, Bearna GC: 

Tom Hillary, John Darby, Pat Ward and 

Brendan McLaughlin (Captain); Munster, 

Nenagh GC: Jim Whelehan, Mark O’Dwyer, 

Noel O’Dwyer, Sean Minogue (Captain) and 

Breda Fitzgibbon (Lady Captain); Ulster, 

Concra Wood GC: Noel Flanagan, Noel 

O’Reilly, Seán Whelan and Andy Whelan 

(President). 

Photo: Ronan Quinlan 

BACKSPIN | 31

PARTING SHOT from the Editor... 

BUBBA WATSON 

Pic courtesy of GMS 

Leading professionals 

equipped for battle 

Three of the top equipment brands – Nike Golf, PING and 

Callaway Golf – made significant announcements concerning 

staff players prior to the start of the 2013 season. 

Rory McIlroy’s mega-million 

dollar endorsement deal with 

Nike Golf instantly places 

the 23-year-old Holywood 

superstar amongst the world’s sporting 

elite in terms of sponsorship earnings. 

With two majors already in the bag 

it’s on the cards that Rory will dominate 

the game for years to come, in the same 

way that Nike Golf stablemate Tiger 

Woods did between 1997 and 2006. 

Indeed, Rory has the tools to 

emulate, maybe even surpass, the 

record of eighteen major titles set by 

Jack Nicklaus. 

Whatever unfolds for the richly 

talented Ulsterman over the coming 

years, Nike Golf can certainly expect to 

benefit considerably from their 

association with golf’s new poster boy. 

At the announcement of the multiyear 

arrangement on the eve of the Abu 

Dhabi Championship in January, Cindy 

Davis, President of Nike Golf, remarked, 

“Rory is an extraordinary athlete who 

creates enormous excitement with his 

on-course performances while, at the 

same time, connecting with fans 

everywhere. He is the epitome of a Nike 

Athlete, and he is joining our team 

during the most exciting time in Nike 

Golf’s history. We are looking forward to 

partnering with him to take his 

remarkable career to the next level.” 

RYO ISHIKAWA 

Pic courtesy of 

Callaway Golf 

There have also been significant 

announcements recently by two other 

premier equipment manufacturers, 

PING and Callaway Golf. 

Three players riding high in the 

World’s top-10 at the start of 2013 - 

Louis Oosthuizen, Lee Westwood and 

Bubba Watson - have extended their 

contract arrangements with the iconic 

Pheonix-based PING company. 

Commenting on the multi-year 

contracts, John A. Solheim, PING 

Chairman & CEO. said, “Personally, it 

has been gratifying to watch these men 

progress in their careers and achieve 

the potential they first showed at very 

young ages. Success in this sport is 

tremendously hard to achieve, and to 

sustain their high level of play over 

many years is a testament to how hard 

they work, which enables them to get 

the most out of their unique talents. 

We’re proud to have played a role in 

helping them reach an elite level by 

providing them with custom-fit 

equipment, and supporting them on 

tour. Louis, Lee and Bubba are 

wonderful global representatives for the 

PING brand.” 

Meantime, two rising stars - Ryo 

Ishikawa and Kristoffer Broberg - have 

joined the Callaway Golf team of Staff 

Professionals. 

With ten Japanese Tour wins under 

his belt by the age of 21, Ryo Ishikawa 

has already gained legend status in his 

native land and huge things are 

expected of him in the future. 

Broberg, a 26-year-old Swede, is a 

rising star in Europe. 

Last August he shot 75-under-par in 

a four-tournament stretch on the 

Challenge Tour. Three victories and a 

runner-up spot catapulted him to 2nd 

place in the end of year rankings and 

earned him a place on this season’s 

European Tour. 

Editorial, Advertising 

& Accounts: 

“Birkdale”, 

4, Rathmichael Manor, 

Loughlinstown, 

County Dublin, Ireland. 

Email: golfbiz@eircom.net 

Tel: (00.353.1) 2827269 

32 | BACKSPIN 

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