THE LEOPARDSTOWN GOLF CENTRE'S ... - Backspin Golf Magazine

THE LEOPARDSTOWN GOLF CENTRE’S COMPLIMENTARY MAGAZINE 

Issue No. 11 Winter/New Year 2012 

Peralada Golf Club 

Costa Brava, Spain 

Photo by Aidan Bradley 

courtesy of Costa Brava Tourism Board 

Enjoy top class racing at Leopardstown Racecourse 

Special focus on the beautiful 

Costa Brava region 

Elaine Hartigan crowned 

2011 Lady Golfer of the Year 

Westport: Wonderful destination 

for golf & leisure breaks 

Get your game in shape for 2012 

with Pure Golf Leopardstown team 

SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR LADIES

Golf Las Americas, Tenerife 

Spanish Tourist Board to sponsor showpiece event again in 2012 

Below and facing page, other 

participants enjoying the grand final 

of the Spanish Tourist Board 

sponsored Leopardstown Ladies 

GOY competition. 

Photos by Dermot Synnott 

(Destination Golf Media). 

Sunny Tenerife beckons 

for Golfer of the Year 

Elaine Hartigan and 

runner-up Marjorie Byrne 

following an exciting climax 

to the 2011 Leopardstown 

Ladies GOY competition. 

The prize of a golfing 

break in the Canary Islands 

comes courtesy of the Spanish 

Tourist Board, which has 

confirmed that it is renewing 

its sponsorship of the 

Leopardstown Ladies GOY 

competition for a fourth year. 

Kathryn MacDonnell, the 

Spanish Tourist Board’s 

marketing manager in Ireland 

and an avid golfer herself, will 

Above: Gonzalo Ceballos Watling (Managing Director, Turespana / Spanish 

Tourism office, Dublin) at a reception in The Green Room with finalists in 

the 2011 Leopardstown Ladies Golfer of the Year competition, including 

winner Elaine Hartigan (centre). 

announce full details regarding the 2012 event in the New Year. 

It’s a winning concept with each of the centre’s 25 ladies golf societies represented in the 

grand final, following a series of qualifying events during the season. 

Spain attracts a huge volume of Irish golfers every year with the Costa del Sol, Canary Islands 

and Costa Brava (which is featured elsewhere in this issue) firmly established amongst the most 

attractive golf holiday destinations in Continental Europe.

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LEOPARDSTOWN GOLF NEWS 1

Focus on family fun the key to Leopardstown Golf Centre’s success 

Publisher / Editor 

Declan O’Donoghue 

Production 

Esther Behan 

Advertisement Sales 

The Golf Business 

Next issue 

Spring 2012 

2 LEOPARDSTOWN GOLF NEWS 

The Leopardstown Golf Centre is an 

institution in Irish golf. 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. 

The centre provides coaching to around 

1,000 youngsters each year and these 

enthusiasts enjoy the thrill of forming lasting 

friendships with other kids while developing 

an interest in the game. 

Over the years thousands of golfers have 

taken their first steps in the game at the 

Leopardstown Golf Centre and many 

religiously continue to avail of the centre’s 

state-of-the-art facilities. 

Kids playing SNAG 

THE LEOPARDSTOWN GOLF CENTRE’S COMPLIMENTARY MAGAZINE 

is produced by THE GOLF BUSINESS 

Offices (Editorial, Advertising & Accounts) 

“Birkdale,” 4, Rathmichael Manor, Loughlinstown, Co. Dublin 

Tel: 01-282 7269 Fax: 01-282 7483 Email: golfbiz@eircom.net 

Website: www.backspingolfmagazine.com 

The Golf Business produces Backspin Golf Magazine, 

Leopardstown Golf News and Portugal Pure Golf Country. 

This was the vision that the legendary John 

Jacobs had for the centre when he opened 

Ireland’s first golf driving range in 

Leopardstown in the mid-1960’s. 

The whole emphasis at the centre is on 

providing the total golf experience in a 

friendly family environment with a strong 

emphasis on offering outstanding value for 

money. 

Golfers of all ages, aspirations and skill 

levels have access to a complete suite of game 

improvement services and facilities staffed by 

the Pure Golf Leopardstown team of PGA 

professionals. 

Whether you wish to improve your swing, 

mind or body, or all three, the most advanced 

technology, systems and expertise are 

available under one roof. 

You can practice from early morning to 

late evening in the fully automated 74-bay 

floodlit driving range with a large basket of 

balls costing just €6 if you visit between 8am 

and 3pm Monday to Friday. 

You can also avail of the centre’s 

all-weather floodlit tour-spec short game area, 

with a charge of just €5 per hour or annual 

membership for just €100. An excellent gift 

idea. 

And you can introduce a real cutting edge 

to your short game and make some intriguing 

discoveries by booking a course of lessons 

with a member of the Pure Golf PGA team in 

the centre’s dedicated Putting Studio. 

Printers 

GPS Graphics 

Print Run 

3,500 copies per issue 

Distribution 

Free at the Golf Centre 

The Golf Business assumes no responsibility 

for the contents or accuracy of advertisements 

appearing in Leopardstown Golf News 

or for any offers advertised in the magazine.

Right: A group of Leopardstown lady golfers watch 

European team captain Alison Nicholas performing a 

clinic at the centre prior to this year’s Solheim Cup. 

The centre provides kids with a wonderful 

introduction to golf and the latest craze 

sweeping the golfing world is being 

introduced at Leopardstown. 

It’s a form of golf called SNAG. This 

catchy name is an acronym for ‘Start New at 

Golf’. SNAG is a fun way to introduce kids 

to golf. It’s an easy and quick way for 

youngsters to learn the fundamentals of the 

swing and develop an interest in golf without 

being burdened with too much technical 

detail as they take their first steps in the game. 

It’s essentially a game created with kids in 

mind but it’s a game that can be enjoyed by 

all the family. 

SNAG is a modified form of the game of 

golf and has its own simple rules and 

terminology, which adds to the fun. It can be 

played just about anywhere, in a playground, 

in your garden, even on the beach. 

The 9-hole SNAG course at the Golf 

Centre will be open to anyone who wishes to 

enjoy the experience (children must be 

accompanied by an adult) and it is sure to be 

an attractive option for schools. 

SNAG will be incorporated into the 

regular junior golf academies which are run 

by the Pure Golf PGA team. 

The kids of today are the champions of the 

future and they are welcomed, encouraged 

and provided with top class tuition from an 

early age at Ireland’s Home of Golf. 

continued... 

2012 society membership 

opportunities for lady golfers 

The good news for lady golfers 

attracted by the set-up at the 

Leopardstown Golf Centre is 

that there are membership vacancies 

for the 2012 season. 

The centre is home to twenty-five 

established ladies golf societies and the 

ILGU affiliated Leopardstown Ladies 

Golf Club, which combine to create 

playing opportunities and a lively social 

scene for over 2,500 avid lady golfers 

every week. 

It is by far the largest community of 

lady golfers under one roof in Irish golf 

and it is a concept that works extremely 

well. 

There are excellent organisational 

structures in place with each society 

having its own committee and social 

secretary. 

Each of the twenty-five societies 

avails of a fixed tee-time segment on a 

specific day each week on the superbly 

maintained 18-hole course, which 

means that members can plan their golf 

in advance. 

There is a strong competitive spirit 

amongst the ladies groups but the 

emphasis is more on social interaction 

between members in a relaxed sporting 

environment. 

The Leopardstown Ladies Golf 

Club, formed and affiliated to the 

ILGU in 2007, is a separate entity 

although it embraces members of many 

of the local ladies societies. It has a 

busy programme of events, many of 

which take place on Sundays between 

March and October. 

With close to 300 members there is 

a strong social dimension to the 

Leopardstown Ladies Club and it is run 

very efficiently with an online tee-time 

booking system. 

Contact reception at the Golf 

Centre for details regarding society 

membership vacancies and application 

forms. 

The centre is home to twenty-five established ladies golf societies 

and the ILGU affiliated Leopardstown Ladies Golf Club, which 

combine to create playing opportunities and a lively social scene 

for over 2,500 avid lady golfers every week. 

Perfect Christmas Gift Solutions 

Practice makes perfect at the 

LEOPARDSTOWN GOLF CENTRE 

Driving Range Gift Card 

Specific to the Driving Range 

with values from €50 upwards 

and top-up option 

Membership Card 

Providing access to all-weather 

tour spec short game facility. 

€100 for an entire year 


GROUP GOLF RATES 2012 

Centre’s pro shop 

an Aladdin’s Cave 

for golfers... 

Great Christmas Gift Ideas for Golfers at the 

PURE GOLF PGA PRO SHOP 

AT THE LEOPARDSTOWN GOLF CENTRE 

Courses of Lessons 

5 for the price of 4 

(€180) 

8 for the price of 6 

(€270) 

Junior Academy 

(Winter/Spring Term, starting New Year) 

Ages 5 to 16 years 

€125 

5 Saturdays - (7 1 ⁄2 hours tuition) 

All levels welcome 


Midweek 

1 B&B + 1 Golf €99 


Weekend 



Day Visitor 

1 Golf + 1 Dinner €62pp (Sun-Fri) 

1 Golf + 1 Dinner €72pp (Sat) 

Rates valid - 1st April 2012 to 31st October 2012 

SLIEVE RUSSELL HOTEL GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB 

Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan, Ireland 

Tel: +353 (0) 49 952 6444. Fax: +353 (0) 49 952 6046 

Email: slieve-sales@quinn-hotels.com Website: www.quinnhotels.com 

Whether you’re buying gifts for 

golfing friends, treating yourself to 

a new set of clubs or replenishing 

your golfing wardrobe, you will find lots of 

inspiration, choice and outstanding value in 

the Pure Golf Leopardstown Pro Shop. 

Many of the top golfing brands are 

available in this bright and spacious 

continued... 

The Green Room Café is the 

Leopardstown Golf Centre’s 19th hole 

and social hub. 

This bright and spacious restaurant 

offers a welcoming atmosphere, friendly 

service and excellent cuisine at attractive 

prices. 

The Green Room is a hive of activity 

from 8am each day. Breakfast is served 

up to 11.30am and the restaurant also 

offers everything from coffee-to-go to 

snacks, light meals and a full European 

café-style menu up to 4.30pm daily. 

The Green Room, operated by Mary 

Curran and her catering team, is also a 

popular venue for social occasions. 

Proximity to the M50 and spacious car 

parking make it an attractive venue for 

private and corporate events, product 

launches and family celebrations. 

For more information / bookings 

email marycurran17@hotmail.com 

The Green Room 

emporium, including premier equipment lines 

PING, Nike, TaylorMade, Titleist, Mizuno, 

Cleveland and Miura, along with leading 

fashion labels PING, Chervo, Rohnisch, 

Adidas, Footjoy, Nike and Oscar Jacobsen. 

There are also excellent solutions for gift 

buyers with a large range of accessories and 

shop / tuition vouchers available. 

Ladies Group Lessons 

(continuing in the New Year) 

€130 

for 1 hour of tuition a week 

for 6 weeks 

All levels welcome 

Equipment & Clothing 

Visit the Pure Golf Pro Shop 

to see our fantastic range 

of equipment and clothing 

at excellent prices

Enjoy warm hospitality at 

STRANDHILL 

Lodge & Suites 

★★★★ 

This new 4-star guesthouse in 

the picturesque seaside town of 

Strandhill, just 7km from Sligo town, 

provides a perfect base for golfers 

wishing to explore the region’s many 

fine courses and visitor attractions. 

Fáilte Ireland approved luxury 

accommodation at affordable rates 

For details / bookings telephone 

071-9122122 

www.strandhilllodgeandsuites.com 

GOLF RESORT 

OF THE YEAR 

• Fantastic Lakeside Setting 

• Centrally located - take the M6 Motorway - 

less than 1 hour from Dublin & Galway 

• 65 luxurious bedrooms 

• Renowned for our Warm Glasson Welcome 

• Green Fees from €35 to €50 

Glasson, Athlone,Co.Westmeath. 

Tel: +353 (0) 906 485120 Fax: +353 (0) 906 485444 

Email: info@glassongolf.ie 

www.glassongolfhotel.ie 

Two inspiring golf courses 

One spectacular location 

Winter Season at Powerscourt Golf Club 

Round of Golf 

& Full Irish Breakfast 

Available 7 days 

€47.50 per person 

Powerscourt Estate 

Enniskerry, 

Co. Wicklow. 

Set 4-course Festive 

Lunch Menu daily 

throughout December 

€24.95 per person 

Christmas Parties 

and Celebrations 

also catered for at 

Powerscourt Golf Club 

Groups & Societies Welcome Daily - Book Your 2012 Outing NOW 

Contact: stephen.masterson@powerscourt.net 

Leopardstown golfers... 

avail of our Special 

Group Rates 

for 15 holes 

of golf 

and a meal 

Available each Mon, Thurs, and 

Fri, until 31st March 2012 

(excluding Bank Holidays) 

Tel: 01-204 6033 

Fax: 01-276 1303 

www.powerscourt.ie 

for 15 holes 

of golf 

and a meal 

Available each Mon, Thurs, and 

Fri, from 1st April-31st October 

2012 (excluding Bank Holidays) 

Contact John on 01-4931201 at 

RATHFARNHAM 

GOLF CLUB 

Newtown, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16. 


Celebrate with friends at 

The Leopardstown Christmas Festival provides a 

wonderful opportunity to socialise and celebrate 

with family and friends during the festive season. 

Top class National Hunt racing and Leopardstown’s 

outstanding racecourse facilities create an exhilarating day 

out for sporting fans, socialites, thrill-seekers and casual 

racegoers. 

A great way to enjoy a day at The Leopardstown 

Christmas Festival is to avail of one of the hospitality 

options. Visit www.leopardstown.com for festival details. 

Leopardstown Racecourse is easily accessible by the 

M50, Luas Green Line and Busaras. 

Glasson chosen as ‘Resort of the Year’ 

Glasson Country House Hotel & Golf Club was a deserving 

recipient of the Golf Resort of the Year title at the Irish 

Golf Tour Operator Association’s 2011 gala awards 

ceremony. 

A huge commitment by the Reid family and a dedicated team 

of staff over the last eighteen years has transformed a family farm 

in the midlands into one of Ireland’s most attractive golf and leisure 

resorts. 

A delightful 18-hole championship course, designed by Christy 

O’Connor Jnr, and a 4-star lakeside hotel combine to create an 

ideal play and stay destination less than an hour from Dublin on 

the M6 motorway. 

Everything is geared to create a relaxing experience whether 

you are visiting for a day or longer stay. 

The luxurious on-site hotel has 65 spacious bedrooms and a 

whole host of guest facilities including a private jetty if you wish 

to organise a cruise for 6 to 60 people. 

The latest addition to the resort’s impressive facilities is a 

Banqueting Suite, which makes Glasson an ideal venue for 

corporate events, weddings and other social occasions. 


EXPERIENCE MORE 

AT LEOPARDSTOWN IN 2012 

MEMBERS 

MEMBERS’ ’ CL CLUB UB 

Join the Leopardstown Leopardsto 

wn Members’ Member Members’ 

Club and be a part of the 

action 

with tr trainers ainers 

yyard 

ar d visits, social e eevents, 

vents, 

the ‘Inside TTrack’ 

rack’ 

newsletter, 

eexclusive 

xclusive 

disc discounts ounts 

and off offe offers ers 

and much mor more. e. 

www.leopardstown.com 

www 

w. .leopardstown. 

com 

Photo courtesy of 

Leopardstown Racecourse 

LEOPARDSTOWN CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL 2011 

MONDAY DECEMBER 26th 

St. Stephen’s Day Novice Chase 

TUESDAY DECEMBER 27th 

Paddy Power Handicap Chase 

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 28th 

Lexus Chase 

THURSDAY DECEMBER 29th 

The Istabraq Festival Hurdle 

Leopardstown 

Racecourse

Gear up now for 

start of season 

says resident Pure Golf PGA professional MICHAEL KAVANAGH 

Below: Michael Kavanagh (second 

left) shows a delegation from famous 

Mission Hills Golf Club in China - 

including the resort’s Dean of Golf, 

Zhang Xiao Chun - the world class 

game improvement facilities at the 

Leopardstown Golf Centre. On right 

is their guide, PGA professional Ian 

Kearney (Doonbeg). 

Talking golf with any of the Leopardstown 

Golf Centre’s PGA professionals is always 

an enlightening and fascinating experience. 

And, as more and more golfers of all skill 

levels are discovering, availing of their wide 

range of services is a wise decision if you’re 

serious about game improvement. 

The Pure Golf Leopardstown concept 

involves five PGA professionals who are 

immersed in golf - Michael Kavanagh, Michael 

Allan, John Langan, Maura Morrin and Michael 

McDermott. 

Their individual and combined skills and 

vision have transformed the centre into one of 

the finest of its kind in Europe, providing golfers 

of all standards with access to the latest thinking, 

technology and equipment on the market. 

In short, they offer the total golf experience. 

Michael Kavanagh speaks enthusiastically 

about the many ways the centre can bring out 

the best in a golfer’s game. 

Understanding the fundamentals of the swing 

is vital from the outset and regular tuition offers 

many benefits as even the finest golfers can 

develop bad swing habits. 

Interestingly, an increasing number of club 

golfers are embracing custom fitting as part of 

their game improvement strategy. Playing with 

equipment that is ill-suited to your physique and 

playing characteristics is pointless. 

Every golfer has a specific swing profile, shaft 

loading characteristic and optimum set-up based 

on their physique. 

Kavanagh, a renowned club fitter, says, 

“We’ve invested heavily to enable us provide 

golfers with the most advanced technology if 

they want a set of clubs built, including the 

famous Max-Out Experience, which involves 

ultra speed cameras, sensors and wireless strain 

gauges that capture the physics of a player’s 

swing, and the SST Pure shaft analysis and 

alignment system.” (www.sstpure.com) 

The Pure Golf Leopardstown team emphasise 

the importance of your clubs being fitted with 

the shafts best suited to your playing 

characteristics. “We carry an extensive range of 

shafts here, including all the top lines. The shaft 

is the engine of a golf club.” says Kavanagh. 

The centre offers a comprehensive club repair 

service including an extensive range of grips. 

Another revolutionary aid, employed in the 

centre’s dedicated Putting Studio, is the Sam 

PuttLab Science and Motion system which 

measures the 28 most important parameters of 

your putting stroke and displays the results in 

easy to understand graphic reports. 

If you’re considering ways of moving your 

game up a gear in 2012, now is the time to act. 

A correctly fitted set of golf clubs - along with a 

course of tuition - could have your game 

humming by the time spring is in the air. 

To discover everything there is to know 

about the services provided 

by the Leopardstown Golf Centre’s 

team of PGA professionals 

visit their website... 

www.puregolfireland.com 


Costa Brava 

A magnificent golf holiday destination 

Spain’s beautiful Costa Brava offers all the elements 

that combine to create a perfect holiday destination 

including a selection of delightful golf courses and a 

whole host of other leisure and tourist attractions. 

Cadaques, Costa Brava 

Pic: M.Geli-P.Planaguma 


Look out your window at this time of 

the year and what can you see...a 

blanket of grey skies covering the 

Emerald Isle, wind, rain, perhaps even snow! 

It’s easy for thoughts to turn to a well 

deserved winter family holiday or a golfing 

odyssey abroad with friends. 

The choice of destinations is endless but 

Spain is difficult to surpass for choice, quality, 

value and the sense of discovery that we all 

like to experience on holiday. 

Spain continues to attract significant 

numbers of Irish visitors every year. It’s easily 

accessible and offers a great choice of alluring 

and contrasting regions. 

For many years golfers were instantly 

drawn to the Costa del Sol in southern Spain, 

but the game is now also flourishing in other 

parts of the country with the Costa Brava 

enjoying a reputation as one of the finest 

emerging golf holiday destinations in 

Continental Europe. 

The Costa Brava is one of the most 

beautiful parts of the Catalonia region. Its 

coast is lapped by the clear crystal waters of 

the Mediterranean and the spectacular 

Pyrenees serve as a dramatic backdrop to the 

region’s interior. 

PGA Catalunya, a magnificent 36-hole 

resort close to Girona and just 50-minutes by 

car from Barcelona, has put Costa Brava on 

the golfing map. It is complemented by eight 

other challenging courses in lovely settings 

The Costa Brava is a very 

appealing holiday option 

for many reasons. 

There are direct flights from 

Ireland to Barcelona (El Prat 

Airport), which provides easy 

access to the city (10km) and to 

the Costa Brava region, and a 

second option is Girona 

Airport, which is situated 90km 

north of Barcelona. 

Another attractive feature 

for tourists is the abundance of 

top quality accommodation 

options available throughout 

the Costa Brava region. 

that are a joy to play and absolutely ideal for 

leisurely holiday golf. 

Peralada (above) is a delightful course 

close to Figueres (birthplace of Salvador 

Dali). It is part of a five-star hotel, wine and 

spa resort and there are fine tuition and 

practice facilities at this tour venue. 

Pals Golf Club is another gem. This 

European Tour Q-School venue is bordered 

by the glistening white sands of Pals beach 

and surrounded by dense green pine forests. 

Pals is an ideal base for golfers as other 

courses nearby are lovely Emporda, which 

offers four nine-hole loops, and Serres de Pals, 

a championship course opened in 2000, 

which completes the region’s Golden Triangle. 

And, of course, there is so 

much to do and see in this 

enchanting part of Spain. 

Sports enthusiasts delight in 

the many opportunities to 

indulge their passion for a host 

of pursuits including golf, 

cycling, skiing, horse riding, 

hunting, fishing, water sports 

and adventure sports. 

If you time your visit 

correctly and manage to secure 

a ticket you could watch Lionel 

Messi and other giants of soccer 

in action for Barcelona at the 

famous Nou Camp stadium.

Golf d’Aro, also known as Mas Nou Golf 

Club, is a splendid course perched on a 

summit above the resort of Platja d’Aro at the 

southern end of the Costa Brava with glorious 

views of the coastline. 

Costa Brava Golf Golf, founded in 1968, is 

also near Platja d’Aro and provides a 

delightful setting for a pleasurable round. 

The Costa Brava’s golfing menu is 

completed by Girona Golf Club, an impressive 

Hawtree designed course established since 

1992, and Torremirona Golf Club, north of 

Girona, which enjoys a breathtaking natural 

setting with the Pyrenees as a backdrop. 

For more details on golf in the Costa Brava 

visit www.costabrava.org 

Barcelona is one of Europe’s 

most vibrant cities. It offers a 

wonderful mix of activities. 

Many of the iconic brand 

names make a shopping 

expedition a must, while 

tourists can also explore 

museums, cultural heritage and 

monuments, festivals, markets 

and great nightlife. 

If you like to explore local 

gastronomy on your travels you 

will be in your element on a 

visit to the Costa Brava. There 

are over 2,500 restaurants 

throughout the region with an 

emphasis on top quality 

seafood and local produce. 

A great way to discover and 

fully appreciate the region’s 

gastronomy is to attend one of 

the many gastro festivals held 

throughout the province of 

Girona. 

Nature lovers will delight in 

the region’s beautiful beaches, 

coves, botanical gardens and 

nature parks. 

Over 30% of the Girona 

region is designated as a 

specially protected natural area. 

For many people holidays 

Club Golf d’Aro, Costa Brava 


are simply about totally 

unwinding, escaping from life’s 

pressures and embracing a 

feeling of relaxation and 

wellbeing. 

The Costa Brava is heaven 

on earth in this respect with 

many top quality wellness and 

health centres, spas and thermal 

leisure centres providing the 

complete renewal experience. 

This feature provides just a 

flavour of the Costa Brava. Talk 

to your local travel agent when 

planning a visit to this magical 

holiday destination. 

Left: Peralada Golf Club, a 

stunning course in the Catalonia 

region close to Figueres, which 

forms the centrepiece of a fivestar 

hotel, wine & spa resort. 


Feature photographs courtesy of the 

Costa Brava Tourism Board. 

Victory in the 1995 

Catalonia Open at 

Peralada (left) 

kickstarted Philip 

Walton’s push for 

Ryder Cup honours 

that season. 

For full details regarding 

golf and leisure holidays in 

the Costa Brava region visit 

www.costabrava.org 

SPANISH TOURISM 

OFFICE 

1, Westmoreland Street, 

Dublin 2. 

Info: 081 846 2960 

Office: 01-6350200 

Fax: 01-635 0202 

Email: 

dublin@tourspain.es 

Web: www.spain.info 


A perfect destination for golf & leisure breaks 

Westport Golf Club, a parkland 

jewel in the West of Ireland, is 

now taking individual and society 

bookings for the 2012 season. Come and 

join us for a really special golfing 

experience. 

With two resident PGA professionals on 

site, a quick group session on the putting 

green or in the golf academy can easily be 

The Wyatt Hotel - Winter Warmer Offer 

1 Night Bed & Full Irish Breakfast and 3 Course Dinner 

from only €45 per person sharing! 

Terms and conditions apply - offer subject to availability. 

The Wyatt Hotel, The Octagon, Westport, Co. Mayo, Ireland 

Freephone: 1800 205270, Tel: +353 98 25027, Fax: +353 98 26316 

Email: info@wyatthotel.com Website: www.wyatthotel.com 


arranged to prepare you for a truly 

wonderful experience on our championship 

course. 

A popular option for friendly fourballs is 

to arrange your trip to coincide with one of 

our Open Days or take the plunge and visit 

us in August for our Open Week and savour 

true competitive golf in magnificent 

surroundings. 

Please quote 'Tidy Town' 

when booking golf 

Visit our website and you will marvel at 

the abundance of attractions the region has 

to offer. Above all, you will enjoy great 

hospitality and a warm welcome. 

And there is an excellent choice of 

quality accommodation locally, with the 

charming Wyatt Hotel in the town centre 

firmly established as a very popular base for 

visiting golfers (see advert below). 

Westport Golf Club 

“Follow in the footsteps of Irish golfing legends” 

Above: Rory McIlroy (Irish Amateur Champion at Westport in 2005) 

The Best Value in Society & 

Individual Rates in the West! 

NEW 

OFFER 

2012 Distance Membership 

Base Your Handicap 

in Westport 

Westport Golf Club, Carrowholly, Westport, 

Co. Mayo. Phone: 098-28262 

Email: sean@westportgolfclub.com 

Web: www.westportgolfclub.com

Email your news items and 

hi-resolution jpeg photos to 

golfbiz@eircom.net 

20th anniversary looms 

for Wednesday Ladies 

The Wednesday Ladies was one of the original 

societies formed at the Golf Centre in the early 

90’s and 2012 will be a special year for this 

vibrant group. 

The centrepiece of a busy programme of 

events will be the society’s 20th anniversary 

dinner in The Green Room on 27th June. 

Florence Flynn will have the honour of 

leading the Wednesday Ladies in 2012. She will 

succeed Marie Upton, who has been a 

wonderful captain. 

As with all the ladies groups at the centre, 

there is a great spirit of fun and friendship 

amongst the members. 

Here we show a selection of photos taken at 

the society’s summer outing at lovely Tulfarris. 

EDMONDSTOWN GOLF CLUB 

Special Offer to Leopardstown Ladies 

(valid up to end of March 2012) 

Mondays, Thursdays & Fridays (mornings) 

€30 – Round of Golf and 

tea/coffee/scone on arrival 

Full catering facilities 

Fáilte Ireland Approved Golf Club 

Telephone: 01-4931082 

Above: Florence Flynn (2012 

captain) and Eileen McGorrian 

Left: Also enjoying the Wednesday 

Ladies summer outing at Tulfarris 

Golf Resort were society members 

Kay Hadden, Viva Freyne, Deirdre 

Whitaker, Patricia Lyons, Avril 

Patterson, Eileen McGorrian and 

Marie Upton (2011 captain). 

Left: Patricia Green, Ann Murphy and Ber Murphy 

Below: Helen Sharpe, Avril Patterson and Denise Andrews 

* WINES * CHAMPAGNES 

* SHERIDAN’S CHEESE * HAMPERS 

* GLASSWARE * GIFT PACKS 

* CHOCOLATES 

Hargadons for all your Christmas requirements. 

Contact us or drop in and we’ll be delighted to 

discuss your Golf Society prizes and presentations 

or your corporate and personal needs. 

HARGADONS WINE SHOP, Watermint, 

Cabinteely Village, Dublin 18. Ph: 01-284 8836 

www.hargadons.com 

Email: daragh@hargadons.com 


Stephanie’s charity 

day goes with a swing 

The First Tee of Ireland was the 

nominated charity for Stephanie 

Carney’s 2011 Captain’s Charity Day. 

The charity’s mission is ‘to impact the 

lives of young people by providing 

educational programmes that build 

character, instill life-enhancing values 

and promote healthy choices through the 

game of golf’. 

Pictured top: Captain 

Stephanie Carney and 

Leopardstown Ladies Club 

vice-captain Tina 

Harrington present a 

cheque to John Warren 

(The First Tee of Ireland). 

Right: Stephanie presents a 

print commemorating 

Rory McIlroy’s US Open 

victory to Charity Day 

draw winner Audrey 

Kenny. 

Left: A group of eager Gonzaga College pupils pictured during a summer tuition session with the Pure Golf Leopardstown PGA team. 

Right: A group of enthusiastic pupils from Willow Park at a golf day at the Leopardstown Golf Centre recently. 


Left: Fiachra 

O’Connor and 

Fiona Roche 

from the Sports 

Surgery Clinic 

in Santry 

exhibitors at 

Leopardstown 

Golf Centre 

recently. 



golfbiz@eircom.net 

CONGRATULATIONS TO 

2011 LADY CAPTAINS 

As the centre’s various ladies groups prepare 

for 2012, it is opportune to praise the 

twenty-six respective captains (listed below) and 

their committees for their endeavours throughout 

2011. 

LEOPARDSTOWN LADIES CLUB 

Stephanie Carney 

MONDAY MARVELS Mary Fennelly 

MONDAY STRIKERS Bernie Meagher 

MONDAY CLUB Wendy Crowley 

MONDAY WEDGEWOODS Eve Carter 

MONDAY MAGS Mary Carroll 

TUESDAY EAGLES Denise McGill 

TUESDAY BLAZERS Patricia Maloney 

TUESDAY LARKS Eleanor Fitzgerald 

TUESDAY SWALLOWS Noreen Colleran 

WEDNESDAY LADIES Marie Upton 

WEDNESDAY IRON LADIES Anne O’Dea 

WEDNESDAY HOT SHOTS Claire Kenny 

WEDNESDAY WONDERS Geraldine Kennedy 

THURSDAY SWINGERS Eithne Earley 

THURSDAY BIRDIES May Morris 

THURSDAY TIGERS Rose Moriarty 

THURSDAY BELLES Bernie McCormack 

FRIDAY FLYERS Michelle Savage 

FRIDAY DRIVERS Maureen Kelly 

FRIDAY FILLIES Eimear Kos 

FRIDAY FALCONS Ger Dunne 

SATURDAY FAIRWAYS Jan Healy 

SATURDAY SIGNETS Claire Baxter 

SATURDAY STROLLERS Lillian McDermot 

SATURDAY SWIFTS Terry Shorten

GOLF CLUB 

O’BRIENS WINES A WONDERLAND AT ANY TIME 

Golfers preparing to entertain family and friends 

at home over the festive season will enjoy great 

choice, excellent value and expert guidance on a 

visit to O’Briens Beacon Shopping Centre Sandyford and 

O’Briens Carrickmines. 

These two flagship stores carry an extensive range of 

1,000 wines from 65 wineries worldwide, handpicked by 

the O’Briens Wine Buying team and many are exclusive 

to the O’Briens off-licence chain. 

O’Briens also offers a large selection of ice cold beers 

and a full range of spirits from around the world. 

A warehouse area at O’Briens Carrickmines carries 

excellently priced mixed wine cases and discounted 

ranges – a great place to stock up for the party season. 

The perfect gift idea for wine enthusiasts awaits in the 

fine wine section at O’Briens Beacon SC. If you are 

looking for something very special, the area holds a range 

of top end wines and vintages dating back to 1948. 

O’Briens is also a wonderland for golf event 

organisers with a great selection of gift options and golf 

prizes to choose from. Wine prices start at €6.99 and 

packaging from as little as 50c, so all budgets and 

requirements can be accomodated. 

The O’Briens Gift Card is an attractive gift or golf 

prize. Simply add a value of your choice and the card can 

be used for purchases in any O’Briens store. 

You can also join the O’Briens Loyalty Club to 

receive points back on your purchases and be the first 

to hear about special offers and upcoming in-branch 

events. 

Visiting an O’Briens store is a unique experience with 

award winning customer service, daily wine tastings 

instore and staff on hand to provide expect advice, 

whether you are choosing wines for a party or menumatching 

for Christmas Day. 

See our advertisement on page 1 in this issue. 

SOUTH COUNTY GOLF CLUB INVITES APPLICATIONS NOW 

FOR 2012 MEMBERSHIP AT A SPECIAL RATE OF €1289 

With 1 in 5 members as Lady Members this attractive option (less than €25 per week) offers 7-day membership from 1st 

January to 31st December 2012. Under 30's can avail of the same arrangements for €1039 (less than €20 a week). 

DIRECT DEBIT AVAILABLE AND TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY. 

● Only 10 minutes from Exit 11 off the M50. 

● Fantastic practice facilities including short game area, 

indoor & outdoor driving range bays, 2 practice putting surfaces. 

● Former European Tour player Raymie Burns is the Club Professional. 

● Championship golf course which has hosted many GUI, ILGU and 

PGA competitions and events. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR CLUB’S FACILITIES, MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS AND 

2012 SOCIETY PACKAGES VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.southcountygolf.ie 

or TELEPHONE: 01-4582965 • Email: michael@southcountygolf.ie 


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Michael Allan 

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Solid year for 

Leopardstown duo 

These are busy and exciting times for 

resident PGA professional Michael 

Allan who has enjoyed a fulfilling 

year combining his role as a member of the 

dynamic Pure Golf Leopardstown team 

with a productive season on the Irish PGA 

circuit. 

The Pure Golf concept is flourishing. It 

is Michael’s primary focus with colleagues 

Michael Kavanagh, John Langan, Maura 

Morrin and Michael McDermott. 

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However, Allan also created time to 

contest thirteen events on the highly 

competitive domestic PGA circuit this 

season and a string of solid performances 

earned him a place in the season ending 

Lexus Race to Mount Juliet in association 

with PING. He finished 32nd in the Irish 

Order of Merit rankings, with richly 

talented Leopardstown colleague Michael 

McDermott securing 23rd place. 

Allan got the season off to a flying start 

with top-15 finishes in the PGA Sprint 

and Pro-Am at Bunclody and in the 

PGA Irish Club Pro Tournament. 

He moved up a gear mid season 

with an impressive victory in the 

Castlewarden Pro-Am in July, where 

he reeled off seven birdies in a sizzling 

4-under-par 68. 

A few weeks later, in early August, 

he was amongst the early pacesetters 

in the Irish PGA Championship at 

Seapoint when he posted an opening 

69, eventually finishing tied 33rd. 

Then he struck a rich vein of form 

as the season reached its climax with 

a number of impressive performances 

kickstarted by a tie for 3rd in the PGA 

Southern Professional Championship 

at Powerscourt. 

He recorded nine birdies and an 

eagle for a 4-under-par 36-hole tally 

on Powerscourt’s testing East and 

West courses, including seven birdies 

in a sparkling second round of 69. 

The following week he scored his 

second victory of the season in the 

PGA Sprint at Concra Wood with a 

4-under-par 68 which was peppered 

with four birdies and an eagle. 

He maintained the momentum 

with two solid rounds in the 

prestigious PGA Ulster Championship 

at Hilton Templepatrick and a tie for 

15th place in the PGA Sprint at Royal 

Belfast in mid-September. 

This run of form secured his place 

amongst the top-30 ranked players 

who contested the Lexus Race to 

Mount Juliet finale in October. 

The thrill of competing against the 

top players on the domestic PGA 

circuit at intervals adds an exciting 

dimension to Allan’s golfing life. 

There was joy on the home front as 

well this year for the popular 39-yearold 

Leopardstown professional when 

his wife, Sally, gave birth to their 

second child, Shane.



golfbiz@eircom.net Stage 

Golf and fun go hand in 

hand for the Friday Fillies 

An emphasis on having fun, fun and more 

fun creates a wonderful atmosphere at 

outings for members of the colourful and 

cheerful Friday Fillies society. 

The society has enjoyed another thrilling 

year of great golf and a full programme of 

social events with Eimear Kos at the helm as 

captain. 

Also pictured enjoying the society’s Captain’s Prize were 

Friday Fillies members... 

Above: Ann Marie Twomey, Margaret Roddy and Liz 

Carroll. 

Middle: Anne Aitken. 

Above right: Eimear Kos (Captain) and Verna Sommerville. 

Right: Socialising during the society’s autumn golf break in 

Co. Wexford were: Fiona Stapleton, Cora Ryan, Jean 

Hennebry, Annette Burke, Miriam Ryan, Susan Cronin and 

Eimear Kos. 

Pictured at the Friday Fillies Captain’s (Eimear Kos) Prize at the Golf Centre were... 

Above: Jill Dempsey, Margaret Roddy, Eimear Kos, Fiona Stapleton, Cora Ryan and Sharon 

Keane. 

Left: Jacqueline Barry-Duke, Jane Golden, Maureen Robb and Grace Owens. 


Stage 

Eagle House golf society breaks fresh ground 

Leopardstown golfers Kitty Battye and Mary McPartland became the first ladies 

ever to play in an Eagle House Golf Society outing when they partnered their 

husbands in Billy Kelly’s 2011 Captain’s Prize at Waterford Castle. 

The Eagle House society was formed in 1958 and enjoys a weekly round at the 

Leopardstown Golf Centre. 

General Manager 

Joe O’Connor 

Assistant Manager 

Dermot McCarthy 

Reception 

Anne Gibney 

Patricia McNamee 

Robert Cathcart 

Restaurant Manager 

Mary Curran 


Foxrock, Dublin 18. 

Tel: 289 5341 Pro Shop: 289 7452 

Fax: 207 0630 

Email: 

info@leopardstowngolfcentre.com 

Website: 

www.leopardstowngolfcentre.com 

All go for Thursday Tigers 

It has been all go for Rosemary Moriarty this 

year as captain of the Thursday Tigers golf 

society. 

She hosted her Captain’s Day at Tulfarris 

Golf Resort and the society also enjoyed a break 

at the popular Dundrum House Hotel resort in 

County Tipperary. 

Caroline MacCrosain will take over the 

captaincy of the ‘Tigers’ in 2012. 

Left: Rosemary Moriarty (right) at her Captain’s 

Day at Tulfarris Golf Resort with Caroline 

MacCrosain, vice-captain. 

Top of page: Linda O’Dwyer serves the Prosecco 

at the society’s two-day visit to Dundrum House 

Hotel in Co. Tipperary. 

Left: Eagle House members Ger Breen, Robert 

Breen, Jimmy Kelly, David Crangle, John Kennedy, 

Billy Kelly (Captain), Mick Byrne, Terry O’Brien, 

John Doyle and Paddy Sheridan. 

Below: Ron and Kitty Battye and Mary and Bobby 

McPartland during Billy Kelly’s Eagle House 

Captain’s Prize. 

Pure Golf 

PGA Professionals 

Michael Allan 

Michael Kavanagh 

John Langan 

Maura Morrin 

Michael McDermott 

Golf Course 

Superintendent 

Dave Walby

GREAT VALUE AT THE 

Green Fee Rates (18 holes) 

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

Students and Seniors.................................€12 

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

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

Driving Range 

Large Basket (8am-3pm Mon-Fri)..............€6 

Loyalty Card (top-up as you wish)............€50 

All Weather Practice Area 

Tour-spec short game area (per hour).......€5 

Annual Membership Available ................€100 

Tour-spec short game facility 

Practising is pure pleasure with the Power Tee 

ball dispensing system and quality golf balls 

Come with your 

friends and enjoy the 

following facilities... 

★ Challenging and enjoyable 18 

hole golf course (5400 yds) 

★ 74 modern floodlit driving bays 

★ Private or group tuition from 

our resident team of Pure Golf 

PGA professionals 

★ Two fully equipped golf academy 

rooms with the latest tuition 

technology 

★ 22,000 sq ft modern clubhouse 

★ 1,500 sq ft fully stocked Pure Golf 

Leopardstown PGA golf shop 

GREEN ROOM CAFE 

The Green Room Cafe is a comfortable 

100-seater restaurant which offers 

excellent catering in a lovely 

atmosphere overlooking the golf course 

and racecourse. It can be sectioned off 

for groups and societies and it is also a 

perfect venue for special celebrations 

and family occasions. 

Situated just off the M50 at Exit 14 

(Southbound) for Dun Laoghaire 

Leopardstown Racecourse, Foxrock, Co. Dublin. 

Telephone: 01.289 5341 Fax: 01. 207 0630 

Email: info@leopardstowngolfcentre.com 

www.leopardstowngolfcentre.com

* Here it´s hard to keep your eye 

on the ball! 

www.spain.info

THE LEOPARDSTOWN GOLF CENTRE'S ... - Backspin Golf Magazine

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