Re: GUI & ILGU Statement recommending all clubs and golf facilities to close

The Boards of the ILGU and GUI made the recommendation for clubs to close immediately to provide clarity in how the sport should respond to the measures announced by the UK and Irish governments.

We have been in direct contact with the relevant Government authorities who have confirmed that the Unions’ decision to advise clubs to close was the correct one.

The GUI and ILGU recommend that all golf clubs, practice facilities and courses across the island close with immediate effect until April 19th 2020.

This is the last thing the Unions would ever have wanted to do, but at a time of global emergency, golf must show solidarity with those around us, in our towns, villages and communities across the island.

We also note that all sporting activity in Ireland has now ceased, and that all golf clubs in the vast majority of European countries and many other countries worldwide – have been asked to close over the last few days as a result of this crisis.

Following the recommendations by the GUI & ILGU and our Government directives in connection with the COVID-19 Virus we have decided to close the golf course and facilities until 19th April 2020. We hope by abiding by this we will keep our members, staff and visitors safe and well in this difficult time.

STATEMENT ISSUED AT 5.20pm – TUESDAY 24th MARCH 2020​

Following the recent announcements by the UK and Irish Governments in relation to the coronavirus pandemic, the GUI and ILGU recommend that all golf clubs, practice facilities and courses across the island close with immediate effect until April 19th 2020.

While golf is an outdoor sport that allows players to exercise in the fresh air, the message is clear. People must stay at home to help to contain the spread of COVID-19. ​

The Unions recognise the need clubs may have for business support at this time. We will monitor options available and engage with the relevant sporting bodies in due course to make representations for our member clubs.

We know that these decisions are difficult ones to make, but right now, it is our shared responsibility to prioritise the health of our local communities by working together to follow the respective Government guidelines. In doing so, this will ensure that we get the opportunity to play the game that we all love as soon as it is safe to do so.

For security and essential maintenance purposes, greenkeeping staff can still attend work.

All work must be carried out in strict accordance with government guidelines on physical (social) distancing. Clubs should divide course staff into two teams where possible and if one becomes unavailable, the other team will still be okay to work.

You will appreciate that this is a very fluid situation with new developments almost daily. We will continue to liaise with the appropriate authorities, and will ensure that our clubs are kept informed as to recommended best practice at all times.

HSE: http://www.hse.ie or PHANI: https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/

The following is a joint statement from the GUI and ILGU in relation to the current coronavirus pandemic, issued at 11.10am this morning.

Golf in Northern Ireland:

In its latest measures to contain the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), the UK Government has announced that everyone in the UK must now stay at home except in exceptional circumstances.

The new measures state that people in the UK may only leave home:

to go to work (if you are a key worker)
to infrequently shop for groceries, medicine and other essentials
to exercise outside once a day
to provide care or help a vulnerable person
for any medical need

While golf is an outdoor sport that allows players to exercise in the fresh air, the message is clear. People must stay at home to help to contain the spread of COVID-19.

With this in mind, it is the view of the GUI and ILGU that all golf clubs in Northern Ireland must close their facilities with immediate effect.

Such closures will have a significant impact on golf clubs and we continue to consult with industry partners to provide clubs with all information and support possible during this time of deep uncertainty.

We know that these decisions are difficult ones to make, but right now, it is our shared responsibility to prioritise the health of our local communities by working together to follow the UK Government guidelines. In doing so, this will ensure that we get the opportunity to play the game that we all love as soon as it is safe to do so.

For security and essential maintenance purposes, greenkeeping staff can still attend work. All work must be carried out in strict accordance with government guidelines on social (physical) distancing. Clubs should divide course staff into two teams where possible and if one becomes unavailable, the other team will still be okay to work.

Golf in the Republic of Ireland:

The GUI and ILGU have consistently reflected the advice of expert medical professionals in advising our member clubs.

It is anticipated that an update on the period of restriction will be made soon by the Irish Government, after which we will issue an updated statement in relation to golf in the Republic of Ireland.

You will appreciate that this is a very fluid situation with new developments almost daily. We will continue to liaise with the appropriate authorities, and will ensure that our clubs are kept informed as to recommended best practice at all times.

HSE: http://www.hse.ie or PHANI: https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/

2020 Introductory Membership deals now available at Donabate Golf Club.

Membership from today to the 31st of December 2020

For all categories of membership and for further details simply click here…

• • 27 Holes + Extensive practice facilities including a new dedicated short game practice area.
  • 6 Full Floodlit Tennis Courts with discounted rates for Tennis Club Membership.
  • Excellent clubhouse, bar and restaurant facilities.

Contact our office for further details: +353 (0)1 843 6346

The GUI/ILGU have issued a joint statement in relation to coronavirus/COVID – 19. That statement is available to view on Golfnet at or by clicking here…

Donabate Golf Club will be complying fully with the advice contained in the statement and with guidelines issued by the HSE in relation to the coronavirus (COVID – 19) outbreak.

Members are asked to familiarise themselves with the statement. In particular members are asked not to come into the clubhouse with colds or any symptoms of COVID – 19 and pay particular attention to hand hygiene protocols.

In the meantime, club competitions will continue as scheduled and the clubhouse bar and restaurant are open for business from 12:00 to 7pm on Saturday & Sunday serving daily specials.

There will be a limited bar & restaurant service on Monday 16th & Tuesday 17th March.

Captain Brian and Lady Captain Mary would like to invite all our members to join them for their drive-in on Saturday 15th February at 12 noon and afterwards for the 9-Hole Sixsomes with a shotgun start at 2 pm.

In addition to the drive-in, the presentation of blazers/jumpers to President, Captains, Vice Captains and Junior Captains will take place in advance of the golf.

Catering will be available on the day. Complementary soup and sandwiches will be provided before the golf. For those wishing to avail of it, a carvery dinner will be available from 4:30 pm; cost for a 2 course meal is €21.

Following dinner, the evening will finish with music and dancing.

Looking forward to seeing you all for for the Drive-In.

An Evening for Golfers – Donabate Golf Club

Sports Surgery Clinic is hosting a free information evening at Donabate Golf Club on Tuesday 25th of February from 7-8pm.

Members of SSC’s Sports & Exercise Medicine Department will present and demonstrate exercises for increased mobility, flexibility and injury prevention.

Presentations will be by the following SSC clinicians:
Katie Gill, Senior Physiotherapist at SSC specialising in back pain.
‘Advice and self-management on avoiding back pain for golfers’
Luke Harte, Strength & Conditioning Coach & Fitness Lead at SSC
‘Exercises to improve golf performance and minimise injury’
Please note this will be an interactive discussion – wear comfortable clothing.

Book your place here:
https://sportssurgeryclinic.com/event/an-evening-for-golfers-donabate-golf-club/

Congratulations to the final set of winners in our 100 Club Draw for 2019:

1st €500 Robert Diggin (7)

2nd €300 Pauline Byrne (41)

3rd €100 Denis O’Connell (11)

4th €100 Joe Dempsey (40)

5th €100 Noel Hughes (38)

6th €100 Kathryn McGowan (87)

Congratulations to the tenth set of winners in our 100 Club Draw:

1st €500 Anne Casey & Padraig Looney (33)

2nd €300 Paddy Helly (83)

3rd €100 Eamonn Ryan (24)

4th €100 Noel Hughes (38)

5th €100 Declan Rickard (84)

6th €100 Enda Dooley (10)

Golf Ireland Update

Nine months have passed since the historic decision to form Golf Ireland by clubs of the Golfing Union of Ireland and the Irish Ladies Golf Union. Since then, intensive work has been underway behind the scenes to ensure a smooth implementation of the Golf Ireland Proposal and ultimately, the transition to a new single governing body.

The Transition Board have met eight times since their appointment in March 2019 and are determined to ensure their schedule for Golf Ireland to go live in January 2021 is delivered.

Alongside the tasks of the various Sub Committees, the first Chief Executive of Golf Ireland has been recruited. Mark Kennelly has had a distinguished career in Government and politics and promises to bring a wealth of strategic knowledge to his role. Kennelly will officially begin his tenure in mid-December but has already begun on a part-time basis as CEO Designate.

As mentioned, members of the Golf Ireland Sub Committees cover the following areas:

• Finance and Governance
• Branding, Logo and Website
• Property and Office Accommodation
• Handicapping
• Competitions and Tournaments
• Models of Club Governance
• Organisational Structures
• Volunteering

Significant steps taken to date include:

• The development and planned launch of the Golf Ireland brand identity, logo and website with The Public House agency
• Communication with club delegates at the GUI Provincial ADMs and ILGU District AGMs
• The establishment of a volunteering Sub Committee which aims to continue the culture of volunteering at club, regional and national level, something which golf is heavily dependent on
• Agreement that the first Regional AGMs of Golf Ireland, attended by clubs, will take place in November 2020. Additionally, in depth consultation regarding Regional structures and zones has taken place with current GUI and ILGU volunteers

While this important transition work is taking place, it is reiterated that, throughout the next 13 months, the GUI and ILGU will continue to operate as normal.

The Confederation of Golf will also be transferring to Golf Ireland as golf club development and club services continue to be a crucial offering of the new body.

Chairperson of the Transition Board Tim O’Connor said: ‘As a group, the Transition Board believe we are building on tremendous foundations based on the great legacy delivered by both Unions over the past 128 years. Some nine months into the transition period, I can report that there is a strong sense of common purpose and a shared determination that together we can and must make the most of  this exciting opportunity for golf on the island of Ireland, and deliver on its potential to the full.’

*Members of Transition Board: Tim O’Connor (Chairperson)(Edmondstown)); Pauline Bailie (Belvoir Park); Mary Culliton (The Heath); Ian Kerr (Royal Portrush); Brege McCarrick (Mullingar); Joe McNamara (The Heath); John Power (Portmarnock); Brian Punch (Castletroy); Fiona Scott (Dun Laoghaire).

 

Please click here for more details of opening hours, menus, contact details, etc etc relating to our newly launched Bunker Restaurant.

Please note that Gents “Winter Cuts” began on the 27th of October.
There will be a 2 shot cut per prize winner.
Please note that “Winter Cuts” do not apply to Opens or Winter league.

For those new to the club, the prize winners of all club competitions, except 18 hole open comps, will receive a 2 shot reduction in their handicap not their score. Prizes for these competitions will be in the form of vouchers (not turkeys). These cuts will continue until the Christmas fare competitions which take place around Christmas week.

Rory celebrates after winning a Turkey Voucher

Entry fee €10

Teams of three

Choose your playing partners or you can just sign up

Period of 5 weeks

Tuesday league: 5th of November to 3rd of December

Sunday league: 3rd of November to 1st of December

Full handicaps apply

The leagues will run in conjunction with the normal Sunday and Tuesday competitions

Prizes:  First and Runner up

Individual scoring – best  4 out of 5

Tie resolution; team or individual points the result will be decided on “best overall” score.

Week 2 and 4 three scores to count

NB front nine will only count for the league scoring

Carr Golf secures 5-year contract at Donabate Golf Club

https://irishgolfer.ie/latest-golf-news/2019/10/24/carr%e2%80%afgolf-secures-5-year-contract-at%e2%80%afdonabate/

Glass of Prosecco on Arrival

Starters:

French Onion Soup – Gruyere Cheese Crouton

Gambas a la Plancha – White Wine, Garlic, Chilli & Fine Herbs

Baked Goats Cheese – Roasted Red Pepper, Walnuts & Rocket Salad

Fresh Mussels – Cider Cream & Fine Herbs

Chicken Liver Parfait – Pear & Raisin Chutney, Sourdough Toast

Main Courses:

Slow Braised Rib of Beef – Cavolo Nero, Creamy Mash, Fresh Horseradish & Red Wine Jus

Pan Fried Fillet of Seabass – Grilled Asparagus, Creamy Mash, Roasted Red Pepper & Tarragon Salsa

Confit Duck Leg – Potato Gratin, Braised Red Cabbage & Red Wine Jus

Cheese Risotto Butternut Squash & Goats – Toasted Almonds & Crispy Sage

Grilled Fillet of Chicken – Fricassee of Wild Mushroom, Baby Potato & Port Jus

Desserts:

Selection of Dessert – Warm chocolate brownie, Apple Crumble & Raspberry Eton Mess

Congratulations to the ninth set of winners in our 100 Club Draw:

1st €500 Margaret Maher & Margaret Kelly (55)
2nd €300 Mary Tobin (31)
3rd €100 Mairead Mulligan (90)
4th €100 Declan Rickard (84)
5th €100 Frank Barry (8)
6th €100 Damien & Aileen Hanratty (18)

Winter League starts on Sunday 13^th October 2019

We’re keeping most same features as last year. The main features are as follows:

Get your name down now on one of the timesheets in the bar or Pro Shop and enjoy a great Winter League.

​Sponsored​ by ​Gallant​ ​Security​ ​System

8 Sundays​ ​from​ ​13^th October​ ​until​ ​1^st  December​ ​inclusive

• Create your own team of 4 players (Men only). Teams pick their team name.
• Paper entry sheet at bar & club shop.(Closing date for entries: Fri 12th October).
• €20 entry fee per person.
• Junior rules apply (also only 1 junior per team of 4 permitted).
• Five Day Members not eligible to enter.
• Presentation Sunday 8^th

Committee will put names on BRS at closing date and entry fee will be taken through BRS so please make sure you have enough money in your account.  Make​ ​sure​ ​also that your​ ​team​mates​ ​are​ ​all​ ​topped​ ​up​ ​so​ ​you​ ​can​ ​get​ ​on​ ​sheet​ ​together easily.

New​ ​Members​ ​and​ ​those​ ​without​ ​a​ ​group​ ​of​ ​4

If you don’t have 4 players, put your name down anyway and the committee and shop will assist in completing a team for you.

Format will be Two Man Team each week with best score to count on each hole.  Team decides on the pairings each week with the best pair from team each week counting for league points.

If only 3 from a team is available on a given week then the usual low man rule applies and therefore the team can have 2 pairings with the low man partnering both of the other 2.  Minimum of 2 from a team required to play each week.(otherwise zero league points).

Weekly league points are based on a team’s best pair’s position each week as follows: 1st – 20, 2nd – 17, 3rd – 15, 4th – 14, 5th – 13…. All the way down to last. (if 2 pairs from a team play only best one counts for league)

If there are only 2 from a team on a weekly timesheet with no opposition they may play and mark their own card.

Teams count best 6 from 8 weeks scores

If any course closures happen during the league, the following applies, 5 from 7wks, 4 from 6wks, 3 from 5wks and so on.

No handicap cuts for league.  However, as  winter cuts apply to the regular Sunday competitions, each Sunday you must enter separate cards for the league and the Sunday competition.

Each week’s regular competition can be played by league and non league entrants.

Committee’s​ ​decision​ ​is​ ​final​ ​on​ ​league​ ​cancellations​ ​due​ ​to​ ​weather​ ​delays​ ​or​ ​course closures

Congratulations to the eight set of winners in our 100 Club Draw:

1st No 40 €500 Joe Dempsey

2nd No 36 €300 Des O’Shaughnessy

3rd No 22 €100 Tom & Theresa Kilmurray

4th No 71 €100 Angela Rowan & Joe Grennan

5th No 35 €100 Brenda Fearon

6th No 58 €100 Liz Hennessy

MEDIA RELEASE

ISSUED BY GOLF IRELAND

MARK KENNELLY APPOINTED CEO OF GOLF IRELAND

Following an extensive recruitment process, Mark Kennelly has been appointed as the first Chief Executive Officer of Golf Ireland. Prior to taking up the role in December 2019 Kennelly will begin engaging with Golf Ireland from mid-October as CEO Designate on a part-time basis, to facilitate his preparations.

Kennelly was Chief of Staff at the Department of the Taoiseach, during the term of Enda Kenny from 2011 to 2017.  He is a member of Killarney Golf and Fishing Club in Co. Kerry.

Speaking about the appointment, Tim O’Connor, Chairperson of the Transition Board of Golf Ireland said: “I am delighted with Mark’s appointment. He brings a wealth of experience from the very senior positions he has held in the public and political sectors. His knowledge and understanding of the importance of volunteers from the world of politics will stand him in great stead in Golf Ireland, given the pivotal role they play in our sport.

“Golf on the island of Ireland is moving forward in an exciting and dynamic way, building on its great history and tradition, and having somebody of Mark’s calibre and qualities in such a key leadership role is a tremendous boost to us on that journey.”

“My colleagues on the Transition Board, and also in the GUI and ILGU, are greatly looking forward to working with him in implementing the historic decision of members of the two Unions in January to create one single governing body on the island of Ireland for our great sport.”

Mark Kennelly said: “As we enter a new and exciting era for Irish golf, I am delighted to have the opportunity to play my part in the creation and evolution of Golf Ireland. Building on the remarkable heritage and achievements of the GUI and the ILGU, the new single governing body will ensure that golf will continue to grow and flourish on the island of Ireland in the future.

“I look forward to working closely in the months ahead with the Transition Board, with the officers and staff of the GUI and ILGU, after 1 January 2021 with the Board and other structures of Golf Ireland, and with the very many volunteers who are the lifeblood of golf throughout the island to make these plans a reality.”

O’Connor added: “We are entering a crucial time in the transition period and I am delighted that both Sinead Heraty and Pat Finn will work closely with Mark Kennelly during what will be a lengthy handover process.”

“They have both helped deliver the project to where we are today and I welcome their commitment to ensure we have a smooth transition. I would also like to acknowledge their decisions to pursue other ambitions outside of Golf Ireland in the future and thank them for their integrity and assistance in getting us to this point, a very exciting time for the sport”.

NEW HANDICAP SYSTEM SET FOR NOVEMBER 2020

The governing bodies of amateur golf in Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales are delighted to announce that they have signed the licence for the new World Handicap System (WHS) which will come into operation on November 2, 2020.

As members of the Council of National Golf Unions (CONGU), the Golfing Union of Ireland, the Irish Ladies Golf Union, England Golf, Scottish Golf and Wales Golf have supported The R&A and USGA in planning for the new system.

The current Golf Handicapping System maintained by CONGU will be replaced by WHS which will unify the six different handicapping structures currently in operation throughout the world of golf.

For the first time, handicap systems worldwide will be substituted by a global system where golfers will obtain and maintain a handicap and use this on any course around the world. In addition, they will be able to compete or simply play a casual round with fellow golfers anywhere on a fair and equal basis.

As well as encouraging players new to the sport to obtain a handicap with ease, the WHS will also modernise the game for those already well versed in the game of golf.

Under the new system a player’s handicap will be based on the average of eight best scores from their last 20 rounds. WHS will also take into account factors currently not fully represented in the existing handicapping procedure through a course and slope rating system.

Sinead Heraty, Chief Executive of the ILGU said: “The Irish Ladies Golf Union and the Golfing Union of Ireland are delighted that the new World Handicap System will come into practice in November 2020.

“The transition from an incremental system to an averaging one will be period of great change, however once a planned education process is complete, the new system will make handicapping much more consistent globally.”

Pat Finn, CEO of the Golfing Union of Ireland added: “We look forward to meeting with our member clubs over the coming months to outline the World Handicap System. With CONGU adopting the system for Ireland and Great Britain from late next year we need to ensure golfers across Ireland are prepared for the change.”

CONGU, the USGA, Golf Australia, the European Golf Association (EGA), the South African Golf Association (SAGA) and the Argentine Golf Association (AAG) represent around 15 million golfers in 80 countries who currently maintain a handicap.

The aligning of all six handicapping authorities behind WHS is a hugely significant step in the modernisation of golf across the globe.

WHS has been introduced under the auspices of the USGA and The R&A.

Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A said: “The R&A’s purpose is to ensure golf is thriving in 50 years’ time and WHS is one of the key ways in which we can ensure the long-term health of the sport.

“We all want to encourage more people to take up golf and having a handicap which provides an accurate measure of playing ability is one of the best ways of achieving that.”

Further information about the new World Handicap System can be found via The R&A website at https://www.randa.org/WorldHandicapSystem

Congratulations to Pat Doran who has won the 2019 Irish Women’s Open Stroke Play Championship at Carlow Golf Club.

Heartiest Congratulations to Pat from all in Donabate, we are very proud of you!

Join us for our Open Day on Saturday 5th of October from 2pm to 5pm.

Experience our amazing facilities and learn about our fantastic membership opportunities for 2020.

The Stone Irish Challenge is coming to the New Course at Headfort Golf Club in Kells, County Meath and will be played from Thursday 10th – Sunday 13th October, 2019. A field of Challenge Tour members together with leading Irish professionals will compete in this important event which comes at a crucial time in the Challenge Tour’s schedule. With the dream of playing on the European Tour next season, competition for ranking points will be fierce which will undoubtedly produce some magnificent golf.

Spectators are very welcome and are invited to attend free of charge. We look forward to a great week and hope that you will be able to join us.

Should you have any further questions relating to the Stone Irish Challenge, please contact Sally Stewart at sstewart@europeantour.com

Early 2020 Introductory Membership deals now available at Donabate Golf Club.

16 Months Membership Offers (Terms & conditions apply, offer subject to availability and for limited period)

Membership from 1st of September 2019 to 31st of December 2020

For all categories of membership and for further details simply click here…

• • 27 Holes + Extensive practice facilities including a new dedicated short game practice area.
  • 6 Full Floodlit Tennis Courts with discounted rates for Tennis Club Membership.
  • Excellent clubhouse, bar and restaurant facilities.

Contact our office for further details: +353 (0)1 843 6346

Golf Ireland Update

As you are aware, a Proposal to establish a single governing body for golf in Ireland, to be called Golf Ireland, was approved by GUI and ILGU delegates at meetings held in January 2019. Under the Proposal, it is intended that Golf Ireland will “go live” on 1 January 2021.

In the interim, a Transition Period has been instituted during which the structures and organisation of Golf Ireland are being established. This process is being led by a Transition Board*, comprising four nominees of the GUI and four nominees of the ILGU, with Tim O’Connor as the independent Chairperson. The Transition Board was appointed in February and has been meeting monthly since then.

Vision, Mission and Culture

The Transition Board has established the Vision, Mission and Culture for its work which will guide it through the remainder of the Transition Period and into the new body.

Sub-Committees and Transition Board Priorities

Work by the Transition Board to implement the Golf Ireland Proposal has commenced in a number of areas and the following Sub Committees have been established: Chief Executive Appointment; Finance and Governance; Branding, Logo and Website; Property and Office Accommodation; Handicapping; Competitions and Tournaments; Models of Club Governance; and Organisational Structures.

A key priority for the Transition Board is the appointment of a Chief Executive of Golf Ireland and an open competition has been instituted in that regard. Once appointed, the task of the Chief Executive in the first instance will be to drive forward the Transition process under the direction of the Transition Board. Further Sub Committees will be appointed by the Transition Board as needed over the coming period.

The Transition Board has liaised with Sport Ireland and Sport Northern Ireland, who welcomed the decision of the GUI and ILGU as well as offering support and encouragement for the new body. Additionally, the Golf Ireland trademark and domain name have been secured.

The Transition Board intend for the Transition Period to culminate with the first AGM and the first Regional meetings of Golf Ireland in the final quarter of 2020, which will pave the way for the new organisation to ‘go live’ on 1 January 2021.

What this means for GUI, ILGU and CGI

Until Golf Ireland is established in 2021, and the transfer of functions from the GUI and ILGU commence, it is business-as-usual for both the GUI and ILGU. This means that clubs, players and officials continue to communicate with both Unions as they always have. The same holds true for the CGI, whose work continues as before pending the transfer across in due course to Golf Ireland.

Under the Terms of Reference of the Transition Board, the Chairperson is required to be available to provide quarterly updates to the Boards of the ILGU and GUI. He has met both Boards once in that regard. The Transition Board will regularly update GolfIreland.ie on progress as the work of the Board continues.

The Continuing Role of Volunteers

Golf is dependent on the many volunteers at club, regional and national level who undertake a range of activities. This will not change with the establishment of Golf Ireland. Current and new volunteers will be needed in the new body. If you are interested in a voluntary role in golf, you are invited to express interest with the relevant ILGU District or GUI Branch Executives to find out what roles are and will be available.

Chairperson O’Connor said: “Just as volunteers have been the lifeblood of the GUI and ILGU over the decades, so too will they be central to the success of Golf Ireland. There will be changes in how Golf is structured, with one overall governing body where previously there were two, but volunteers will continue to be a central pillar of the game in Ireland. We will be providing more detail in that regard as the Transition Period progresses.”

Conclusion

O’Connor added: “The establishment of Golf Ireland is an exciting new development for golf on the island of Ireland. I am encouraged by the positive start to the work of the Transition Board. Everybody is committed and dedicated to the success of the project. Working closely with the ILGU and the GUI, we look forward to ensuring that the Proposal, approved overwhelmingly by members in January, is faithfully implemented and that by January 2021 the new structures and arrangements will be in place to enable Golf Ireland to take forward its mission of securing and developing the future of golf across the island.”

*Members of Transition Board: Tim O’Connor (Chairperson); Pauline Bailie; Mary Culliton; Ian Kerr; Brege McCarrick; Joe McNamara; John Power; Brian Punch; Fiona Scott.

Congratulations to the seventh set of winners in our 100 Club Draw:

1st €500 Angela Rowan & Joe Grennan (71)

2nd €300 Evelyn de Lacy (29)

3rd €100 Paul Spierin (59)

4th €100 Joe Blake (4)

5th €100 Mary Collins & Jim Gillespie (19)

6th €100 Mick Taylor (91)

Fingal County Council

PRESS RELEASE

August 9, 2019

Golf stars of the future heading to Donabate

The next generation of international golf stars will be on view at Donabate Golf Club from August 20 to 23 when the Irish Boys U16 Amateur Open Championship takes place on the peninsula.

Since the competition began in 2006, many players who have gone on to be top class amateur and professional golfers have played in it, including current European Tour professionals Paul Dunne and Gavin Moynihan and Challenge Tour player Robin Dawson.

This year the Irish challenge in Donabate will be led by 15-year-old Joshua Hill from Galgorm Castle in Co Antrim, who plays off a plus three handicap. Hill has already won several tournaments this year and played for Ireland in the recent Boys U18 Home Internationals in Wales.

In addition to Hill, players from all over Ireland will be in the 144 strong field which has also attracted entries from France, Germany, England, Wales and Scotland. The field will also include up and coming Donabate golfers Brian and Ben Hanratty while another, Josh Higgins, is currently on the waiting list hoping for a late call-up.

Tuesday, August 20 will be the official practice day with the 54 hole strokeplay tournament teeing off on Wednesday, August 21 and finishing on Friday, August 23 when the new champion will be crowned.

Members and staff at Donabate Golf Club have spent the last few weeks preparing for the tournament and local residents are advised of possible traffic delays along New Road, leading to the golf club, during the four days of the event.

At a recent event in Donabate Golf Club to announce details of the Championship, the Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Eoghan O’Brien, said: “I am delighted that Fingal has been selected to host another major golf championship so soon after Portmarnock and The Island staged a very successful Open Amateur Championship in conjunction with the R&A. There are 26 golf clubs in Fingal so it is a very popular sport in the county with high participation numbers. I am sure that golfers of all levels will want to avail of the opportunity to see what’s coming through when the Boys Championship comes to Donabate later this month.”

The Captain of Donabate Golf Club, Joe Rice, said: “This year marks the 80th anniversary of our move to our current home and we are extremely grateful to the Golfing Union of Ireland for giving us the opportunity to host one of their Championships. It has attracted an exciting international field and we are looking forward to presenting our championship standard course in the best possible condition for what we expect will be a challenging but fair test of these young golfers’ abilities.”

Donabate Golf Club is one of the top golf clubs in Fingal and in the 94 years since its founding in 1925, it has evolved from a nine hole course into a 27 hole parkland course with state of the art practice and coaching facilities. The championship course offers a challenging golf experience on beautiful well-manicured greens and fairways and the club is firmly rooted in the local community as it is also the home of Donabate-Portrane Tennis Club.

****Open Week 2019****

Time Sheets now open for our fantastic Open Week which starts on Wednesday 31st of July and continues to Monday 5th of August 🏌️‍♀️🏌️‍♂️⛳⛳

We have a 2 Person Team, Mixed Foursomes, 9 Hole Singles, 18 Hole Singles and our Scratch Cups during the week.

Sheets are filling fast so book quickly to avoid disappointment.

Contact our ProShop to book your Tee Time 018436346 or through the BRS link:
https://www.brsgolf.com/donabate/opens_home.php

 

We are delighted to announce that Ben Hanratty has been selected to represent Leinster at the Inter-Provincial Championships @ Athlone GC from 23rd to 25th of July.

For live updates please click here…

Congratulations to the sixth set of winners in our 100 Club Draw:

1st €500 David Power (2)

2nd €300 Pat McNeill (49)

3rd €100 Tony Fetherston (17)

4th €100 Pat Gavin (9)

5th €100 Carmel Tuck (30)

6th €100 Paddy Mulligan (39)

To all members and visitors planning a visit to Donabate Golf Club this weekend (Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th of June) please leave adequate time to get to our club as the Flavours of Fingal is taking place at Newbridge House which may result in some delays.

Congratulations to the fifth set of winners in our 100 Club Draw:

1st €500 Frances Gorman & Catherine Crummey (32)

2nd €300 Christine de Lacy (48)

3rd €100 Liam Bridgette (82)

4th €100 Paul Spierin (59)

5th €100 Brenda Fearon (35)

6th €100 John O’Riordan (15)

Sitting here in the plus 20 heat and lovely sunshine. It has struck me that very few including myself prepare for golfing in the sun. Most will put on their golf shoes gloves even a Golf hat however who puts on sun-screen? We all know the dangers of over exposure to harmful UV rays from the sun and still take little action. The Diagram below Slip, Slap, Slop refers to a simple 3 step way of dealing with Sun exposure:
Slip: Slip on clothing to cover exposed areas Arms and legs
Slop: Slop on Sun Screen factor recommended 30+, 20 minutes prior to going out in the Sun. Bring cream with you to top up or offer to someone who forgot theirs.
Slap: Slap on a wide rim hat that shades ears and neck.

Follow the simple steps above and don’t forget if you notice some area of skin showing changes consult your doctor now. Consult the Irish cancer society web site for further information.

Donabate Golf Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Fintan Lacey as our new resident PGA professional.

Fintan brings with him a wealth of experience both from his time working with Golf Clubs and also from his time spent in the retail sector with Halpenny Golf.

We strongly encourage our members to support Fintan through the use of the Pro Shop and various other golfing services which Fintan can provide.

This is another exciting step in our Club’s development.
We are very happy to welcome Fintan and wish him a long and successful residency in Donabate Golf Club.

Congratulations to the fourth set of winners in our 100 Club Draw:

1st €500 – Jack Martin (21)

2nd €300 – Mairead Mulligan (90)

3rd €100 – Tom Buggle (45)

4th €100 – Pat McCrudden (5)

5th €100 – Pat Brennan (94)

6th €100 – Grainne & Brendan Synnott (26)

Early Bird Winner – Pat Scullion