Club News 1st July

Green for go on Captain's Day
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Brendan Cullen's Captain's Day was a huge success yesterday, with afternoon sunshine helping to dim the high winds that were gusting across Portsalon as Justin Green blew away the field of 170 competitors to capture his maiden Captain's Prize.
Brendan put on a superb day, with plenty goodies to get the round started and a pitstop after 10 holes for burgers and a beer. Later, Roisin and her staff served up a fantastic meal to the Captain and his guests, while Gerry O'Sullivan got the party started with his dulcet tones on the music.
With the weather obliging and big wins for the footballers of Donegal and Tyrone in Croke Park, it meant there was a party mood in place for locals and the visiting folk from Dungannon alike.
On the golf course, playing conditions were tough with a swirling wind that was capable of switching at any moment and it was Justin Green (10) that mastered the course best.
After a steady start that left him four-over par through eight holes, a birdie on the 9th was to prove the catalyst for a strong finish that saw him playing the final 11 holes in two-over par.
A stunning shot to the tricky pin on the 15th left him with handiest of birdies and Justy closed out the win with two pars and a bogey on the last to post a round of 78 and, for 40 points, enough to leave him three clear of the chasing pack.
He collected his prize from Mr Captain Brendan Cullen last night in a packed clubhouse and proved a popular winner, reflecting on a momentous day when the 'stars seemed to align' for a Major success on the golf course alongside a special one off it as the clan came together to celebrate a very special 86th birthday lady in his Mum.
A day earlier, the Ladies contested their Captain's Prize from Brendan, with Ita Ward taking the top prize with 37 points scored.

Brendan Cullen's Captain's Prize
Winner: Justin Green (10) – 40 pts
Runner-up: Dean Doherty (33) – 37 pts
Gross: Ryan McGettigan (Scr) – 31 gross pts
Third: Kieran Moloney (16) – 36 pts
Category A: Johnny Shields (4) – 34 pts
Category B: John Shields (13) – 36 pts
Category C: Fergal Coll (22) – 35 pts
Green Tees: Charlie McFadden (28) – 32 pts
Past Captain: Gerry Hannan (17) – 33 pts
Council: Shaun Strain (10) – 32 pts
Visitor: Shane Cullen – 37 pts
First Nine: Darren Murray (15) – 21 pts
Second Nine: Eoin O'Donnell (26) – 21 pts
Nearest the Pin: Justin Green
Longest Drive: Ryan McGettigan

Ladies News
Captain’s Prize to the Ladies

It was a very close encounter at the top of the leader board with a count back required to decide the winner of the Mr. Captain Brendan Cullen’s Prize to the ladies on Friday 27th June.

Emerging victorious was the ever-steady Ita Ward, with a great score of 37 points on a break of tie, in what could only be described as very challenging windy conditions, with a sprinkling of heavy rain for good measure!

Close on her heels was Deirdre O’Toole and President Mae Blaney all with 37 points. It was no surprise to see these ladies at the top of the leaderboard as they have been featuring pretty frequently this year so far!

Results:
Winner – Ita Ward (33) 37pts BOT
Runner-Up – Deirdre O’Toole (16) – 37pts BOT
3rd – Mae Blaney (34) - 37pts BOT
Visitor – Wendy Lesley – 39pts
Front 9 Hilary Thompson( 24) - 19pts
Back 9 – Noreen McConigley (27) – 21pts BOT
Nearest the Pin – Marian Overend
Longest Drive – Claire McGonagle

Match results
A valiant effort was made by the Portsalon Ladies in the home leg of the Máire O’Donnell match on Sunday 29th June against a formidable Letterkenny side. Two half matches were all that was required by the visitors to proceed to the next round, and despite a strong push by the home team, it was not to be our year.
Thanks to all the ladies who made themselves available for selection and to team Captain Iris for all the work she put into the organization of matches and the time involved is no mean feat either.

Best wishes to Team Captain Kay Kelly and her team of ladies from Letterkenny Golf Club in their next round.

Club Match Play
The ladies singles club Matchplay continues, and ladies are reminded to have their matches completed by the round due date.

Open Week
Portsalon Open Week starts on the 7th July. Booking on BRS or through the shop 074 915 99459