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Golf News

November 2009

Irish Blind Golf Society held a Golf Tryout Day in Lee Valley G.C. Cork on October 24th, 2009,

A group of eight visually impaired golfers were invited to the tryout. This group was assembled with the assistance of Sinead Costelloe from the Cork Local Sports Partnership and Terence McSweeney, activities co-ordinator for the COPE Foundation. Three of the participants have already played golf, but had to give up playing due to sight loss.

The group started by going out to an extremely windy and exposed putting / chipping area. We split into 3 groups, one group putting, one group hitting balls with mid irons and one group pitching to a small target green. The groups rotated through the practice areas and those present who could do so, assisted the golfers with tips / teaching points and simply had some fun with playing shots. After an hour and a half they retired to the club house for soup, sandwiches, tea and coffee.

There was general agreement that the morning, despite the weather conditions, was thoroughly enjoyable, friendly and worth repeating. It was agreed that such engagements should become a more regular event and that it was up to everybody present to ensure that this happens.

Paul and Terence will continue to communicate and together will create a contact list for all concerned. They hope to arrange another session Christmas.

Sinead received the following comments from participants.
“I had a fantastic time and would most definitely want to do it if the opportunity came about. I told the organiser in Dublin I would be winning to travel to Dublin to play golf as I found it so phenomenal” “A very enjoyable day. I would definitely be interested in trying golf again sometime.”

Results from Lee Valley G.C. 18 Hole Competition on October 24th, 2009

Wally Roode reinforced his position in the order of merit, by completing his round with 33 points. Adrian Canny had the best gross score of the day making 30 points off a handicap of 17. Wally and Adrian were way ahead of the field, who struggled with the windy conditions. The society was joined by two new golfers, playing as guests. Fergus Ring played foursomes with Paul O’Rahilly and outplayed him while greatly impressing the following gallery. Our other guest was John O’Grady from Limerick, a student at UL, and plays his golf in Clare. Both Fergus and John are interested in continuing to play with the society in 2010, and we look forward to having them.

Lee Valley is a privately owned golf course, accommodation and restaurant / entertainment facilities. The society stayed in the on course accommodation and were delighted to invite Karl Borne Mann, the incoming club president, to the gala dinner on Saturday. Our thanks to Karl for facilitating our visit, and making it such a memorable experience.

Results: W. Roode (24), 33 points, A. Canny (17) 30 points, O. Kyne (45) 23 points, P. Gorey (15) 22 points, J. Murray (45) 14 points. The current overall Order of Merit (Current Points): W. Roode (132 points), A. Canny (110 points), J. Murray (109 points),

For further details contact Paul on 086 846 0029 or at paul.orahilly@gmail.com