Sunday 27th June saw our players in all three grades attempt to
qualify for the Gents National Strokeplay 2010. In the Juniors our
sole representative was Brendan McCaughey who was playing in the event
for the first time. Brendan played solid pitch and putt to return a
score of 112 which was good enough for 5th place and qualification for
Ryston. In the intermediate section Don Sheehan, Ted Kelly and Johan
Brosnan played the tricky Riverside course in Bishopstown. Despite the
efforts of Ted and Don they were unable to post the necessary 106 to
qualify. Johan’s return of 105 saw him safely through. The senior
section was played on our own Claycastle course in extremely testing
conditions. With just 13 places up for grabs the 6 Claycastle players
had their work cut out to qualify. Gary O’ Sullivan 105, Anthony O’
Loughlin 106, Paudie O’ Sullivan 108 and Colin Sheehan 108 all
qualified comfortably. Ed Long and club captain  Martin Keohane on 111
had an anxious wait to see if their score was good enough for
qualification. As the wind picked up it looked like the lads would
both qualify but unfortunately Martin missed out on the back 18s with
Ed taking the last place. The club will be represented at the finals
by 7 players who will take on the cream of the country on the weekend
of 24th/25th July at the Ryston course in Newbridge Co.Kildare. Very
best of luck to all the players, Bring home the big one lads!!
Congratulations to Colin Sheehan who finished in 8th place in the
Gents Munster Strokeplay at the Riverdale course in Neneagh Co.
Tipperary. Colin carded and excellent 98 to make the final 18 and went
on to shoot -4 for the playoff in very tough conditions. In the junior
grade Johan Brosnan struggled to find his best form but still managed
to finish in 16th place overall. Well done lads.
Our Juvenile competitions are back in full swing for the summer months
with games each Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at 5.00pm, entry €1.50.
Our Juvenile officer Johan Brosnan has put in great toil to get the
juveniles back in action and the we are extremely fortunate to have a
player of Johan’s stature guiding them through the ranks. Results of
last weeks competition- O/A Nett- Killian Cahill, O/A Gross- Adam
Bulman, 1st Nett- Jack Curtin. New members are always welcome and now
is a great time for any juvenile thinking of joining with so many new
members joining in recent weeks. Coaching is available for beginners
from Johan who is Irelands No.43 ranked player. For more info Tel:
0870699492.

All at the club would like to pass on their sincere sympathies to
Paddy and Sonny Mangan on the death of their sister, may she rest in
peace. Lady captain Phil Mangan’s  prize was deferred owing to the
bereavement and will now be played at a later date.
National Matchplay Championship 2010-Larkspur Park, Cashel.
The flagship event of the pitch and putt season was played for over
the June bank holiday weekend. Taking their place in the field of 64
at the National Matchplay at Larkspur Park in Cashel were Claycastles
Anthony O’ Loughlin and Johan Brosnan. In round one Anthony overcame a
young and spirited Anthony Mahoney from the Glenville club in Dublin
by a margin of 3&2. Johan had the tough task of playing Tipperary
Inter-county player John O’ Meara form the Riverdale club in Neneagh.
Johan got off to a flier and was -7 for the first 8 holes and had
established a lead that he would hold on to and record a terrific
victory by a margin of 5&4. In round two Anthony found himself paired
against an inform John Cahill (Fermoy) and was soundly beaten 10&9.
Johan’s reward for his first round triumph was a tie against former
national champion Leo O’ Reilly (Glenville). After a tense match Johan
edged the game by 4&3. We were now in the business end of the
championship with just 16 players remaining. Another Tipp man stood in
Johans way, this time it was current Irish international and second
favourite for the tournament Paul O’ Brien (Templemore). Johan cared
little for his opponents lofty reputation as one of the best match
players in the game and stormed into an early lead of 3up through 11
holes and notable 8 under par! Word was spreading around the course of
a major upset, the gallery flocked to witness the young prodigy from
the seaside and one of the greatest matches of the championship. With
the home crowd willing their man on Johan refused to buckle under the
intense pressure and closed out an historic victory by a margin of
4&3. In the scorching Cashel  heat their were just 8 players remaining
and they were swiftly called for battle again with Johan paired
against Dublin’s top player John Crangle (Loughlinstown). Crangles
pitching was of the highest order and he quickly established a
commanding lead of 3 up. Johans spirit and attitude was praised by
many in earlier rounds and he dug deep again to claw his way back into
contention to go 2 down with 12 holes remaining. However Crangle
continued his fine form and closed out the game by 5&4. Crangle went
on to loose the final to Collins Chris Scannell. Johan represented
himself and his club with great distinction over the weekend, the
manner and spirit in which he played and respected each opponent has
to be praised. In an era where the win at all cost mentality seems to
prevail amongst most sportspeople Johan stood out above the rest by
playing with a smile on his face and a never say die attitude. Johan
was described by many spectators as ‘a breath of fresh air’ and he
truly done the club proud over the weekend, well done Yogi!!
Congratulations to Anthony O’ Loughlin, ColinSheehan and Johan Brosnan
who all qualified from their respective grades for the Gents Munster
Strokeplay which will be played at the Riverdale course in Neneagh in
two weeks time. Best of luck in the finals lads.
Our sponsored fourball season continues each Wednesday and Friday
evening. Its great to see the numbers returning to play in the
fourballs in recent weeks, Last weeks game was kindly sponsored by
Murphy’s Pharmacy with James Howes dominating proceedings! 1st nett-
James Howes/Ed Long,1st gross- James Howes/Ed Long, 2nd nett- James
Howes/Michael Shiels ,drawn prizes- Brendan McCaughey, Michael Ryall
and Lily Bulman. This weeks game was sponsored by Crowleys garage
Greencloyne where some excellent scores were returned. 1st nett-
Brendan Mccaughey/Rita Ryall, 1st gross- Anthony O’ Loughlin/Thomas
Bulman, Mixed nett- Ed Long/Shelia O’ Sullivan.
This Sunday sees the Cork Senior qualifying section for the gents
National Strokeplay take place at Claycastle. The course will be
closed at 3.00pm Saturday to prepare for this event. All the best to
all the Claycastle players taking part in all the grades around the
county..
Well done to Johan Brosnan who continued his recent fine form by
winning the intermediate prize at the Ryston scratch cup in Kildare
with an excellent score of 98 (10 under par).