James Hewitt
The most recent edition of the Captain's Log was ready to go to press when news of the sad passing of James Hewitt reached the Club.
Beloved fiancé of our Lady Captain, Lily McMullan, James was a great supporter and generous sponsor of the Club. He was also a great supporter of our neighbours in the Rugby Club and would no doubt have been delighted to celebrate the Grand Slam victory for his beloved Ireland team.
I have spoken to Lily who, while devastated by the loss of James, has been heartened by the support which she has received from Club members, many of whom attended the funeral or visited Lissheffield House during the wake.
Wood you believe it?
Members who have been frustrated in their efforts to dust off their clubs and get back on the course after a winter of disruptive weather may get the opportunity over the next few weeks to resume play. The forthcoming Masters tournament (of which more news will follow shortly) is often the appetizer which gets the golfing juices flowing.
For anyone who hasn't played over the last few weeks they may notice a significant "absent tree" on the second hole. The large sycamore, to the right on the way from the second green to the 3rd tee box, has been removed for health and safety reasons. The Club was advised by a qualified tree surgeon that the sycamore was dead and presented a risk to members as the heavy boughs might have fallen at any time.
In accordance with our obligations to the Church of Ireland, the Club sought and obtained approval for the removal of the sycamore and its replacement with a hardwood tree as soon as ground conditions permit.
In total the Club has replanted 29 hardwood trees over the past year and a half on the 8th, 16th and 18th holes. Most of these trees have been sponsored by members, thus reducing the impact upon Club funds.
The area surrounding the site where the tree has been removed will be declared an Abnormal Ground Condition from which free relief is available.
Golf news
Golf Ireland Draws are now live and the Gents Teams have the following ties to negotiate:
Jimmy Bruen v Killymoon on or b4 Sun 30th Apr (a)
Barton Shield v Cloverhill on or b4 Sat 6th May (h)
Senior Cup @ Clandeboye (Dufferin) on Sun 7th May 13.40 tee off
Junior Cup v ConcraWood on or b4 Sun 7th May (a)
Pierce Purcell v Clones on or b4 Sun 7th May (a)
Irish Mixed Foursomes v ConcraWood on or b4 Sun14th May (h)
Ulster Cup v Mayobridge on or b4 Sun 21st May (h)
The club hosted the Cowdy Association AGM on Tuesday 7th March and the following Competition draws were made:
Sam Rutherford v Silverwood by 28th May
Junior Cowdy v Banbridge by 28th May
Rossmore Cup v Banbridge by 28th May
Senior Cowdy v Dungannon by 25th June
Jack Craig Memorial Mixed Foursomes Sun 3rd Sep @ Spa
Ladies Fixtures to follow and dates for a Team Captains Information evenings
Easter Bonnet Competition
One of the most recently formed societies in the Club is the aptly titled, and very effective fundraisers, the Nit and Natters group whose head gear can be seen being sported by many ladies in the Club and beyond.
About to be added to the pantheon of eccentric societies in the Club is another headgear manufacturer which some have referred to as the Mad Hatters. Other less complimentary epithets have also been uttered.
Lady Captain Lily invites Lady members to produce an Easter hat, bonnet or fascinator for the Easter Bonnet parade competition which will take place on Thursday 30th March at 8:30pm.
There will be prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. There are no restrictions on size, shape or materials used apart from those imposed by gravity and the laws of science. Lily simply wants everyone to tap into their inner Philip Treacy to create their unique bonnet.
Parkland, Northern Ireland Restaurant of the Year!
It will come as no surprise to Club members who frequent the Parkland Restaurant at County Armagh Golf Club that they have been awarded Restaurant of the Year in the prestigious Hospitality Awards ceremony in the Europa Hotel.
The restaurant team is ably led by Ryan Kelly who also scooped the runner up place in the Chef of the Year category.Dont be surprised if he shows up on Masterchef in the near future!.
For members who have not yet enjoyed the sumptious meals on offer in the restaurant take away, breakfast Rolls are now available Sat & Sun mornings from 8am in the Pro Shop - Brioche Bap, Bacon, Hash Brown & Ballymaloe Relish Get your coffee & breakfast roll in the pro shop before you tee off and have the breakfast of Northern Ireland Restaurant of the Year champions.
Well done to Ryan, Brenda and all the team.What a fabulous achievement.
Societies
We have a number of golfing societies within our club and as Captain I would like to recognise them in some way, I would welcome a little bio on the society and the names of current Captains with an aim to devoting part of the Captain’s Log to News relating to them around outings and results.
You can email me relevant information direct at:
Yours in Golf
Club Captain Gerry