Course Improvements
Members will be aware that despite the battle that Iain and his team have been waging against the elements, there has been a number of subtle improvements to the course.
Our new TEE MARKERS, replicas of the Obelisk on the crest of the hill at 10, have been introduced. Alongside the new markers the new flags have also been installed. These now bear a flag which indicates the position of the hole on the green. A low flag on the flagpole means the hole is at the front of the green, middle is obvious and at the top of the flagpole means the hole is positioned at the back of the green. This should improve club selection for our more accomplished members, while adding to the confusion of the remainder.
Obelisk
Members of the Club probably take the obelisk as a fixture which passes unnoticed in their rounds. Few take the time to admire it or read the inscriptions upon it. This is not to be encouraged if we are to avoid the plague of slow play. It may help to know that estemmed member, Jack O'Hare, in his book "Centenary Story" has described in great detail the origins of the monument and the inscriptions which it bears.
The monument was erected in 1783, in part to provide employment in those deprived times, and to stand as testimony to the friendship between Archbishop Robinson, who paid for its construction, and his patron the Duke of Northumberland.
I would commend Jack's excellent book to those who wish to learn more about the monument and the Club itself. Copies can be borrowed from the office.
For those interested in how the tee markers have been made, these were commissioned by Past-Captain, Michael Calvert, from the Men's Shed.
Michael has put in an amazing amount of work on these two projects and I would just like to thank him on behalf of the members for his efforts.
Opening of the new 18th Hole
Members are really looking forward to the opening of the ‘New 18th Hole’. It is passed with anticipation as members continue to finish their rounds at the 17th and complete their walk to the clubhouse.
The current timescale is to have an ‘Official’ Opening’ on Friday 26th May with the hole being opened for play on Saturday 27th. This will also see all of us return to the traditional 18 hole format and with the new White Marker 4th Tee also being opened the course will have a new slope rating which has been calculated by Golf Ireland.
New Cards are printed and ready for distribution, although there has been a limited print run on these as they may be subject to change after any Handicap Indices changes become more apparent at the end of this playing season.
May Men's Team news
Our Senior Cup Team captained by Kenny Edgar, recorded a creditable showing in the Senior Cup Qualifier at Clandeboye but with only 4 teams out of the competing 36 qualifying they were unable to clinch one of the top 4 slots.
The Junior Cup team captained by Michael Calvert, defeated Concra Wood and will now meet Tandragee in the next round.
The Barton Shield captained by Jimmy Wilson, have already successfully negotiated 2 rounds, defeating Cloverhill and Killymoon on the way to progressing to play either Donegall or Slieve Russell at the neutral venue of Concra Wood on Sunday 21st May.
Both the Sam Rutherford and Junior Cowdy Teams captained by Paul Corvan and Davy Spratt respectively face tough away legs at Silverwood and Banbridge in order to secure progression to their next rounds.
The Rossmore Cup Team captained by Stephen Catterall, makes its entrance to the fray this weekend with their home tie against Banbridge and we wish them well.
Ladies May team news
Congratulations are due to the following teams who have progressed in their various competitions.
The Junior Cup team, captained by Ellen Brady
The Junior Foursomes, captained by Valerie Gordon
The Challenge Cup team, captained by Joy Steenson
The Revive Active team, captained by Denise Murphy and Flo McCall.
Commiserations are due to Intermediate Team Captain, Maggie McKee and her players who put up a fantastic showing against a formidable Concra Wood Team which prevailed by the narrowest of margins.
Julie McCarten's All Ireland Mixed team also lost to Concra Wood on Sunday 14th.
Good luck to Jacqueline Kelly and the Minor Cup team who play this weekend.
June Humphries Senior Foursomes Team will play on the 11th June.
The Cowdy Team, under the guidance of Gail Steed and Una Cullinane begin their campaign in June.
Lady Captain's away day to Edenmore
On Bank Holiday Monday 8th May, a large number of ladies joined Lady Captain Lily for her away day at Edenmore.
Ladies enjoyed the hospitality of Edenmore including individual "Goodie Bags" before their round. Afterwards a delicious meal was served in the Clubhouse.
Longest Drive was won by Maggie McKee with nearest the pin laurels going to Joy Steenson.
Tish Burke won the 9 hole competition with Catherine McAnerney in second place.
First place was Gail Steed with 35 points, beating Lorraine McGaw on BOT.
Gross Paula McCrory 25 points
3rd Maggie McKee 34 points
4th Sheila Stinson 32 points
Front 9 Phil McKenna 18 points
Back 9 Una Cullinane 17 points
There was a large number of "lucky dip" prizes for those who hadn't secured a prize on the course. The "lucky dips" were provided by LAdy Captain Lily, Edenmore Golf Club, Parkland Restaurant and County Armagh Golf Club Bar.
Barbara Hamilton was the lucky winner of a fourball for Edenmore.
Participants thanked Lily for such an enjoyable outing and for the generous prizes.
Electricity Supply works
The Club has been advised that there will be an interruption to electricity supply on Wednesday 24th June from 7 pm until 1 am on Thursday morning. As a consequence Parkland will not be able to function beyond 4 pm on Wednesday and the Bar will have to close with effect from 7 pm.
Further updates will be issued by email, Social Media and by notices in the Clubhouse.