Past Captains and Past Presidents Afternoon Tea
Preparations for the forthcoming Captains’ Days and President’s Day got off with a swing at the recent Afternoon Tea for Past Captains and Presidents hosted by Lady Captain Lily, President Paddy and Club Captain Gerry.
A large contingent of past office bearers, and their guests, gathered in the clubhouse for an afternoon tea with fare provided by the Parkland Restaurant. Also present were team captains and members of Council and the Ladies Committee.
In a brief speech Gerry thanked those present, including those who were working on the One Club initiative and those involved in course and clubhouse improvement activities.
Gerry also referred to the work done by predecessors in Club offices whose efforts in developing the clubhouse and course down the years were now being enjoyed by the current membership. He expressed the view, widely held, that County Armagh Golf Club had magnificent facilities and surroundings which were second to none and he looked forward to further development of those facilities in the years to come.
Members are reminded that the timesheets for his Captain’s Day (on the 7th and 8th July) will go live on Friday the 30th June at 7:06 pm. Members are encouraged, where necessary, to make use of the facility to play on the Friday where the timesheet opens at 1.34 pm and runs until 17:58 pm.
The timesheet for the Saturday Captain’s Day will run from 6:30 am until last cards at 14:54 pm.
The entry fee for Captain’s Day is £10 (considerably cheaper than most comparable courses) which includes a meal in the restaurant. Details of arrangements for either pre or post round dining will be clarified by the Parkland team, closer to the days.
Captain's Days
The County Armagh Golf Club Captain’s Day Perpetual Cup which was donated in 2017 by Captain Richard Stewart, will be competed for on Friday 7th and Saturday 8th July. Who will have their name engraved on this beautiful trophy in 2023?
Lady Captain's Day is scheduled to take place on Saturday 29th July.
Club Teams
The last team standing in the Men's section is the Senior Cowdy team, captained by Richard Black.
What can only be described as a Medinah type experience occured on Sunday 25th June when Richard's team took a slender 11.5 point to 8.5 lead to the Dungannon Club. The rallying call of "all to play for, fight for every point" was taken on board by his charges who secured a great win, the result being in the balance until the final match.
Another local derby is up next with home and away fixtures against Loughgall Golf Club.
Ladies Teams
It has been a hectic few weeks for our Ladies teams and the Lady Captain Lily commended all involved for their efforts and commitment.
Flo and Denise's Revive Active Team lost out to a very formidable Virginia team, despite great grit and determination.
Joy Steenson’s Challenge Cup were beaten by Tandragee in the 3rd round of their campaign.
Una and Gail’s Cowdy team had an unsuccessful outing against Dunmurray in the now expanded Cowdy Cup. The Armagh ladies, however, still have the Quaich Plate to play in.
Valerie and the Junior Foursomes Team were hopeful of continued success when they met Castlehume. who spoiled the party in thunderous conditions, avenging an earlier defeat in the Revive Active competition and now progress to the semi finals.
There have been great successes for June's Senior Foursomes Team who played Lurgan and for Jacqueline's Minor Cup Team who came up against Mannan Castle. Both teams played some great golf and were delighted to secure wins and proceed to the next round.
Both teams now play their next matches this Sunday - Senior Foursomes are in the Semi Final against Royal County Down at Concra Wood with the Minor Cup team playing against Warrenpoint with two matches at home and three away.
Ellen Brady’s Junior Cup team are due to play Lurgan on the 9th July.
Prostate Cancer
The four hardy golfers, Shea Smyth, Paul Brennan, Declan Bleeks and Sean Reilly, completed their longest day challenge in aid of Prostate Cancer which affects 1 in 8 men. Beginning at just after 5 am, the course having been opened especially for them, they completed 72 holes with plenty of light still available. Shea's suggestion that they had enough time to complete a 100 hole challenge was met with astonishment but Shea is intent on rising to this challenge next year. He is in the market for volunteers.
The fundraising continues with boxes in the bar and in the Pro shop where members can also pick up leaflets on how to ensure early detection which is the best defence against the disease.
Tip button
Just to remind members that a tip button has been added to the EPOS system for embers who wish to recognise excellent service from the Bar staff but who are not carrying cash. A facility to ask the staff member to add a tip in a multiple of £2 exsts on member's cards.