New Ross seniors: We had a record number of players (73) taking part in a recent competition. A massive field of 19 teams faced the starter in ideal golfing conditions once the early showers cleared away, leading to Spring-like weather for the rest of the day.

Our new handicapping system pertaining only to those within our group was in operation and seemed to work rather well.

With forward tees and winter playing rules, it was evident that high scores would be returned and that was the way it turned out. Coming home alone in the number one spot was the team of Bill Hurley (14), John Kennedy (15), Mick Wade (20) and Seamus Bradley (24), carding a truly remarkable 102 points in the process.

In second place on 97 points were Dick Cuddihy (10), Fr. Ger O'brien (15), Pat Ryan (18) and Jamesie Murphy (23). A 95-point total was good enough for Harry Rheinhart (15), Dick Cahill (16), John Fitzpatrick (18) and Martin Burke (25) to claim third prize.

The fourth prize went to the three-man team who scored 94 points (88 + 6), John Watson (16), Aidan O'connor (16) and Tom Kent (22). Nearest the pin prize winners were Seán Murphy (ninth hole) and Martin Burke (eleventh).

We had drama, excitement and a disqualification in our weekly outing played in bitterly cold conditions on Thursday last. A near gale-force westerly wind swept across the course, making playing conditions rather difficult, but at least it remained dry for the 17 teams who ventured out.

The drama and the excitement came on the 160 metre par three second hole when John Hanrahan saw his tee shot end up in the cup for that magical hole-in-one - often talked about but seldom achieved even by professional golfers. He was the recipient of many congratulations in the clubhouse afterwards where his feat was toasted in traditional fashion, and he received the dozen golf balls as well.

Eagle-eyed checker, Denis Kirwan, in his usual meticulous scrutiny of the score cards, then found an error, where the wrong scores were given for a particular hole, and hey presto the winning team were promptly disqualified having admitted their error. This proves that in our Senior competition we adhere strictly to the rules of golf, perhaps more so than other groups who play the game.

Given the all-clear after the steward's enquiry, John Murphy (15), Richie Aylward (15), Larry Doyle (18) and Jamesie Murphy (23) emerged ultimate winners with a fine score of 90 points which was an excellent tally considering the gale-force winds which grew in strength throughout the afternoon.

Second on 88 points were Jimmy Ryan (17), Kieran O'grady (18), John Fitzpatrick (18) and Frank Boyle (22). The 87 points compiled by Harry Rheinhart (15), Paddy Bennett (20), Mick Wade (20) and John O'neill (20) was good enough to claim third spot.

Nearest the pin prizes went to Jamesie Murphy (ninth hole) and Kevin Treacy on the eleventh.

We have a change in the time for the draw for teams. It is now being held at 10.40 a.m. sharp, and latecomers coming after that time will get no game as their actions upset the smooth running of the draw and balancing of teams.

In future all score cards must be properly filled in and returned to the checkers whether your team has a good or bad score.

Your kind co-operation in regard to these matters will be very much appreciated.

NEW ROSS LADIES

A new nine-hole competition is running until the 14-hole competition resumes on February 15. Enter as often as you like and return all cards. Please check the book in the locker-room for details.

Date for your diary: Captain's drive-in on March 4 at 2 p.m.

ENNISCORTHY

Thanks to the Spring-like weather, the golf club in Enniscorthy was a busy place all week with the course in great condition for the time of year. Course staff have been making great progress with the construction of the new 15th hole, which will open in the Spring and will be a great addition to the course. As the index-one hole it will be a test for the best and members are looking forward to taking it on.

January 14-15, 15-hole open fourball: 1, Colin Garry (5) and Patrick Hore (11), 41 points; 2, Hugh O'connor (6) and Richard O'connor (9), 40 points; 3, Michael Wickham (11) and Jimmy Fox (12), 39 points (last six).

This weekend there will be another open fourball competition on Saturday and Sunday, when visitors can play for €15.

The Senior gents have another open singles event coming up on Thursday, February 9, sponsored by Eddie Doyle. The timesheet is now active for booking, either online or by contacting the Pro Shop at 05392-37600.

The club is now open for new members and has a variety of membership packages available. Fiveday membership is available for only €450 and distance membership (outside 80 km.) for only €399 per year. The club has also decided to waive the entrance fee for the first 50 new members joining in 2012, so there has never been a better time to join. Contact John in the club at 05392-33191 for more information.

ENNISCORTHY LADIES

The course is coming to life and in the committee room it's all systems go as Enniscorthy ladies plan for the golfing year ahead.

The new ladies' committee met on January 19 to set the ball rolling on what promises to be a very busy year for the club.

The diary of events is very nearly completed and team arrangements are well under way. The finer details of the Captains' drive-in, scheduled for February 19, are being finalised so it's full speed ahead for 2012.

The ladies' committee this year is led by lady Captain Eimear Mcgrath with Joan Dunbar as lady Vice-captain. Mary Bolger takes on the role of lady President with Stella Byrne as lady Vice-president.

This year's Secretary is Ann Bernie while Annette Cullen continues in the role of Treasurer.

Marie Duggan and Elizabeth Browne retain their positions as Handicap Secretary and Competition Secretary respectively while Teresa Bailey is team co-ordinator.

Seniors competition is the responsibility of Julie Mccarthy and Marie Dunphy will mentor the Juniors.

Two new faces to the committee this year are Anne Kenny, who will look after the mixed competition, and Mary Halligan as ladies' P.R.O.

All looking forward to a good year with great golf and lots of sunshine!

64 SOCIETY

Our outing to the European Golf Club, Brittas, was held on Saturday last. Forty-two members played on a course that was in superb condition but, because of the windy conditions, it proved a little difficult as the scores show.

Results: 1, Geoff Masterson (12), 33 points; 2, Ray Mcgrath (8), 33 - 1 = 32 points; gross, Mark Murphy (1), 26 points; 3, John Grannells (7), 30 points (last nine); 4, Paul Mcdonagh (12), 31 - 1 = 30 points; 5, Tadhg Sheehan (7), 29 points; first nine, Mick Morrissey (5), 17 points; second nine, Mick Carty (13), 18 points.

At the presentation in the 64 after the outing, the Captain, Pierce Dooley, thanked all those who played.

At half way through our outings, Ray Mcgrath (7) leads the golfer of the year on 68 points, followed closely by Noel Ivanoff (10) and Paul Mcdonagh (12) on 66 points.

In the team event, Paul Mcdonagh and Blake Sunderland's teams lead with 392 points.

Our next outing will be to Powerscourt Golf Club on Saturday, February 18. All members will be informed in the usual manner.

NEW ROSS

The spell of good weather in the New Ross area is not only helping to encourage golfers to cut short the winter break from the game, it is also helping the greenkeepers and course workers with their difficult work. The course and in particular the greens are in great shape at the moment and are a credit to all who work on them. As a result of the fine conditions, results in recent weeks have been particularly good.

Of special mention is the spate of aces (holes-inone) we have had - three so far this year and the latest stars are Joe O'farrell at the eleventh and Eugene Byrne, also at the eleventh hole. Well done to you both.

Scotch foursomes: 1, S. Murphy and P. Whelan, 61.5; 2, B. Teague and D. Doyle, 62; 3, J. Meggs and F. Doyle, 63.

Fourteen-hole stableford: 1, H. Doran (12), 34 points; 2, F. Doyle (12), 33 points (last nine); 3, P. Merrigan (14), 33 points; gross, D. Ronan (4), 30 points; Cat. 1, J. Flynn (8), 28 points; Cat. 2, E. Colfer (13), 32 points; Cat. 3, J. Murphy (16), 32 points.

BALLYMONEY

There was a good enough turn-out for the v. par competition over the weekend played in very windy but thankfully dry weather. Some very good scores were returned, with none better than Martin Conroy's (19) of 8 up. This was an excellent score considering the strong wind.

Darren O'brien (15) also had a great score and finished on 7 up. Pat Madsen (17) took third prize with a very creditable 5 up finish. Credit must go to the hard-working ground staff for the outstanding condition of the course for the time of the year.

Next weekend sees a singles stableford competition.

ROSSLARE LADIES

With all the turkeys won, stuffed and eaten, we move on with a spring in our step to the lamb competitions. The job of selecting team captains and assistants also gets under way.

A big thank you to all the enthusiastic ladies who put their names forward for team selection and hopefully this year will be the one for the ladies in pink!

To help protect our fairways, the lift and place rule is in operation at present. It would be very helpful to continue sanding and filling any divots spotted as you play, so continue to take your sandbag and keep up the good habit.

Dates for the Winter league are: January 29, singles with three scores to count; February 12, fourball with two scores to count; February 26, scramble with both scores to count.

Twelve-hole bottle competition, January 2: 1, Vandra Deacon (22), 24 points (back six); 2, Niamh Byrne (13), 24 points.

Lamb competition, 12-hole singles stableford, January 17: 1, Cherry Burns (24), 26 points; 2, Betty O'brien (28), 24 points (back three); 3, Joan Wallace (17), 24 points; 4, Sheila Hendrick (26), 23 points; 5, Dorcas Maher (14), 22 points (back six). A total of 60 played.

TUSKAR ROCK

Singles results, January 15: 1, Phil Browne, 21 points after countback; 2, David Bradley, 21 points; 3, Dick Pierce, 21 points.

Winter league team standings as of January 15: Team 5, 356 points; Team 6, 343 points; Team 4, 342 points; Team 7, 332 points.

ST. HELEN'S

Sunday, January 8, singles stableford eleven-hole non-qualifier: 1, Ciarán Murphy, 25 points (countback); 2, John Holt, 25 points (countback); 3, John Codd, 25 points.

Sunday, January 15, singles stableford 15 holes non-qualifier: 1, Tomás O'riordan, 32 points; 2, Alan Codd, 30 points (countback); 3, Pat (Dub) Murphy, 30 points (countback).

Sunday, January 22, singles stableford 15 holes non-qualifier: 1, Stephen Kearns, 35 points; 2, Seán Moore, 33 points (countback); 3, John Holt, 33 points.

Winter league standings - after round eight (for complete details please see the results page at www.sthelensbay.ie): 1, Micheál Delaney's team, 725 points; 2, Stan Parkinson's team, 721; 3, Sandra Denner's team, 713; 4, Pádraig Bail's team, 710.

Upcoming fixtures: Wednesday, January 25, singles stableford (gents and ladies), Wednesday section; Friday, January 27, open wine competition all day; Saturday, January 28, singles stableford - committees; Sunday, January 29, singles stableford (gents and ladies); Wednesday, February 1, singles stableford (gents and ladies) - Wednesday section; Friday, February 3, open wine competition all day - GLP; Saturday, February 4, Winter league round nine; Sunday, February 5, singles stableford (gents and ladies).

WEXFORD LADIES

Thursday, January 19, 14 holes stableford lamb competition: 1, Rita Douglas (34), 30 points; 2, Beppi O'connor (26), 28 points; 3, Breda Devoy (25), 25 points (back seven); 4, Theresa Kehoe (15), 25 (back four); 5, Eileen Kent (26), 25 points.

Fifty-four ladies took part in the competition. Well done to the prize-winners.

Next Thursday's competition is 14 holes stableford, two-person team event.

WEXFORD

Wednesday open singles 15 holes stableford, January 18: 1, Wayne Tobin (17), 36 points; 2, Darren Rossiter (14), 35 points; 3, Peader Dempsey (10), 34 points. Friday three-person team 14 holes strokes, January 20: 1, Darren Rossiter (14), Mark Kehoe (14), Darren Delaney (17), 98 strokes. Saturday Scotch foursomes 14 holes, January 21: 1, Joe Cashe (12), Shay O'dowd (21), 48.5 strokes; 2, Anthony Sinnott (14), Seán Buckley (18), 49 strokes.

Sunday Scotch foursomes 14 holes, January 22: 1, Conor Morris (7), Roy Murphy (20), 44.5 strokes; 2, Kieran Carroll (9), Damien Dempsey (18), 45.5 strokes; 3, Christy O'gorman (19), Ollie Dempsey Jnr. (15), 47 points.