Newsletter #22

Newsletter May 2024.

The recent bad weather has resulted in course closures and competition cancellations but the forecast for the next few weeks is looking good. Our golf programme is getting into gear with a wide range of weekend and midweek competitions to suit all levels- so make sure you take advantage and get out and play golf!
As we start the season in earnest, can I briefly draw your attention to some issues. Firstly, our Dress Code which must be observed both on the course and in the Clubhouse. Neat dress is essential at all times and track suits, football shirts and shorts are not permitted. A full copy of the Dress Code is available on our website. 
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The second issue concerns Slow Play. The Club’s policy here is set out in our ‘Pace of Play- the Courtown Way’ on our website. We operate a ‘ready golf policy’ which means thinking ahead – hit when you are ready and it is safe to do so (there is no ‘honour’ on the tee or on the Green), keep up with the group ahead, maximum 3 minutes searching for balls. We should all aim to complete a round in 4 hours for a fourball and 3 and a half hours for a three ball. Our Rangers will shortly be on the course to help ensure a good pace of play on competition days and we would ask all members and their guests to cooperate with them. 

Practice Area            
 Our new practice area (which we are calling Courtown Golf Club Academy) is almost ready for opening as you can see from the photographs. This is a great achievement given the problems presented by the weather since the project commenced. A big thanks to all the volunteers for their work and effort in getting it over the line and in the process saving the club a substantial amount of money. 

Bookies Prize 
This will take place on Saturday 18th May and will feature generous prizes funded by the ‘book’ from last year’s men’s Captains Prize. A big thank you to the organisers and collectors Noel McCartan, Colin Sunderland and Kieran Murphy. As well as funding prizes, the Bookies have contributed €4,500 towards various Club projects over the years including the Bungalow, the Academy practice area and the new trolley shed for which the Management Committee is grateful.      

Other news in brief…………..
• Inter- Club Teams: The competitive golf season is up and running for Ladies, Gents and Mixed teams. Please come along and support our teams. 
• Club Match draws have taken place and are posted on notice boards and on the Clubnet App. 
• Our membership drive, Journey to 100, is in full swing and we have more than 40 new or returning members for 2024. If you know of any friends who might be interested in playing this great game get them to contact us!

​Yours in golf,

Donal O’Keeffe
Hon. Secretary