WWGC News Sept 3rd 2023
A Day to Remember in West Waterford!
Sunday September 3rd was a special day in West Waterford as we celebrated our 30th Birthday! The sun shone and West Waterford glistened both outside and inside. There was a wonderful atmosphere as members gathered to have the photo of former Captains and Presidents taken. The ladies enjoyed the Bernie Twomey Memorial competition, an event organised every year and kindly sponsored by the Twomey family to commemorate Bernie who was our first Lady Captain. However this year there was also the inaugural running of the Pat Murphy First Captain competition for the Men. (See Mens Notes for Results). Pat was presented with a specially crafted Waterford Crystal Trophy to acknowledge his contribution to our club over the last 30 years. It was really special to catch up with everyone who, along with Pat, have given so much over the years. It was extra special to have Seamus Power present for the various Presentations. A night to reflect on good times past and, hopefully, good times ahead.
Captain Michael Cass’ 30th Anniversary Address
President Jim, Lady Captain Nora, V.C. Niall, and Lady V.C Bridget, Esteemed Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen. This evening is about you and we have come together to celebrate the work each one of you have done for our club during the past 30 years. You should be very proud and satisfied as we acknowledge and celebrate our success.
The story of West Waterford Golf Club has been growing for thirty years and that success story started with a vision by Pat & Nora Spratt to convert a successful dairy and apple farm into a parklands golf course.
Sunday 9th July 1993 will be forever etched in the memory of WWGC when the Eddie Hackett designed course was officially opened and WWGC joined an elite list of Championship Parklands Courses with lofty ambitions for the future.
While the first ambition of the Spratt family was to design and develop a golf course at Coolcormack, having realised that ambition Pat felt West Waterford GC should be a club with members who had the ability and skills to play at National and International level. Over the last 30 years it is fair to say that ambition has been realised. Through a successful youth’s programme WWGC has achieved National Awards across numerous Inter Club Competitions. WW became synonymous with the Irish Junior Foursomes with wins in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 and of course managed by Justin Spratt. The culture of supporting junior golf at West Waterford continues to thrive with close on 100 young golfers participating in Golf Ireland Programmes.
While Junior Golf has been incredibly successful, WW ladies have secured many pennants over the 30 years, Women’s 2021 Revive Active All Ireland, the 2009 Men’s Munster Senior Cup and all Ireland finalists in Tullamore and JB Carr successes in 2004 and 2018.
West Waterford GC will always remind the golfing world of its unique achievement in having two professional golfers on the international stage. Gary Hurley playing in the DP World Tour and Seamus Power playing on the US PGA Tour. Today WW is proud of our two ambassadors as they never miss an opportunity to promote WWGC and recognise the part played by WW in their formative years. We are delighted that Seamus has joined us tonight to celebrate with us. Thanks for being with us Seamus.
While WWGC has gone through lots of change over its relatively short history, however one consistent value over the thirty years is the spirit of volunteerism that exists through the club, thankfully volunteerism is alive and well at WW at Management level, Ladies and Gents Committees and throughout the membership.
Let us not forget our dear departed Past Captains Presidents and our beloved members who passed away since the club was founded
We are deeply appreciative of our Management Committee led by Dave McAndrew, the Men’s and Women’s Committees who are so supportive in the running of the Club. The improvements which began last year have continued during the past six months and many improvements have taken place to the course, grounds, and clubhouse. Hard work and perseverance are paying off! I want to thank my fellow Directors of the Club – Jimmy Murphy and Frances Carroll have been extremely generous with their time and so pleasant as we work as a unit together on behalf of the members.
I want to thank every member of the 30th Anniversary Committee who has worked and given their time to ensure the Classic and today has been a success. Finally, I want to thank our new Catering Team -Clodagh and Jason Walsh and their staff. The kitchen is very much at the heart of a Golf Club just like at home.
I hope you enjoy the rest of the night and arrive home safely
We will now have the prize giving.
Results
30th Anniversary Classic
1st Michael Stack, Louise Moloney, John Moran (Dungarvan) 89pts
2nd Mark Coughlan, Liam Troy, Patrick McCarthy (West Waterford) 87pts
3rd Stuart Griffin, Bertie Daly, Glenn Fagan (K Club) 85pts
4th James Smith (Templemore), Michael Conway (Slievenamon), John Smith (Slievenamon) 83pts (c/b)
5th Thomas O’Grady (Dungarvan), Brendan Cockburn (Slievenamon), James Lonergan (Slievenamon) 83pts
Best Ladies Jo Swayne, Mary Lou Carroll, Marie T Curran (West Waterford) 75pts
Sun Pat Murphy First Captain Singles
1st Michael St. Ledger (21) 40pts
2nd Pat Higgins (14) 38pts
Gross Daniel Burke (6) 25pts
3rd Ger Flavin (26) 37pts
Tue 9-hole
1st Batt O’Donovan (11) 20pts
2nd Neil Parks (12) 18pts (b6)
Men’s Fixtures 04-10 September
Tue Dungarvan Transport 9-hole
Fri The Moorings 30-50 18 hole Singles
Sat/Sun Tirlán Countrylife 18 Hole Singles
FBD Insurance Open Qualifier Series
Qualification is now over for the FBD Series and the final takes place on Friday September 15th with a trip to Trump Doonbeg, Dromoland Castle and Galway Bay for the overall winner. All Qualifiers have been informed and are asked to book their tee time on 15th September through the club office.
Women’s Notes
Una Mulligan makes it a First in the Bernie Twomey: Una Mulligan has featured in these Notes throughout the year but on Sunday it was lovely to see Una take the top spot. Playing off 25 Una had a very nice 38 points. In second place Golfer of the Year contender Eithne Ashby played lovely golf returning a score of 36 points playing off 25. Mary Lou Carroll has won many Gross prizes this year and was a worthy winner of the Gross on this occasion. Our hardworking Handicap Secretary Phil Kelly was third playing off 29 with 35 points.
In the categories Finola Butler, a very consistent player, won the Cat A (0-23) section. In Cat B (24-29) it was particularly pleasing to see Joan Sheehan featuring in the competition in memory of her sister. Cat C (30-36) threw up something of a surprise when Frances Carroll won the category. Cat D (37-54) was won by Trish O Shea who is having a really good season this year.
In the 9 hole competition Noirin Kelly continues her good run of form by taking the 1st spot from Mary French. In third we had another player who is showing plenty of promise in Patricia Meehan. The Guest prize was won by Margot Marsden (Bernie and Derry Twomey’s daughter) from Castletroy Golf Club.
The Old Bank and Tirlan Club Classic: Throughout the week the Club Classic has attracted plenty of entries. The Waltz format is difficult but interesting. The winning team representing Dungarvan Golf Club comprised Michael Stack, Louise Moloney and John Moran, all great supporters of West Waterford. The Ladies Prize went the way of the natives when Jo Swayne, Mary Lou Carroll and Marie T Curran won it. I would imagine there will be a lively night out in the Old Bank some night soon! Many thanks to all the Club members and especially the players from 26 outside Clubs who supported the event.
June and Mary are off to Ballyneety: On Wednesday West Waterford will be represented by June Whyte and Mary Fahey in the regional finals of the Sliver and Bronze medals. The finals will be played in Ballyneety Golf Club. On behalf of our Lady Captain Nora I would like to wish both of you the very best of luck.
Mna Eile Qualifier: The last qualifier in the Mna Eile series takes place on this coming Thursday September 7th. This is your last chance to qualify for the Final on Sunday September 17th. Please phone 058-43216 to enter.
The Local Bar & Restaurant 18 Hole Sponsored Competition: On Sunday next Sept 10th and on Thursday Sept 14th The Local have very kindly sponsored an 18 hole stableford competition. This competition counts for Golfer of the Year Points which is very important for those in contention. I reckon we will have a great entry!
Monday Night Fun Scramble: Joan Sheehan and Jim Moroney have done a super job organising a fun scramble every Monday evening. It is great fun and you should get out and enjoy the last few weeks of evening golf. And you could add to your collection of golf balls! The starting time has been moved to 5.30pm.
What’s On this Week!
Mon evenings – 6pm Mixed Fun Scramble Simply amazing prizes Tee Off 5.30pm
Weds & Fri – FBD Open qualifier for Ladies and Gents
Sun 10 & Thurs 14 Sept: 18 Hole Stableford kindly sponsored by The Local
Sun 10 & Thurs 14 Sept: 9 Hole Qualifier
Sept – On Going 9 Hole competition sponsored by Reena McDonnell
Junior Academy News
A schedule of upcoming Junior Days for Sept/Oct will be sent to Parents this week on the WhatsApp groups.
Play and Stay Initiative with the Park Hotel Dungarvan
West Waterford Golf Club is delighted to announce a Play and Stay Initiative in collaboration with the Four Star Park Hotel Dungarvan. Ideal for those seeking a short golfing break in Dungarvan, all you have to do is phone the Park Hotel or visit their website to get the details.
West Waterford on Social Media
If you want the latest information on how Seamus and Gary are doing, or want to see the latest on West Waterford in general, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are the places to be. Please follow us on social media and tell your friends as well!!
You can contact the office on 058-43216 or Email info@westwaterfordgolf.com.
For further information and golf bookings visit our website www.westwaterfordgolf.com.
