The 2013 National Mixed Foursomes Competition sponsored by Brophy Brothers Builders takes place on Sunday September 29thin Lakewood starting at 10.00am with a shotgun start for the first 36 pairings with the second group starting at 12.30.
The Mixed Foursomes tends to be a more social competition than singles events with the trend more towards enjoyment than cut throat competition. That being said a perusal of the time sheet shows a fair sprinkling of National title holders as well as those players off Scratch or better, allied to these are players of more moderate handicap but who none the less when the chips are down may give their more experienced rivals a run for their money.
Looking down the time sheets one cannot be struck by the number of familiar names, the difference on this occasion is that many of those competing would be more renowned for their administrative role than as competitors. As ever in any competition playing on a home course or even on a course that is close to your own base gives an advantage and no less than seven pairings come from the home course. Experienced inter county performers Valerie O’Leary (current Lady Captain) and Pat Conway together with their partners should give a good reckoning while Lakewood Chairman Frank Riordan partnered by Josie Twomey would love to make a breakthrough.
Picking a winner at an event like the Mixed Foursomes is akin to the Grand National, one could adopt the scientific approach and study the form or do as so many do and stick a pin in the running order. The very nature of the event where total reliance on a partner is essential has led to many low handicap winners over the years. With this in mind it would be hard to pass pairings like Siobhan Scannell & John Walsh (Collins), Christine Byrne (St. Bridget’s) & Darren Keogh (Ryston), Noeleen & Michael Bedford (Seapoint), Catherine McCreevy (Navan) & William Sheridan (Bellewstown), Cathy Richardson & Thomas Costello (Bellewstown), Tracy & Joseph McGrath (Erry) and Kathleen Geraghty (Skryne) & Ian Farrelly (Bellewstown). That being said there are pairings there where one or possibly both are not unknown in the winners enclosure. Both the Leinster and Munster Mixed Foursomes winners are in the field with Mary Farrell & Martin Reilly (Gaeil Colmcille) and Frances Ryan & Martin McCormack (Lakeside) hoping to make it a double. Factor in pairings like Stella Kinsella & John Charles (Cunnigar) Lily O Brien & Thomas Morrissey (Lakeside), Siobhan & Mark Keohane (Rocklodge), Norma Buckley & James Devonshire (Fermoy) and you can see that predictions are difficult in the extreme.
Whatever about the play you are guaranteed a warm welcome at the Lakewood Club where the facilities are second to none and where the hard working committee will do everything to make your stay an enjoyable one. Make a note in your diary Sunday September 29th 10.00am.
Just one final thing please remember the sponsors Brophy Brothers Builders, they support Pitch & Putt please if and when possible give them your support.