Pat Malone wins Senior Westmeath Strokeplay Champsionship

 

As if winning the recent Kilbeggan Scratch Cup in dramatic style in a playoff was not tense enough, Pat Malone won the Senior Westmeath Strokeplay Championship in another tight well fought playoff last Sunday evening in Custume.  Pat has shown recently that he can rise to any challenge at top Senior level and his display in this competition further proved that. 

A strong field in all grades took part in this major event.  Custume was in pristine condition for this event.  On a windy Sunday afternoon defending Senior champion Michael Buckley (Collinstown) posted 10 under with his brother Liam & Custume’s Pat Malone shooting 9 under.  They were closely followed by Anthony Browne on 8 under.  The final playoff round of 10 players also included Martin Kenny of Custume.  Early in the play off round it was evident that the battle for the title was going to come from the last four players i.e. Michael, Liam, Anthony & Pat.  It was Liam Buckley who got off to a great start reaching 14 under after 7 holes. Unfortunately bad weather made it very difficult for the players in the last round,  but Pat & Anthony kept plugging away with both very much in contention right up to the end.   Pat bridied 6 out of the last 9 holes, including getting the last 3 and it was this excellent play that would force a 9 hole playoff with Liam Buckley.  Both finished 15 under par.  Anthony finished a gallant 3rd on 13 under par.  Off to the extra 9 holes.  Level pegging with two bridies each going to hole 8.  Pat pitched within 2 ½ feet, held the putt and this hole proved to be the difference, thus Pat Malone took his first Westmeath Strokeplay Championship.  Well done to these players for given the spectators such drama.  Brilliant stuff.  A huge congratulations to Pat Malone who deservely took this title.

 

 

Inter Gents Westmeath Strokeplay

The other big story of the day was the performance of Custume’s John Joyce in the Inter Grade.  Dessie Baker (Lough Owel) carded 10 under for the first 36 holes and led right through the final round therefore taking the Inter title.  Dessie is a top class player and recently won the Inter Leinster Matchplay title and is surely heading to the Senior grade very soon.  John was in 4th place going into the final 18.  He posted 1 under  for his final 18, which was excellent and was enough for him to take the runner-up in the Inter Grade.  Congrats John, well deserved.   Fine performances from Custumes’ Davy Reddin, Willy Prendergast who also made the cut.

 

 

 

 

 

Junior Gents Westmeath Strokeplay

In the Junior Gents our own Sean Langdon pushed an inform Brendan McMahon (Kilbeggan) to a 9 hole playoff.  Sean shot 4 under for 36 holes just 2 behind Brendan going into the final playoff round.  Sean gallantly fought his way back in contention and finshed level with Brendan after 54 holes.  Any extra 9 hole playoff is tough and Brendan McMahon took the title by beating Sean by just 2 mere shots.  Sean should be very proud of himself to take second spot in a tough Junior Gents section.  Well done to ‘Mr. Consistent’ Declan Murphy who also qualified for the final 18 holes in the Junior grade.

 

 

Final Results:-    

Gents Senior –Winner:- Pat Malone (Custume) – after 9 hole playoff

    Runner-up:- Liam Buckley (Collinstown)

Gents Inter Winner:    Dessie Baker (Lough Owel)

    Runner-up:   John Joyce (Custume)

Gents Junior  Winner :   Brendan McMahon (Kilbeggan) – after 9 hole playoff

    Runner-up    Sean Langdon (Custume)

Ladies 1   Winner:    Liz Bloem (Collinstown)

    Runner-up    Miriam Sheerin (Custume)

Ladies 2   Winner     Veronica Clarke (Kilbeggan) – on back 18

    Runnder-up Ena Clinton (Collinstown)

 

Congrats to Pat, Sean, John & Miriam on their excellent performances in winning prizes at the Westmeath County Strokeplay Championships.  A big thanks to all the committee members especially Eddie Hyland, Martin Kenny, John Joyce who have been working like ‘trojans’ in the last couple of months, thus ensuring that the course was at its best for this County Strokeplay Competition.  Thanks to Rachel, Nicole, Shauna & Lee for providing Tea & Refreshments to all players during the day.

 

 

Summer League

The Summer League draw took place last week.  Teams as follows:-

· Kevin Balfe &Willy Prendergast

· Declan Murphy & Anthony Browne

· Andy Duffy & Pat Malone

· James Murphy & Davy Reddin

· Ray Doyle & Martin Kenny

· Eddie Hyland & John Joyce.

Format:-  Week 1 – Two ball scramble.  Week 2 – Scotch Foursomes.  Week 3 – Fourball.  Week 4 – Foursomes

Competition commences Monday 3rd June.  Players to make their own arrangements with their partner and can play each week from Monday to Sunday evening.   This competition is kindly sponsored by Potters bar.  Fee is €5 each per week (i.e. team €10 per week).  Best of luck to all involved

 

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