In just one hour the P J Bell Memorial the first National Competition final of the year will take place in Douglas in Cork. The late Pat Bell was an enthusiastic supporter of the game of Pitch & Putt in Cork, his enthusiasm being so great as to create a 9 hole course in the rear garden of his house. The iconic 9 hole Woodvale course, which he founded, although relatively short and appearing deceptively easy was nonetheless to hone the skills of many talented players the most famous of whom is the legendary Clare Keating who created a record of National titles only recently exceeded by Ger Ward.
A total of 43 team are entered and with Mother Nature having been kind in softening the greens and surrounds the scoring should be fairly good. The local Sage (who is normally very reliable) has predicted a winning total of around 62 so it remains to be seen how accurate his figure will be.
As ever the greens in Douglas should prove to be testing although the pin placements have been made as accessible as possible.
A look down the draw sheet shows a proliferation of higher handicaps as well as individuals who have served on their club committees for a long number of years. I think Pat Bell would be delighted that a competition run in his memory would allow such people their day in the sun and the possibility of winning a National.