9th May 2011: Latest News & National Scramble Report

National Scramble 2011 hosted by Erry and Tullamore
The prestigious finals of the National Scramble were proudly hosted by the two Offaly clubs over the weekend, which saw 72 teams of 3 players from around the country taking part with some enjoying the Midland's courses for the very first time. It was an excellent weekend of pitch and putt, one which undoubtedly raised the profiles of both courses to a new level nationally, reflecting the excellent course conditions presented to competitors. Even though the weekend was overcast with high winds every player took part in such good spirited play which translated into very impressive scoring. There were several teams from Ferbane, Erry and Tullamore taking part on Saturday, when each team played 18 holes at Erry and Tullamore courses.

Following play on Saturday the field of 72 teams were cut by half to the top 36 scoring teams, who qualified to play a further 18 holes on each course on Sunday. From the cut on Saturday Offaly saw 6 teams go through to the final day with the Tullamore H team of Darren O'Connell, Michael O'Connell and Lauren Pyke leading the Offaly charge in fifth place, only 3 shots off the lead set by Riverdale with 64 1/3. Other teams to qualify for the final day were as follows: Tullamore B - Dylan Melia, Joseph Pyke & Ronnie O'Shea (70 1/3), Ferbane D - Tommy Murphy, Kathleen O'Loane & Sean Robinson (70 1/3), Tullamore C - Gary Pyke, Jamie Hogan & Sean Galvin (71), Ferbane A - Liam Bastic, Sean Buckley & Michael Kenny (73) and Erry G - Ian Fitzpatrick, John Scully & Linda Flanagan (74 1/3). The number of teams were again halved to the top 18 teams for the ultimate final round with took place in Tullamore in which 3 Offaly teams survived to finish the 90 hole marathon.

However, it was the Riverdale team of Hannah Ryan, Con Clear Snr. and Patrick J. Ryan who held onto their lead to secure victory for Tipperary. They were 2 1/3 shots clear of the Cunnigar team from Waterford of John Charles, Paul Healy and Paddy Noonan) who finished on 174, who in turn were just the 1 shot ahead of Tipperary Hills team of Eddie Touhy, Jacinta Nugent and Anthony Cullen. The Tullamore C team finished best of the Offaly teams in eight place, closely followed by the Tullamore H team in ninth place with the Ferbane D team finishing in seventeenth. Congratulations to all who competed over the weekend and especially to those who made the final day's play on Sunday. Tribute must be extended to all at Erry and Tullamore Pitch and Putt clubs who worked tirelessly all year round to present such outstanding courses and facilities. (See photos below)

Matchplay Qualifying Rounds
The past two weeks have also seen the focus set on the regional qualifying rounds of the Leinster and National Matchplays respectively.

The Leinster Matchplay qualifying rounds were held in Ferbane and the following were those who successfully qualified: : Senior Gents - Gerry Gallagher (Erry), Larry Maher Jnr. (Erry), Patsy Reams (Ferbane), Graham Newman, Gents Inter - Joseph Pyke (Tullamore), Gents Junior - Dylan Melia (Tullamore), Ladies - Helen Wynne (Erry) and Annie Galvin (Tullamore). The qualifiers will travel to Ryston (for the Ladies) and St. Bridget's (for the Gents), Co. Kildare for the final on May 28th and 29th.

The National Matchplay qualifying rounds then took place at Erry and the following players qualified to take part in the finals at Collinstown, Co. Westmeath over the June Bank Holiday, June 4th to 6th: Gents - Billy Buckley Snr. (Erry), Eamonn Kidney (Erry), Seanie Buckley (Erry), William Buckley Jnr. (Erry), Graham Newman (Erry) and Mick Hogan (Tullamore). Ladies - Margaret Hogan (Tullamore) and Tracey McGrath (Erry). Congratulations to all the qualifiers as we wish them the best of luck in the respective finals in a few weeks time.

Dates for your diary:
1. The third Offaly Gents Inter-County Team trial takes place this Sunday, May 15th, at the Paddy Carton Memorial Scratch Cup in Kilbeggan. This is the final designated external trial for the Gents, the following six will take place at Tullamore Pitch & Putt Club.

2. The Offaly Strokeplay Finals take play on Sunday, May 22nd, at Tullamore (both Gents and Ladies).

3. The Erry Open Fourball takes place over the June Bank Holiday from Friday June 3rd to Sunday June 5th and will be followed by the annual Erry Scratch Cup on Monday June 6th. All are very welcome. See poster for further details.