19th July 2011: Offaly Masters 2011 Results & Latest News

OffalY Masters July 17th Sponsored by Martins Golf
The Offaly Co. Board held the annual Offaly Masters in Erry Pitch & Putt Club on Sunday July 17th on what could only be described as being a winter's day filled with blustery winds and scattered heavy showers. However, the bad weather did not dishearten the competitors who turned out. The competition was once again kindly sponsored by Niall Martin of Martin's Golf Athlone and we thank him sincerely for his continued support. The course was in immaculate condition with only the weather causing the players problems, which inevitably led to a very low scoring affair. After 36 holes it was local player Billy Buckely Snr. who led the way on 9 under par closely followed by clubmate and defending champion Joseph McGrath Jnr. The following players qualified for the final 18-hole playoff on Sunday evening with the cut falling at 4 under par (104): 104 Darren O'Connell (Tullamore), Margaret Hogan (Tullamore), 103 Jimmy Scanlon (Erry), Dylan Melia (Tullamore), Pat Malone (Custume), Declan McConville (Cloghugue), 102 Edward Fleming (Erry), Larry Maher Jnr. (Erry), Mark Hogan (Tullamore), 101 Ronan Loughnan (Lakeside), 100 Joseph McGrath (Erry), 99 Billy Buckley Snr. (Erry). The playoff sparked into action on the back 9 holes as the main challenge to the leader came from Erry's Larry Maher Jnr. and Joseph McGrath and both reached 11 under par to tie the lead with Billy Buckley with 2 holes left to play respectively. Larry playing in the second last group could only manage a par on the 17th and then faultered on the final hole pitching long and missing a short downhill putt for par to finish on 10 under par. So the scene was then set for a grandstand final hole as both Billy and Joseph pared the 17th. With Billy pitching to the top of the green he had a 7 foot putt to seal victory in style as Joseph caught the mat finished short of the bank. However, the tension continued as Joseph left his chip shot a good 9 to 10 feet short of the hole and Billy's attempted birdie slipped by the hole leaving a 4 foot putt back up the hill. The pressure was put on Billy immediately as Joseph converted his long par effort but Billy duly obliged the crowd to a further 3-hole playoff by holding out for par. At this stage it was still all to play for. Both players pitched big on the first with both remarkably chipping in for birdies. The second hole proved the difference between the two players as Billy cleverly pitched to the front of the green hopping to within 4 feet of the hole while Joseph went for the pitch and hopped off to the back fringe. Billy held his putt to go one ahead and a drop shot on the final playoff hole by Joseph saw Billy seal victory by holding out for par. It was a very exciting end to a great tournament even if the weather tried to spoil the day. Congratulations to all the prizewinners and huge thanks to all who supported the tournament.

The prizewinners were as follows:
Winner: Billy Buckley Snr. 97 (after a 3 hole-playoff)
Runner-Up: Joseph McGrath Jnr. 97
Third: Larry Maher Jnr. 98
Best Final 18: Declan McConville 51
Gents Inter Winner: Dylan Melia 103
Gents Junior Winner: A. O'Brien (Kilbeggan) 110
Ladies Winner: Margaret Hogan 104
Runner-Up: Tracey McGrath 107

A special tribute must be paid to our sponsor Niall Martin for continuing his kind support of the game. Martins Golf have also come on board with the Offaly Co. Board to offer all PPUI registered members a 10% discount on all goods on presentation of the PPUI registration card. This can be availed by all PPUI registered members not only those situated in Offaly so we hope everyone takes the chance to pop into the Athlone shop opposite Golden Island or checking out the store online at www.martinsgolf.ie. Martins Golf caters for all your golf and pitch and putt needs!!

Dates for your diary: Final Offaly Inter-County Team Trial for both Ladies and Gents takes place in Tullamore on Wednesday July 20th. Full results will follow on our website at www.offalypitchandputt.ie Best wishes to all our Offaly hopefuls who travel to Cork this coming weekend to participate in the Gents Junior, Inter and Senior National Strokeplay Finals.