Hard to believe that Christmas has come and gone and that another year has started, last Saturday saw the first of the social engagements from Lakewood when the Ladies and Gents Captains hosted a lunch for the Captains Day. Josie and the Ladies Committee surpassed themselves with a spread that would do justice in a 5 Star Hotel with a variety of finger food, sandwiches and some lovely home- made cakes including Margaret Bowen’s raspberry cheesecake and Pat Conway’s home made apple and mince tart. Some including your, truly made a return trip to sample the goodies. It was lovely to see some old acquaintances and former Members present including Mary Burke, Sheila Collins, Rene O’Shea and former President Dave Linehan. Gentleman John was late in coming as he was taking down the Christmas decorations and got caught up in the moment but made up for it after the fourball.The Fourball brought some interesting results as it was the captains day it wasn’t as straightforward as normal with the removal of some of the holes, 9 and 11 which suited some as it erased their mistakes while others were punished for good play but that’s what makes it more interesting. Gretchen Ahern and Helen O’Callaghan along with Billy Fitton and Gentleman John were the winners of the best back nines which included all the holes. John Ahern and Lady Captain, Josie Twomey took the 3rd Nett on 35.5 while JP Murphy and Dan Shine were the 2nd Nett winners on 34.5 but it was Helen O’Callaghan who along with Noel Mac took the overall nett with 34. A little Tweetie Bird saw Helen getting a marvellous chip on the sixth from 20ft for a Birdie. Pat O’Keeffe and Paddy Dennehy gelled well to take the overall gross on 43 while Rick O’Mahony and John Dineen had to settle for second gross on 44. Overall a very good day was had by all especially as the course was in immaculate condition which is all down to the efforts of the Grounds Maintenance Team including the Greenkeeper, Mick O’Leary, the Fairway Cutter, Pat Twomey and the Maestro himself JP Murphy. who were out at the crack of dawn getting the course in shipshape condition. Sunday Morning Frank Riordan brought joy to Mary O’Donovan with a sterling performance which gave them the nett with a score of 38 while Paddy Dennehy and Bart Millard took the gross with 3 under. Paddy’s luck ran out on Sunday afternoon when he missed a two ft putt on the 18th and himself and John Dineen were beaten on the back nine by Catherine O’Keeffe and Gentleman John Curtin. Membership is open and form are available online , at the clubhouse or from the Club Secretary. Normal Fourballs next weekend.
