Lakewood were blessed on a number of counts in the past week with the prestigious Captains Prize Event that commenced on Thursday 8th and finished with the Sunday Fourball. Bart and Eileen, Gents and Ladies Captains definitely have influence with the Almighty as can be seen from the weather forecast for last week and what we actually received. Rain and heavy rain was the forecast and especially for Sunday but for those of us enjoying the facility at Lakewood it was a case of plenty of sun and for some including JP and myself too much. There was great support for the competitions which is testament to the esteem that both Captains are held in with close to 180 cards played over the few days. The Prizes were stunning and for the winners will no doubt hold pride of place. There were a lot of what ifs and buts which is unfortunate for some but for the overall winners it’s all down to a mixture of skill with a little bit of luck thrown in especially when the ball drops and the directions that it takes. For Rick O’Mahony and Val O’Leary, the overall winners, it was definitely skill as both are consistent in their play and were worthy winners with Rick shooting a magnificent 18 up while Val had 15 up. Alan Kelly took the gross for the men with Betty White securing the gross for the Ladies. Tim Linehan took 2nd nett on 17 up , John Dineen was the 2nd gross winner and Dermot Murphy took 3rd nett for the gents. Pat Conway won 2nd nett for the ladies, Mary O’Donovan who was on the hump on the 8th green during the fourball was happy with her performance to take 2nd gross while Josie Twomey took home 3rd nett. A lot of new players supported the competition, some working on their tans while others were seeking handicaps but for Mark Mulcahy and Jill O’Sullivan it was a pleasant surprise as they were the winners of the beginners prizes while Jill was also the recipient of a hole in one prize with a superb hole in one on the eighteenth while Gentleman John was also in the prizes for his hole in one on the second. The weekend was also a success for the Club with Ann O’Herlihy winning the Cork County Board Strokeplay Competition by 8 shots at Bishopstown, well done Ann first of many. The conclusion of the Captains prize saw Tim Linehan taking the nett with John Ahern and Pat O’Keeffe while the Gents Captain, Bart Millard secured the gross with support from Darren O’Leary and Pat Moore with 9 under. Ann O’Herlihy made sure that Gentleman John and Dermot Murphy went home with some pocket money taking the second nett. A special thanks to Ballincollig Credit Union who sponsored the Gross Prizes and also to Hammond Lane for their generous sponsorship which in this climate is very welcome. Course Open to Green Fees and there is limited Membership available. Normal Fourballs resume with the next competition scheduled for the August Bank Holiday when all proceeds of the weekend fourballs will go to St Mary’s School in Rochestown.
