Locals to the fore at Riverdale Scratch Cups
The highlight of the club year, the annual Scratch Cup took place on Sunday.
A stiff breeze and some showers made conditions difficult for the competitors but some top class play meant their was some great scoring,
The Ladies prize went to Riverdale with Catherine Dunne who was recently runner-up in the Munster Junior taking the honours.
The Junior gents grade was a tight affair after 36 holes with only one shot separating the top 4. In the final round Sean Crowe came of age with a marvelous round of 52 which gave him his first scratch cup victory by two shots from Ken Hayes of Larkspur-Cashel with Daryl Cashin of Hillview, Clonmel taking the prize for the best final 18.
The Intermediate grade saw Charlie Crompton of Tipp Hills take the 36 hole lead with the chasing group including Paul Shoer snr, Sean Minogue, Noel Coonan, Dean Courtney, Che Maher of Parteen, Craig Cahill of Rocklodge and Richard Swords of Tipp Hills.
The last round saw the leader falter and a good start by Sean Minogue and Paul Shoer saw them catch the leader. A great back 9 by Dean Courtney saw him take the clubhouse lead from Craig Cahill. Sean Minogue with a final 18 of 50 took the lead. Paul Shoer was a shot ahead with three to play but a three putt for double bogey on 16 saw him fall behind and he had to settle for second place with Sean taking first place. Dean Courtney's last 18 of 50 gave him the prize for the best last 18.
The senior grade saw some marvellous play. After 36 holes former world champion John Walsh led the field with 91 from current Irish International James Cleary with Michael Fennell of Lakeside, Stephen O'Reilly - Hillview, Conor Fahey - Parteen, Stephen Shoer - Lakeside and Rory Hogan - Riverdale in the chasing bunch.
The last round saw a tour de force by John Walsh as he birdied six of the first nine to spread-eagle the field and he eventually finished six shots clear of the field on 23 under par. Stephen Shoer came through the field with a great round of 47 to take second place with Hillview's James Cleary holding on for third place. Rory Hogan completed a great day for the club with a final round of 49 which saw him win the best last 18.
To read more, pick up a copy of this weeks Nenagh Guardian locally or subscribe to our e-paper to access it online each Wednesday.