Ryan McGettigan wins Captain’s Prize at Portsalon Golf Club

Mick McGlynn’s Captain’s Prize was played on Saturday, with no fewer than 153 hardened souls taking part on a day that wouldn’t have been out of place in the depths of November (in true Donegal fashion, the sun was straight back in the sky come Sunday morning!).

Given the conditions, it was a victory for many just to get around the course in one piece. 

The winning score on the day was beautifully crafted by five-handicapper Ryan McGettigan. 

Showing the old adage that you should never give up on a round of golf, Ryan stuck to his task and fired what can only be described as a miraculous eight-iron to 15ft on the 18th green, playing his second shot from the OB line closest to the beach after a leaked drive. 

It was a shot worthy of wining any Captain’s Prize, and he needed it, holding off Davy Deeney and Eamonn McDermott only on the break-of-tie. One point separated the first six players on the scoreboard. 

Congratulations to Captain Mick on a fantastic day and night, with everyone fed, watered and entertained inside a jam-packed clubhouse on Saturday evening.

Full Result:

Captain’s Prize Winner: Ryan McGettigan (5) – 35 pts BOT

Runner-up: David Deeney (13) – 35 pts

Gross: Eamonn McDermott (5) – 30 gross pts

Third: Stephen Connolly (6) – 34 p BOT

Fourth: John G McBride (7) – 34 pts BOT

First Nine: Paul Armstrong Jnr (17) – 19 pts BOT

Second Nine: Patrick Ronaghan (18) – 21 pts BOT

Visitor: Garvan McFadden (6) – 29 pts

CSS: 33 pts RO

Ladies Event for Captain’s Prizes (Thursday)

Winner: Ann McDonnell (30) – 42 pts

Runner-up: Eileen McLarnon (27) – 40 pts

Gross: Claire McGonagle (5) – 29 gross pts

Third: Deirdre Hensey (21) – 37 pts BOT

First Nine: Mary Flynn (31) – 21 pts

Second Nine: Sarah Nicholl (17) – 18 pts BOT

CSS: 74

Wednesday 25^th July – Gents Open

Winner: Clive Davison (11) – 37 pts BOT

Runner-up: Martin Bennett (22) – 37 pts

Gross: Liam Campbell (8) – 27 gross pts

Third: James Friel (22) – 35 pts

CSS: 74/34pts

Twos: Stephen Harris, Declan Kenny, Jason Larkin

Sunday 29th July Members 

Winner: James Comiskey (17) – 41 pts

Runner-up: Rory McDermott (19) – 38 pts

Gross: Pauric Dunleavy (6) – 29 gross pts

CSS: 73/35 pts

Events 

Saturday 4^th August – Charlie Canning Memorial Links Trophy

The big events continue to come by at Portsalon and this Saturday is no exception. The Charlie Canning Memorial has firmly established itself as one of the ‘trophies to win’ in the golfing calendar, with the excellent event hosted each year by the Canning family in memory of our former greenkeeper. Charlie was a true Portsalon original and his legacy and memory are fondly recalled by those that play in his name. As always, this is a Ladies & Gents Open competition, with a timesheet in operation. Call the Club House on 91 59459 to reserve a tee time.

The August Bank Holiday meanwhile can mean only one thing in Portsalon – the Barton Cup. This historic event is one of Ireland’s oldest competitions and has been battled for in Portsalon since the late 1900’s. In modern times, it has become a who’s who of the golfing establishment and is unequivocally regarded as one of our Majors. 

The format, as always, is nine-hole matchplay across the ‘Barton Nine’ – holes one thru four, the ninth, and the 15^th towards home. Is it is a straight knockout event, and play will commence at approximately 7am on Bank Holiday Monday August 6^th. To allow for preparations, names must be entered by 7pm on Saturday evening, with the first-round draw and tee-times announced on Sunday. 

Gerry Hannon is the defending Barton Cup champion, though the bookmakers are said to be fearing a Ryan McGettigan double, with the Kerrykeel man (and former winner) in fine tune following his Captain’s Prize success.