Course and Clubhouse Closure

Due to the recent spell of bad weather the course has been closed due to both frost and rain. The surprising side-effect of the course closure is that the clubhouse bar/restaurant has also been closed to members who are anxious to spend their social contribution before the deadline of the 31st of December that draws ever closer. At the recent A.G.M the social contribution was reduced from 75Euro to 50Euro with an additional 50Euro added for course improvements thereby increasing the overall amount of the subscription for 2010. Is there a correlation between the reduction in the social contribution and the club opening hours?
Under the Clubs' Constitution:
The Parent Club shall:
(a) Provide facilities for the playing of and the promotion of the amateur game of golf by men and women and generally promote amateur games and other social activities amongst its members.
(b) Manage matters of common interest of both the Men’s Club and the Ladies Club which shall include: -

1. Provision of and responsibility for the maintenance and upkeep of the course and clubhouse and their environs, to the standard required by members:
2. Provide Bar and Catering facilities and all these entail;
3. Set and collect annual Club subscriptions, entrance fees and other Club levies payable by members. Any alteration in these rates shall be decided at an Annual General Meeting or Special General Meeting of the Parent Club:
4. Generally to act in the promotion and advancement of the interests of the Club and the improvement of the facilities available to members.
   

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John Browne and Paul Kehoe TD's Gents Open Seniors

This yearly event grows from strength to strength and this year almost 90 players sat down to a beautiful three-course meal following the 9-hole competition played in Arctic temperatures and at times in driving rain. This did not deter these hardy golf veterans from returning great scores with no run on the ball on a very wet course. It truly felt like 'the bleak mid-winter'. Paddy Mooney was announced as 'Senior Player of the Year' winning by a point over his nearest rival. The irony of the event was that though Paddy turned up to play in the event he decided not to enter the competition and wait for it...holed out on the 6th par 3 with a 6 iron! If he had entered into the competition he could have declared it officially and entered into the hole-in-one hall of fame. Archie Stevenson was on hand to collect Paddy's trophy for him and several other prizes on behalf of absent winners. Some light entertainment followed in lieu of an after dinner speech when Kenny Leech brought some jocularity to the proceedings with some very funny gags. Kenny starred recently as Santa in the Clubs Children's Party. The newly elected captain, Tom Clifford, in his first official club engagement was on hand to present the prizes. It seemed like there was a prizes for 'everyone in the audience' as Pat Mulvey read out a litany of names starting with a regular visitor and winner Paddy Lipsett from Arklow Golf Links, Jim Bolger, C. Larkin, also from Arklow, Tom Breen, George Leech, Michael O Conner, Tony Hutchinson, John Nolan, Jim Mackey, Pat F Jordan, Matt Mernagh, Pat Maguire, J. Mullin (Arklow), Michael Doyle, Willie Rackard, John Kirwan (Wexford), Michael Newman, Phil Redmond, Ger Turner and John R Jordan among many others. Much praise was lauded upon the senior committee of Neville Tector, Pat Mulvey, Morgan Dunne, John Thorpe, Eamonn Houlihan and Maurice Boyle for their sterling work throughout the year, tirelessly organising events and courting sponsors. If you can help out or would like to sponsor one of these events please contact any of the names above.

Martin Doyle's Ladies Classic Results

Martin Doyle's Classic took place last Saturday the 12th of December 2009. It was a lovely day and the proved conducive to good golf and a great day was had by all. Martin Doyle's have been sponsoring this classic for over 20 years and to whom we wish to express our gratitude.

1^st Doreen Hogg, Liz Askins, Helen Sinnott 30.6 points,

2^nd Connie Doyle,Ursula Cousins, Monica Murphy 31.5 pts,

3^rd Mgt Mooney, Bernie Webster, Meta Cummins 31.6 pts,

4^th Jenny King, Maeve McCauley, Avril Gainford 31.9 pts,

5^th Annette Cullen, Judy Greegan, Rita Riordan 31.9 pts,

6^th Ann Banville, Marie Duggan, Eilish Sinnott 32.3 pts,

7^th Nicky King, Attracta Doyle, Mary Browne 32.4 pts,

8^th Cora Mernagh, Marie Dunphy, Hayley Squires 32.4 pts,

9^th Mary O Shea, Mary McCauley, Mary Dempsey 32.9 pts,

10^th Ann Nolan, Ita Connolly, Dee Kavanagh 33.4 pts,

11^th Helen Cosgrave, Bernie Delaney, Clare Lambert 33.5 pts,

12^th Bernie Whelan Lady Capt, Ina Kent Lady Pres , Breda O' Neill 33.5pts.

Enniscorthy Golf Club easy payment options available

Agreed at the A.G.M and further clarified at the Management Meeting last night, the entrance fee has been greatly reduced to only 1,000Euro but now with easy payment options. Talk to John 0879695726 or land-line 053 92 33191 Ext 1. Staggering the cost of your membership to one of the Countries favourite courses is now possible with only a phone call away. This recessionary credit cruncher of a reduction comes at a time when their is more money on deposit than during the saving frenzy of the SSIA incentive. The reduction in the entrance fee in no way reflects on the condition of the course or the clubhouse and is solely designed to better market our greatest asset, the course, in which profits are re-invested. For instance, next year there is a comprehensive drainage plan in the pipeline for the bunkers. It will be welcomed by the golfers from all over the region and a nice gesture to the town in this the 1500th anniversary of its founding.

Stephens Special Offers

New Years Eve Party

Seniors Brave Weather

A good attendance at the Martin Doyle's sponsored Open Gents Senior Singles competition held yesterday in which 90 golfers from 50 years up took part. 2009 Captain, Declan Lyons, featured again andI note a few regular names on the list. Next Thursday there will be a 9-hole gents seniors followed by the annual seniors dinner at 4 p.m. cost €20.

50s+
1st:  Peter Jordan (16) 35
2nd: Declan Lyons (10) 34
3rd: Eddie Byrne (15, St. Helen's Bay) 32 [last 6].

60s+
1st:  Paddy Dobbs (11) 32 [Back 6]
2nd: Ollie Cahill (14) 32
3rd: John Daly (13) 31 [Last 6].

70s+
1st:  Paddy Lipsett (15, Arklow) 30 [Back 6]
2nd: Pady Kearns (10) 30
3rd: Michael Doyle (15) 28 [Back 6].
The senior committee would like to thank all those who took part and the sponsor of the day.

Michael O'Brien who had a hole-in-one at a recent open senior singles competition at Enniscorthy Golf Club being presented by 2009 President, John Mernagh and Paddy Wildes. He received his Tyrconnell Whiskey prize of a scroll and a mature bottle of Tyrconnell and a plaque for the club.

Mens Club Officers

Club Captain: Tom Clifford
Vice Captain: Gerry O'Connor
Club President: Pat Higgins
Honorary Secretary: John Cullen
Honorary Treasurer: John Casey
Handicap Secretary: Tim Morrissey
Comp. Secretary: Christy O'Connor

Enniscorthy Golf Club Ladies Committee Announced 2009

Lady Captain: Bernie Whelan
Lady Vice Captain: Stasia McGuire
Lady President: Ina Kent
Lady Vice President: Monica O'Connor
Team Co-Ordinator: Eimear McGrath
Finance: Annette Cullen
Hon. Secretary:  Mary McCauley
Hon. Handicap Sec: Michelle Browne
Hon. Competition Sec: Elizabeth Browne
Seniors: Mary Bolger
Juniors: Marie Dunphy
P.R.Officer: Stellah Sinnott
Mixed: Joan Dunbar

A.G.M 2009 Report

There was a great turnout for the ladies A.G.M at Enniscorthy Golf club on Wednesday 2nd December. They reflected on the fantastic year had by all the ladies teams. Full of pride, Lady Captain Cora Mernagh stood down from office and handed over her reign of office to in-coming Lady Captain Bernie Whelan. Lady President Ann Banville handed over the presidency to the capable hands of Ina Kent. The ladies would like to wish both Bernie and Ina a successful and enjoyable year ahead. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all from the ladies club committee. Don't forget that Santa arrives at 4 p.m. this Sunday the13th in the clubhouse with a disco from 3 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. Present to be valued of between €5 to €7.50 (Please put child's name on present) so Santa won't make any mistakes. Just a reminder to the ladies that the Martin Doyle's Classic three team scramble, previously cancelled due to poor weather, has been rescheduled and is now being held on Saturday 12th December. The Men's Club A.G.M took place last Sunday and ten of the thirteen positions were filled. Outgoing Captain Declan Lyons gave a run down of the various positions held within the men's club committee and reports from each section were read out by Jim Mackey, men's secretary. The seniors report was presented by Pat Mulvey which disclosed that an average of 50 visitors and 65 members played on the open senior days with only two cancellations. Eamon Whitty gave his report on the mid-week competitions of which there were 20 in total and thanked all the sponsors involved especially Tommy Cooper, Regional Manager of FRS Training for there sponsorship of the 'Champion of Champions'. The out-going President John Mernagh was responsible for teams and aided by experienced and dedicated managers had made his job a lot easier. Success can be measured by Pierce Purcell, Jimmy Bruen, Barton Shield and Junior Cup teams all reaching the play-off stages in their regions. In his report he singled out the winning Jim Whitney Shield team and the Carroll Cup for over 60's who reached the All-Ireland finals day in Westmanstown. We look forward to hosting the Pierce Purcell competition next year. Tim Morrissey, handicap secretary presented the handicap report to the members with information pertaining to adjustments intimating that these are now done by computer automatically, the exception being away scores which have to be accepted by the handicap secretary/committee before they go into the member's handicap record. For any details on the report or handicaps Tim would be pleased to answer any questions. Men's P.R. Officer report was submitted by Pat Jordan and it detailed the tasked of the position including presenting the weekly notes to the press. The web site, developed in conjunction with Web Things, has proved a great asset in promoting the course and the clubs overall image. The abridged report went on to thank all who assisted in funnelling information to Pat and a special word of gratitude went out to the ladies P.R. Officer Sharon McGuire who collaborated with the Men's P.R. every week in presenting the club notes. Pat continues the role next year for his sins while his counterpart in the ladies will be the famed Stellah Sinnott.
The club A.G.M followed where Declan handed over the reigns to the new Captain Tom Clifford. Toms' Vice-Captain is last year's treasurer Gerry O'Connor who together with the finance committee produced very favourable accounts in these recessionary times. John Mernagh called on Pat Higgins to present him with the jacket of club President whereby Pat immediately took on the role of chairing the meeting. A full listing of newly elected officers and committees will be posted in the clubhouse and on the website. Further details of the reports will be added to the secured 'Members Area' which should be available shortly.
The final of the club foursomes took place in abysmal weather conditions on Saturday between Claire Lambert & Brendan Flood and George Leech & Elizabeth Browne. At one stage George and Elizabeth fought back when two down to level but were beaten on the 18th giving several shots to the winning couple. Well done to all and a special prize for braving the weather should be awarded.
The Wednesday 4 Ball Qualifier has been cancelled today, the 9th of December. The next qualifying round of this competition will be held over two days, December 30th and 31st, time sheets available from Friday 18th Dec at 5 p.m. As a result of the competition being cancelled on two Sundays because of weather conditions next Sundays Winter AllianceSingles competition sponsored by O.C.M Construction is the FINAL ROUND of the Winter Alliance. The overall winner in each section will be determined by their two best cards from competitions played. Tomorrow, Thursday the 10th, the club will sponsor the Open Senior Singles and though the timesheet is almost full there are a few tee times available.Votes of sympathy were recently expressed at a meeting of the men's committee on the passing of Pat Burke and Mollie Quinn, Ted Quinn's Mother.

Childrens Christmas Party

13th December 2009 in the clubhouse Santa Claus and Disco 3 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. Santa arrives at 4 p.m. Present to be valued between €5 to €7.50 (Please put child's name on present) so Santa won't make any mistakes.

Wednesday 25th Nov. '09 Open 4 Ball Qualifier

Ladies and Gents
1st Jim Mackey (8) and Michael Wickham (12) 44 points

Visitors: S Thornton (14) and J Lyons (20) 36 points

Will Enniscorthy Golf Club get the "seal of approval" from Fáilte Ireland?

Fáilte Ireland is pleased to launch the first Minimum Standards Guidelines for golf courses in Ireland. The introduction of these guidelines is a great opportunity for Ireland to become the first country to undertake a nationwide scheme of this type for golf courses and our aim is to have as many golf properties as possible assessed under these new standards by spring 2010. PMPGenesis are working with the Fáilte Ireland Industry Standards and Quality Team to carry out the Golf Minimum Standards Assessments. The benefits of inclusion in this quality assurance scheme are:
Participation in the first official nationwide quality assurance system for golf that will inform and assure customers of the quality they can expect
· Eligibility to market your property as "Approved to Fáilte Ireland Standards"
· Increased visibility by promotion of the golf course on www.discoverireland.ie & www.discoverireland.com , the online sites for both domestic and overseas consumers; and the tourism golf websites, www.discoverireland.ie/golf & www.discoverireland.com/golf
· Invitation to participate in Fáilte Ireland promotional Marketing activities, e.g. National Newspaper, Radio, TV, on-line and trade & consumer shows
· Support through Fáilte Ireland enterprise development initiatives
There is a small fee for the initial assessment and visit and a smaller fee each year for continuing accreditation and auditing.

Unfortunately Enniscorthy will miss out on the first round of assessments currently taking place but it is hoped that we will run with the scheme in Spring. Though the club can tick the boxes on many of the minimum standards listed in the document issued, it feels that more time is required to ensure that all, not just some, can be better evaluated to ensure compliance. This initiative taken by Fáilte Ireland will raise the bar for golf clubs to meet standards in customer care and satisfaction. In many areas of employment such as manufacturing , hotels and businesses standards are intrinsic and most companies have International Standards accreditation and are audited yearly by independent assessors with a major audit usually every three years. Fear of losing this quality accreditation is a motivator to maintain standards. Receiving this accreditation has the potential of placing our club at the top of the tourist rankings abroad and increased visitor through-put. There are three assessment criterion; Pass, Pass with Conditions and Fail. Fail is not in our constitution!

Update on the E- Business Working Group for Golf

Fáilte Ireland and a representative from the working group presented at four regional meetings to bring the golf industry up to date on the Working Group’s e-Business plan.

Over 100 golf clubs attended these meetings and approved, in principal, the e-business strategy which involves the establishment of a federated search function on the Discover Ireland websites.
Fáilte Ireland has now proceeded with the plans and is currently working on the on-line content programme, website development and marketing plans.
The Golf Forum have approved the decision to tender for a company to provide this on-line solution and the procurement procedure is now well under way and should be finalised by December 2009.
The strategy aims to present Irish Golf Clubs with an opportunity to benefit from effective on-line promotion of their club and ultimately access to a greater number of customers.
Your P.R.Officers have contacted Fáilte Ireland and the content on the Discover Ireland Web Site is now current. November 2009

Busy Time At The Club Regardless Of Weather

The Club Dinner Dance took place last Saturday night and a great time was had by all with Matty and Lar excelling themselves yet again in providing quality entertainment. The men's captain Declan Lyons, speaking on behalf of himself and his counter-part in the ladies section, Captain Cora Mernagh, thanks all present for making their tenure a most enjoyable and memorable one. In particular Declan went on to thank his good wife, Ann, for her patience and fortitude and his family, not just over the past year during his captaincy but in all the years as a golfing widow going on to say how true the old adage goes 'behind every great man there's a even greater woman'. Declan presented a beautiful bouquet of flowers to his wife and to the lady captain as a mark of his appreciation. Declan went on to thank Tom Clifford and Bernie Whelan, incoming captains, for organising the night and imparted some words of wisdom for their forthcoming positions.
The weekend's golfing calendar was again affected on Sunday by poor weather but those who braved the bitter cold on Saturday were delighted to be able to venture out regardless. The greens remain in excellent
condition and all signs of fusarium patch have disappeared. Credit is due to P.J. Dempsey, the course superintendent and the course staff for maintaining the course in such a great condition considering the vicissitudes they have had to deal with weather wise. Hopefully the appearance of the Robin and other seasonal creatures on the course are harbingers of better weather to come.
Friday we welcome St. Senan's Golf Society and wish them a pleasant days golfing and weather conducive to enjoyment of the day. As a result of the competition being cancelled on two Sundays because of the weather conditions the competition Sunday the 12th of December is the final round of the Open Winter Alliance kindly sponsored by O.C.M Construction. The overall winner in each section will be determined by
their two best cards from the competitions played. Results of the Winter Alliance and other competitions to date are displayed on this blog. Winter opening hours for the bar have changed:
Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. to close. Friday to Sunday Normal Opening Hours. There is a Senior Members Turkey Competition every Monday up to the 21st of December. Next weekend we have a Gents Open 4 Ball and on Sunday the 6th we have the Men's Club A.G.M followed by the Club A.G.M. A large attendance is expected.