Mourne Golf Club News

By Paul Gallagher

18/05/2022

Connor Pimm continued his recent good form to win last Sunday’s May Medal, while Mourne Golf Club’s annual Open Week was a great success with players from across the province taking to both courses at Newcastle.

Pimm carded a one-over 72 for a nett 68 on the Championship Links at Royal County Down to comfortably win by three shots from Lenny Murray in second. Pimm enjoyed a steady round that contained just three dropped shots and birdies at the sixth and ninth.

Murray’s round unravelled early when he ran up a nine at the second. However, the veteran steadied the ship for the remainder of the round and benefited from timely birdies at the sixth and 13th.  The chasing pack on 72 included Michael McLaughlin, Peter Murphy and Michael McKenna.

Mourne Open Week is typically played in July, but after coming out of the pandemic, Royal County Down were kind enough to allocate Mourne a week in May despite the significant demand on tee times as overseas visitors return to Newcastle to play the famous links.

Although the elements were against the players on some of the days, there was a great buzz around the club with ladies’, men’s and mixed competitions played on both the Championship Links and Annesley Links. The week concluded with a prizegiving evening last Friday where sponsors were invited as the club gave thanks for their ongoing support.

Too many to mention, but special thanks to Motis, Kevan Whitson, Mivan, Drumcastle Ltd, Smyths Centra, Coleman R Hanna Solicitors, Slieve Donard Hotel, Property Directions and of course Royal County Down Golf Club, for without their support, Mourne Open Week would not be possible.

It was also a fine week for team golf with Mourne’s Junior Cup, Jimmy Bruen, All-Ireland Fourball and Fred Perry teams all advancing to the next round of their respective interclub competitions.

John Murphy’s Junior Cup side defeated Downpatrick 4-1 and will take on Helen’s Bay in the next round. Barry Hillen’s Jimmy Bruen team defeated Nuremore 3-2 and will play Banbridge or Bright in the next round. Michael Keane’s All-Ireland Fourball team won 3-2 against Aughnacloy and will take on either Belvoir or Nuremore in the next round, and Emlyn Williamson’s Fred Perry side won 3-2 against Lough Erne and will play Clandeboye in the next round.

(Pic courtesy Danny Hillen)