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Members’ Newsletter Summer 2024 / 1ROYAL PORTRUSH GOLF CLUBMEMBERS’ NEWSLETTERSummer 2024Issue 4
2 / Royal Porush Golf Club Members’ Newsletter Summer 2024 / 32 / Royal Porush Golf ClubTrophy tonic is ju what the doctor ordered for Captain’s Day prize winner Gareth. CARRICKFERGUS based GP Gareth Baird held his nerve over the closing holes to win Jim Carrigy’s Captain’s Day prize. “I was quite relaxed, but then tightened up on 16, 17 and 18,” he said later. “Thankfully I pitched and putted well, and any time I was in the rough, I played sensibly to get out of trouble.” The weather was good, but a rengthening breeze later on made for tough conditions, especially on the back nine, and even though he finished on 40 points, Gareth (54), playing o 16, had a nervous wait before he was confirmed as the winner. Stephen Warke, with two birdies at the 4th and 13th finished a point behind, the same as Richard McDermott in third place, and who came agonisingly close to making Captain’s Day hiory aer his wife Diane clinched the Ladies prize with an excellent 42 points. A no score at the 5th, where he failed to get his ball out of a bunker, didn’t help. Gareth played with John and Aidan Brankin and his brother Michael who kept him poed aer the round, which included a two at the 6th, ended. Club Captain Jim Carrigy gets ideal conditions for his Captain’s Day at Royal Porush Golf Club and pictured with him are Sir Richard McLaughlin, Paul McLaughlin, Russell Houston and Amit Bedi.Royal Porush Golf Club Captain’s Day Prize winner Gareth Baird with 40pts presented by Captain Jim Carrigy with his wife Maria.Captain’s Day Gross Andrew Morris 74 (71).Captain’s Day Runner-up Stephen Warke with 39pts (last 6 holes).Captain’s Day Ladies’ winner Diane McDermott with 42pts.Captain’s Day 3rd place Richard McDermott with 39pts (last 9 holes).The Captain’s Prize – carved from a fallen tree at the Dark Hedges.
Members’ Newsletter Summer 2024 / 3He said: “All four of us played well, and I suppose that helped. We didn’t have to go looking for balls. I didn’t hit too many greens in regulation, but I pitched and putted well. The last three were tense all right. “I wasn’t entirely convinced that 40 points was good enough. My club app wasn’t working, and every now and again, I’d get a text message from Michael to say that I was still leading. It was aer eight o’clock before the last four ball finished, so it was a tense couple of hours waiting.” Jim Carrigy presented him with a special wooden bowl carrying the Royal Porush cre, carved from one of the 18th century beech trees at the iconic Dark Hedges which were uprooted by Storm Gerude in January 2016. Gareth, a member since he was 18, added: “It’s definitely going to get pride of place in my apament. I’m just so pleased to have won it.” Meanwhile Andrew Morris lo his ball in the rough on the le side of the fairway at the 14th, where he took a 7, and then three putted the 16th – those were his only blemishes. Birdies at 11, 12 and 13 helped him return the day’s be gross with a two over 74. He played o the blue tees with Main Kelly, Simon Little and Matt McCullough. “The captain’s drink at lunchtime ceainly settled the nerves,” said Andrew. “Apa from those two holes, I played solidly. It was tough going. It’s the first time in ages that I needed a three-wood to reach the 18th green.” The full li to Captain’s Day prize winners: Captain’s Prize: Gareth Baird 40 points Runner-up: Stephen Warke 39 points Third place: Richard McDermott 39 points Be gross: Andrew Morris 74 pointsPa Captain’s Prize: Robe Brady 39 points Over 65’s: Robe Currie 39 points Ladies’ winner: Diane McDermott 42 points Ladies’ runner-up: Mary MacLaren 38 points Curran Couse winner: Gerry McAleese 17 pointsPutting: Matthew Nicol 32 pointsMembers’ Newsletter Summer 2024 / 3Contents:Captain’s Day Prize Winner 2Captain’s Repo 4General Manager’s Repo 5Fred Daly Reunion 6Ian Bamford Memories 7Ladies’ Captain’s Repo 8Harrison Cup 9Talk In The Dunluce Room 10Gary Stevenson 12La Survivor Of The 1951 Open 13Overseas Members 14Simon Rankin 17Hioric Election To Council 18Adam Buchanan 19Daniel McAleese 20Update On The Rosses 21Cover image: The 15th at Royal Porush. Credit: Photograph by Gary Lisbon.153rd Open Championship Update 22Uler Title Double 22Valley Update 23From The Archives 24Course Manager’s Repo 25Uler Public Schools Old Boys Golf Society 26Irish Champion Matt McClean 26Honorary Staers 26148th Championship Pictorial Record 27Yates Salvers 27A Round With Eimear O’Connor 28Club Shop 30From Royal Porush To Wimbledon 31Pictured with Club Captain Jim Carrigy for his Captain’s Day at a sunny Royal Porush Golf Club are Harry Dunlop, David McMullan, Brian McMullan and Philip TweedieCharlene Reid and Alan Dunbar with young golfers at Jim Carrigy’s Captain’s Day.
4 / Royal Porush Golf ClubCaptain’s Repo Captain Jim Carrigy I am a couple of months into my term as Club Captain and would like to take this oppounity of thanking the Pa Captain, Council and the Members for beowing on me the honour of Captain for 2024/25. It is a very special honour to be Captain of one of the be golf clubs in the world - a major life highlight for me.Royal Porush is a Club that is very proud of its hiory and traditions but is also very progressive and forward thinking recognizing the need to conantly improve and make changes where necessary.Our approach to Membership equality of oering Ladies a choice of becoming full members or remaining as members of the Ladies Branch has presented some challenges that need to be resolved. We are working through these issues which will take time and we are grateful for your patience and underanding.The work on redevelopment of the Valley Course is now entering its final ages and we are hopeful of having mo holes in play by the end of Augu. Our practice area, currently undergoing significant work, may not be available until the end of the year. I never expected that I would miss a practice area that I rarely used but will be glad to see it open again.Our teams have experienced mixed success to date but I would like to thank the Team Captains and Members who represented the Club, a significant time commitment but a great bonding exercise.The refurbishment of the newly acquired Rosses Building on the 4th fairway is now complete and ready for accommodation bookings from early Augu. This landmark building protects and preserves our boundary and will prove to be a valuable long term asset for the Club.The Club hoed matches again the Marylebone Cricket Club and Royal Belfa which were very enjoyable events. During the month the Club were gues of Royal Liverpool at Hoylake and were treated to excellent hospitality, a magnificent course and a clubhouse eeped in hiory having hoed 13 Open Championships.We have had consient feedback from our Members and visitors on the excellent condition of our Links courses - we have to recognize and applaud the hard work by our Links Manager, Graeme Beatt, and his team for making this happen. The recent wet weather, whil good for growth, has increased the incidence of pitch marks and we would remind Members of the impoance of repairing these to ensure we maintain the putting quality of our greens.Our catering team continue to provide an excellent service and Members have provided glowing feedback on the quality of the food in our recent speciality evenings, our biro evenings are well woh putting in your diaries.Now the long evenings are here, enjoy the golf and appreciate how lucky we are to have access to such a unning course.Captain Jim Carrigy4 / Royal Porush Golf ClubClub president Tom Turner, club captain Jim Carrigy and the triumphant Royal Porush team who narrowly defeated Royal Belfast in their annual match. From le to right: David McMullan, Richard Beggs, Mark Murnane, Hugh Black, Chris Brown, Brian McMullan, Robin Adair, David Allister and Gilbe Knight.
Members’ Newsletter Summer 2024 / 5Uler UniversityThe Club has developed a close relationship with Uler University at Coleraine over the la number of years. This has included access to specific food & beverage training, placement of udents at the Club and my involvement in helping the University in developing a MSC in Golf Management. Following engagement with the University, this course will go live in 2025 and will assi in the continued growth of education around golf. The University are making a conceed eo to develop their education and facilities around golf and this in line with the Club’s ambition to continue to grow the game of golf.Suainability As work continues to develop more ideas to increase the eiciency of the Club and reduce our reliance on grid electricity, we are now focused on a very intereing inveigation into the capacity of our 500 acres to sequeer atmospheric Carbon Dioxide. The Club has reduced emissions levels significantly over the la 12 months through the introduction of our new technologies (solar pv, LED lighting etc.) and Graeme Beatt has successfully migrated all diesel equipment to Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil aer a trial period. We will continue eos to reduce our emissions but a crucial pa of our eos to achieve carbon neutrality will require any remaining emissions to oset by our site’s ability to absorb atmospheric Carbon Dioxide. We are pa of a pilot project at the moment to analyse this information and this will form pa of a final repo, due to be completed sholy, of our current atus as it relates to carbon neutrality.1 Tee Building RenovationFollowing a delay, work to the new 1 tee building is now complete. The renovation of this building has now created 2 toilets for Member and visitor usage, an oice for our Golf Operations team to run the 1 tee operation from and an area for caddies to wait before they are assigned their bags for the day. Consideration is being given to reintroducing the trolley ore that has now been reduced in size and a fuher update will be provided on this in due course.I would like to take this oppounity to thank the Members of Royal Porush Golf Club for the incredible suppo they have provided to me during my time at the Club. I feel very founate to have had the oppounity to work at this great Club and I will cherish the memories of my time here and on the Noh Coa. A huge amount has happened at the Club in the la four years, and I wish Members all the be in the lead up to The Open in 2025.General Manager’s Repo John Lawler
6 / Royal Porush Golf ClubTogether again….victorious Fred Daly team of ’85 plan 40-year reunion.A special anniversary re-union of the Fred Daly team which triumphed in 1985 is being planned for next year.Syd Henry, one of the seven members of the team which defeated Warrenpoint in the final, has already made some preliminary arrangements.He said: “We haven’t been all together since, and we might as well do it now because who knows where we’ll be when it comes round to the 50th anniversary.”Syd, Gary Moore, Ian Macafee, Ronan McNally, Gary Stevenson, James Knox and Paul Cameron won the trophy by ju one hole in a dramatic return leg at Warrenpoint when the competition at that time was rericted to Uler teams.They had earlier defeated City of Derry, Whitehead, Belvoir Park, Bushfoot and Carrickfergus in a tense semi-final.Since becoming an all Ireland event, this premier event for boys was won la year under the captaincy of Paul Rohdich.Head professional Gary McNeill was on the Warrenpoint team which lo 40 years ago when Ian Macafee’s father Bill, and the late Ronnie Cameron, looked aer the Porush squad.The match ended 7-7, but when it came down to holes Porush ju edged it by one. The GUI pennant, presented to the team that day by Fred Daly himself, hangs in the club’s junior locker room, but will be out on display for the anniversary celebrations when the seven re-unite for a team photograph – ju like they did when they gathered for a memento in the Warrenpoint car park all those years ago.They were even nominated by the then Coleraine Borough Council as Team of Year, and were feted in the mayor’s parlour where Ron Pickering, the athletics coach and BBC commentator, was among the gues. Syd is also looking at the possibility of a nine-hole match between the 1985 Fred Daly team and next year’s squad to mark the anniversary.He added: “No doubt there will be a lot of reminiscing when we meet up. Gary in St Albans is the only one who lives outside Nohern Ireland.“That win at Warrenpoint meant an awful lot, especially for junior golf at Royal Porush. It only seems like yesterday, but we’ve all retained some wonderful memories of playing in the Fred Daly, right from the first round.“This promises to be a very special re-union.”The 1985 Fred Daly team – Back row (le to right) – Paul Cameron, Syd Henry, James Knox, Gary Stevenson. Front row – Ian Macafee, Ronan McNally and Gary MooreThe Fred Daly team crest.A family aair. Jimmy Todd with his wife Heather, son Jonathan and grandson Ben, winners of the Platinum Jubilee Salver, presented to the club by former Ladies Captain Roma English to mark the Queen’s 75th anniversary on the Throne.
Ian Bamford, the club’s longe serving member, was presented with a special commemorative silver medal to mark his 80 years at Royal Porush.He joined as a boy aged 10 in April 1944, and his encyclopaedic knowledge about its hiory means he is likely to be once again in much demand from overseas visitors, and the international media, in the run-up to next year’s Open – ju as he was ahead of the 2019 Championship.His book, Royal Porush Golf Club, A Hiory, published at the time of the club’s centenary, continues to sell. It has also been placed in golf club libraries across the world, including Augua National where his wife Rosemary presented Walt Driver, pa president of the USGA, with a copy as they ood beside the 1 tee aer play got underway on final day of the 2016 Maers. Ian, a former Club Captain, played for Uler and Ireland. He is a twice holder of the Noh of Ireland (1954 and 1972), winner of the Irish Amateur Open at Royal Porush (1957), is THE authority on all matters Royal Porush. Nobody knows this club better than he does. He lives in south Belfa, has a house in Poballintrae, but the Dunluce Room is his spiritual home.The solid silver medal with an oak tree inscribed on the back symbolising 80 years, and mounted in a boxed wooden frame was presented to him on behalf of the Pa Captains by Club President Dr Tom Turner.Even aged 90, his recall of everything Royal Porush, remains remarkable.And in the fir of an occasional series for the Club’s newsletter, he reflects on the life and times of a dierent era, and shares a few memories of how some of members went about their business, on and o the links.Did you know?• The club’s first honorary treasurer, WG Lawrence, then manager of the Belfast Banking Company (now Danske Bank) was the only resident of Porush who was among the 14 men who formed a provisional committee in April 1888. The annual subscription was one guinea, and the cost of a 1st class Belfast-Porush return train ticket, as well as a hot lunch and tea at the Nohern Counties Hotel for 10 shillings.• A silver cup, won on the opening day over nine holes at the club in May 1888 by one of the founding members, George L Baillie, mysteriously ended up in nohern Italy. It was discovered in the Menaggio and Cadenabbia golf club at Lake Como. Mr Baillie from St Andrews taught history at Belfast Royal Academy. Ninety years later in May 1978, the Club President and some 40 members of Menaggio visited Royal Porush for a match and returned the cup. A year later club captain Peter Fitzgerald and 38 members played a return fixture.• John Staples Alexander DL from Poglenone House, the first captain of the then County Golf Club, was a keen boatman, aectionately known as “The Admiral” He once led an armada of boats which sailed to the Giant’s Causeway to protest against the high charges people had to pay to visit the site. He presented the Poglenone Cup which is played for annually. • What was once the par-4 17th hole at The Valley is the oldest fairway in the club’s 36-hole complex, dating back to January 1890.• A decision to pay £18,000 to re-locate from where the Royal British Legion Hall now stands to a new home on the site of the former Holyrood Hotel, which was oicially opened by the then Governor of Nohern Ireland, Lord Granville, in June 1947, caused great controversy. The Club President Sir Anthony Babington was so vehemently opposed to the move that he stood down to take his place in the body of the meeting, arguing that the clubhouse should instead be built where the Rathmore clubhouse is positioned. Members’ Newsletter Summer 2024 / 7A treasure trove of memories as Ian Bamford’s remarkable 80-year-old membership is oicially recognised.
8 / Royal Porush Golf ClubLadies’ Captain’s RepoLadies’ Captain Clair BalmerSummer is oicially here and weather to date has been queionable, to say the lea! However, team match season is well underway and at this point in time, we have had mixed success. Our Senior Cup Team is progressing well; Senior Foursomes is ill in, as is the Mary McKenna Diamond Trophy Team – good luck to them all. Also, I would like to thank all our Captains and team members who have represented Royal Porush Ladies this year. The Annual Caer Cup match again Royal Belfa was played at Royal Belfa Golf Club. Conditions were challenging aer several days of rain and this may have had an impact on our andard of play, as we returned home without the Cup but had a very enteaining day!I bade farewell to Captain Gerry and welcomed the new Captain Jim, at the end of April and I would like to record my thanks for all the suppo both Captains have given to the Ladies Branch. At the Club’s AGM, our fir lady member was elected to Club Council – Ms Helen Jones – congratulations Helen – an hioric moment.Also, following the BDO Consultants Repo regarding membership changes for the Ladies’ Branch, a rule change was passed at the AGM, allowing Ladies’ Associate members to continue to propose and second new members for a period of five years.Some 45 members played in a very enjoyable Club Outing to Cushendall Golf Club – the sun shone, food was excellent, great camaraderie and yes good golf. Thanks to Pa Captain, Mary Taylor for organising a great day.The Inter Club Council Match was played in May, hoed by Club Council – again an enteaining day and really no need to divulge the final score!The Captain of R&A, Neil Donaldson was on a visit to the Club recently and I had the pleasure of playing with his wife Val along with our Honorary Treasurer, Gillian Bamber and Immediate Pa Captain Mary Taylor. The sun shone and the Dunluce Course looked superb.It is ju amazing to see the changes to the Valley Course now and how much the landscape and terrain is changing on a weekly basis. So much to look forward to and enjoy over the summer months ahead.8 / Royal Porush Golf ClubClair Balmer, Captain of the Ladies’ Branch.Val Donaldson (Wife Of R&A Captain)wWith Gillian Bamber, Mary Taylor and Clair Balmer.Ladies enjoying the Club Outing to Cushendall Golf Club ( l-r - Mary MacLaren; Kate Irwin; Alison Algeo; Valerie Bailie and Rhoda Archer.)
Members’ Newsletter Summer 2024 / 9Weather-beater Hannah keeps hold of Harrison Cup. Hannah Lee-McNamara, the defending champion, battled through the wind and rain to retain the Mabel Harrison Scratch Cup, sponsored by The White House, Porush.She finished with a gross 77, two clear of Malone’s Louise Coey and three better than Maeve Cummins from Lurgan. Hannah’s Royal Porush team mate Kayleigh Mulholland was fouh on 82.Thiy three players, representing 12 dierent clubs from across the UK and Ireland had to compete with heavy showers and gales sweeping across the Dunluce links.Shelley Pinkeon, the competition convenor, said aerwards: “Conditions were very diicult. They had to fight their way through the elements.“Hannah’s was a superb score on any day and even more impressive when taking the weather into consideration.”The Mabel Harrison Scratch Cup was presented to the Club’s Ladies’ section in 1976 by Francis Casement in memory of his mother who came from Dublin, but who joined Porush where her family holidayed for a month every year. She was also a member of The Island, and from 1910 won the Irish Ladies’ Championship for three years in a row.Jennifer O’Brien (Elm Park) with a 76 returned the be nett score of the day, two ahead of Jane Conan (Elm Park), and three clear of Helen Jones.Hannah Lee-McNamara (centre) with (le to right) – Kath Stewa Moore (Ladies’ President); Helen Jones, Jennifer O’Brien (Elm Park), Louise Coey (Malone), Clair Balmer (Ladies’ Captain), Jane Conan (Elm Park), Maeve Cummins (Lurgan), Jacqui Kirk and Elaine Cameron (assistant competition convenors).Neil Donaldson (staer), Shelley Pinkeon (competition convenor), Neville Moore (The White House, Porush) and Yvonne Mitchell (Castlerock). The Royal Porush Mary McKenna Diamond Trophy team which defeated Co Armagh. Front row (le to right): Lorraine Young (captain), Fiona Nicol, Rhoda Archer, Pauline Thompson and Alex McCaer. Back row (le to right): Maxine Woods, Sue McFall, Nicky Smyth, Clair Balmer, Frances Pollock, Diane Burgess and Maud Wilson. Members’ Newsletter Summer 2024 / 9
10 / Royal Porush Golf ClubTalk In The Dunluce Room...10 / Royal Porush Golf ClubEamon high with hole-in-one No9Royal Porush made an early exit from the Uler Cup, but Eamon McCotter ill had reason to celebrate aer scoring his NINTH hole-in-one in his match again Faughan Valley. Standing at the 13th tee, three up, he hit a five iron to the right side of the green.Eamon recalled: “The ball rolled towards the hole, and I ju assumed it opped behind the pin. I couldn’t see it going in. But the Faughan Valley captain who was up ahead in a buggy, shouted back….’It’s in the hole!!!!’This was his second ace at the 13th, and his third at Porush when he holed out at Calamity when it was then the 14th.He’s had two at Poewa’s 6th; two at Kilrea where he was once a member; one at Ballybunion and one at Musselburgh (Edinburgh).Faughan Valley won the match 3 ½ to 2 ½, but the retired accountant was more than happy to pick up the tab when he called for drinks for all in the Dunluce Room. Eamon McCotterMeeting Nicklaus a special moment for Porush trio.Jack Nicklaus has been fully briefed about Royal Porush aer meeting three members at his exclusive club in the United States.Peter Clark, Ross Moore and Tyrone Clarke had ju finished a round at the Bear’s Club in Jupiter, Florida when they were introduced to the 18 times major winner.Nicklaus (83) once played at the British Seniors at Royal Co Down, but in all his time travelling the globe never teed up at Porush.But ahead of next year’s Open he was fully briefed by the three visitors from the Noh Coa who met him in the club bar, ju as they about to leave. Their ho, Noah Fenton, a US work friend of Tyrone, and whose family has rong connections at the Bear’s, made the introductions.Peter (26), a financial analy, explained: “We had just picked up our shoes in the locker room, and were walking through the bar where Noah was talking to Jack.“He just seemed a regular guy; standing there with a drink in his hand, and spoke to us for about 10 minutes. “He wanted to know where we were from, and when we told him he jokingly replied that he’d never been. ‘I’ve been to lots of places in my time but never Porush….’ The Porush trio had earlier met with Ernie Els who was sitting at an adjoining breakfa table, but it was their time with one of the game’s great legends that they will forever remember.Ross, a son of former captain Ashley Moore, is an accountant in Edinburgh. Tyrone works in wealth management.Peter, whose father Bobby is also an ex-captain, added: “We chatted about fishing in the Bahamas where Tyrone’s dad (Darren) also fishes. Jack’s a keen fisherman. It was all very relaxed and he took a real interest in hearing where we were from, and all about Porush.“We didn’t take any photographs because we just felt it wasn’t the type of place where you do selfies. But to meet and talk with Jack Nicklaus was very, very special.”An audience with Jack – Peter Clark, Ross Moore, Tyrone Clarke and Noah FentonGlory Day…Dunluce a hit with Springeen team.Bruce Springeen’s tromboni Ozzie Melendez was blown away by the Dunluce links.He and a couple of his backroom team, Tom Reye and Jerry Fox, took time out before their Belfa conce to play 18 holes with Alan Irwin, who had been asked by a friend to ho the three.Alan’s brother, David, and Stua Gough joined them as caddies. Melendez, a member of Springeen’s E Street band, played with a set of hired clubs, and was hugely impressed with the course. Alan said: “They loved it. Ozzie hadn’t played for a couple of months, but he’s a useful golfer. Weather wise, it was probably one of the warmest days of the year.”Taking a breather at the 9th – (le to right) – Stua Gough, Alan Irwin, Jerry Fox, Ozzie Melendez, David Irwin and Tom Reye.
Amy provides Solheim Cup team food for thought.Amy O’Donnell will be the European team’s nutritioni at the Solheim Cup in September.Suzann Pettersen, the captain, invited her to be pa of the backroom squad for the match again the United States in Virginia.Amy (26), a member of the Clubs All Ireland Women’s Senior Cup team, was with the winning European side in Toledo, Ohio three years ago when she was ill a udent at the Liverpool John Moores University.Now a fully qualified nutritioni she has been called up for a specific reason when they get together on September 9-15. Europe retained the cup in Spain la year.Amy explained: “It’s nice to be asked back. Suzann wants to focus more on the nutrition side of things, especially as they are away and not at home. “Focusing on the spos science side of things; making sure the nutrition is up to scratch hopefully will add up and give them that extra 1%.” Amy O’Donnell‘Amazing’ Augua day for Richard and Diane.Richard McDermott and his wife Diane attended this year’s US Maers.He said: “It has been on the bucket list for a very long time. It was such an amazing experience.”The couple normally spend four weeks at the end of March every year at their house in Orlando.But with the demands of next year’s Open Championship already kicking in, Richard, the deputy chief marshal, said they were more than happy to delay their US vacation to fit in with a once in a lifetime visit to join the crowds at the season’s fir major.During their time at Augua, they were also gues of Alison Metcalfe, sier in law of the Ladies’ Captain Clair Balmer at Tourism Ireland’s annual US Maers reception, one of the week’s big social events.Richard and Diane McDermottUS Maers (ladies) Georgia On their mind as ladies age Maers class. The women’s Senior Cup and Senior Foursomes squads embraced the US Maers as pa of their preparation for the season ahead.Team captains Helen Jones and Naoimh Quigg decided to enter into the spirit of the final day of the season’s fir major by organising a training session with an Augua National theme.There was a chip and putt challenge to te sho game skills, as well as 13 holes of rategy golf played again a tiny backdrop of some colouul floral arrangements in keeping with the azalea and rhododendron which frame that great golfing venue in the Georgia countryside.Specially baked US Maers cakes were available, and at the end Kayleigh Mulholland and Jo Donaldson, the winners, were presented with traditional green blazers – borrowed for the occasion – which carried US Maers logos in the place of GUI pocket badges.Naoimh said: “We just felt it was such a good idea to do this. It’s great for bonding and I think everyone enjoyed it. It was ceainly dierent and great fun.”Members’ Newsletter Summer 2024 / 11Vintage peormance by Stephen as he tops the wine li. Stephen Morrison’s growing knowledge of all matters wine has been oicially acknowledged.He was presented with the Wine and Spirit Education Tru (WSET), Level 2 ceificate aer achieving a 100% pass rate with diinction.Stephen has been a member of the food and beverage team at Royal Porush since 1996. He joined full time in 2003.Kenny Gault, the bar and clubhouse manager, said: “Immediately aer sitting his exam he travelled back from Belfast to begin an evening shi. That’s the so of dedication we’ve come to expect from Stevie.“He had already achieved his Level 1 award and deeply appreciates all the help and advice he received from one of our members Claire Rankin, a real wine expe. He is considering having a go at Level 3, maybe this coming winter.“Stevie would never have been a wine drinker, but when it comes to suppliers’ tasting days, he is absolutely invaluable.”His favourite tipple? An Argentinian Malbec.Stephen Morrison
12 / Royal Porush Golf ClubGary fir in line to honour grandad PG Stevenson.Gary Stevenson was given the honour of being the fir player to tee o in the competition held annually in memory of his late grandfather, PG Stevenson.His Saturday four ball is normally the second out, but with Tom Bill and his sons Richard and Edward and Craig Lapsley taking time out from their traditional 7am a, Gary was invited by his three paners to ep up and drive o.His grandfather PG ‘Stevie’ Stevenson was the club professional from 1922 until his retirement in 1977, when Gary’s father Dai took over. He retired in December 1999.‘Stevie’ was also a renowned club maker – he made the driver which Fred Daly used when he won the 1947 Open.This year’s PG Stevenson Memorial Trophy was won by Dick Agnew playing o a 14 handicap, he carded 40 points, 18 on the front nine and 22 on the back.He said: “I didn’t get o to a great sta, but I was much more consistent on the back nine, I felt a bit like Rory (McIlroy). It’s been a while since I won anything major.”Three weeks later Dick panered Jack O’Connor to win the King William Trophy.Gary (53), a member since 1981, was delighted with the day, especially when his paners Syd Henry, Eamon Hughes and Eddie Cassells called on him, as the fir of the 143 members lied to play that day, to tee o.He said: “Because of the strong family links, the PG Stevenson is always a special day for me, and this was a really nice gesture.“Stevie was good to me when I first staed playing. My father was usually so busy in the shop, he didn’t always have time for coaching.“But my grandfather was great. He provided me with all the lessons I wanted.”Aer their annual Windbreakers match, the Royal Porush and RCD teams met in the Babington Room. (from le to right) – Peter Smyth, Allan Moore, Stephen Calve, Alan Hewitt, Bob Brown, Norman Hillis, Ian Dick, William Burgess, Jim Pierce, Robe Currie, John McCaer, Sian Wee, Robin Skuce, Nick Jones, Hugh Sayers, Desmond Boyd, Brian Gibson, Tom Turner, John Collins, Norman Gallagher, Archie Bingham, John Kyle, Alistair Campbell and John McNally.Gary StevensonWho’s that with Neil Donaldson? Neil Donaldson, head of golf operations welcomes Neil Donaldson, the R & A captain to Royal Porush.
Members’ Newsletter Summer 2024 / 1374 years on, Aussie Brian, the la survivor of Open class of ’51 is planning a Porush return at 97.The only survivor player at the 1951 Open could be making a sentimental return to Royal Porush for next year’s 153rd Championship.Brian Twite from Melbourne, Auralia, is now aged 97, but the R & A and his home club, The Metropolitan, are planning to fly him back to where he played in two qualifying rounds an incredible 73 years ago.Former Captain David McMullan and council member Keith McGarry met him when they attended Royal Melbourne’s 125th anniversary celebrations in April.Keith said: “He’s as sharp as a tack and even aer all these years, he remembers everything about his time at Porush.”Arrangements are being made to fly Brian the 10,500 miles to Nohern Ireland accompanied by his daughter Susan Gracey and a pay of Metropolitan members for Open Week in July next year.Twite was 24 and an assiant professional at Lees Hall, Sheied when he shot rounds of 81 and 81 at Poewa and Dunluce, leaving him well outside the cut for the final two rounds. He had earlier practised for the championship with Dai Rees and Bobby Locke who tied for sixth place, well behind the winner Max Faulkner.He later moved to Sunningdale and then in 1955 to Melbourne where he worked at ‘The Metro’ until 1994. He once said: “Porush was my fir major tournament. It was the mo exciting I ever played and I ill look back and think of it.”Keith added: “Brian is going to be just sho of his 99th bihday. The R & A and his club are very, very keen to have him with us. It is definitely on their agenda for 2025, and hopefully he’ll take his place at the Royal Porush Captain’s table at some stage during the Open.”Keith and David were among representatives from 30 clubs who attended the Royal Melbourne celebrations. They played both the ea and world ranked we courses, and then a composite 18 holes which are only opened for special occasions. The Presidents Cup was played there in 2019They also dined at the table of Club President Prue Holyman and the Captain, Tony Rule. David said: “We were treated like royalty. The reputation of Royal Porush extends to all corners of the world, but in Melbourne we couldn’t believe how well we were received.”Keith McGarry and David McMullan with Brian Twite.Is this the first albatross at the par-5 2nd? Colm O’Driscoll from Orlando, a friend of Richard McDermott will never forget the 5-wood which he struck with perfection to hole out in two from over 200 yards.
Members’ Newsletter Summer 2024 / 15A special noh coa welcome awaits our overseas members and their gues as they tee up next month.OVER 30 pairs will be competing at the club’s overseas member-gue event next month. It tees o with golf and a welcoming barbeque on Wednesday, Augu 21, and the serious business of team competition gets under way the following day and Friday, with a gala dinner and presentation night featuring a Q and A session involving BBC NI broadcaer Stephen Watson, and Ricky Elliott, caddy to five times major champion Brooks Koepka. Gary McNeill, the club professional who has been centrally involved in organising the itinerary, said: “This promises to be a very, very special couple of days. “At recent get-togethers we listened to some overseas members, and it was they who suggested an event that they could bring a guest along so that they could also experience our wonderful links courses and hospitality. “It is such a great oppounity for the overseas members and their guests to meet with our members here at Royal Porush and perhaps renew old acquaintances.” A special leather head cover to mark the event will be presented to all the visiting players and their gues. Royal Porush has 112 overseas members, the va majority of them based in the United States and Canada. Others are resident in Japan, Korea, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Pougal, Sweden and Switzerland. The fir ever overseas member, a Belfa man who later emigrated to Canada, was admitted in 1965. But in the immediate aermath of the coaal erosion crisis which threatened the 5th green and 6th tee 40 years ago, several new applications were accepted in an eo to raise the £120,000 needed to pay for repairing the damage and rengthen the course defences. MEET OUR DISTINGUISHED VISITORS AMONG those who have provisionally accepted invitations to attend the event are: Charles Kucey (Toronto, Canada): “The scenery and the actual golf experience is awesome” CHARLES Kucey, a member of Toronto Golf Club, has been coming to Porush for more than 30 years aer he and his brother Sam were introduced by Dr Graham Crothers. He has been a member since 2016. “I’ve played a lot of the top courses, and Porush stands out as the most spectacular,” he said. “The scenery and the actual golf experience is awesome.” Charles, who has been in the financial business at CIBC Wood Gundy for 48 years, is also a member at Mississaugua Golf and Country Club (Ontario); Apes Hill (Barbados); Bent Pine (Florida) Meadowood (Florida) as well as Royal Belfa. Charles (73) said: “I oen stay at Graham’s house in Poballintrae, and the view as you drive in towards the club, with the course right there in front of you, is incredible.” His son Andrew, an Invement Advisor and Pofolio manager is also a member at Porush. He is a truee of the Golf Canada Foundation; suppos Fir Tee Canada as well as golf in schools, and for the la 15 years, he runs a small scholarship, under his late father’s name. Having passed his level 3 rules exams set by the R & A and Golf Canada, he is considering putting his name forward for refereeing duties. He also sat the Golf Canada three day tournament set up course. Charles added: “Graham is a wonderful friend and has introduced us to many members, and others, who have also become good friends. Irish hospitality is the best. “The council members are truly welcoming and people like Nigel Pollock and Jim Carrigy make you feel good about being at Porush. I’m trying to convince my daughter Anastasia to join so that this tradition can continue when our time is up.” Charles Kucey14 / Royal Porush Golf Club Members’ Newsletter Summer 2024 / 15
Members’ Newsletter Summer 2024 / 1514 / Royal Porush Golf Club Members’ Newsletter Summer 2024 / 15David Solaco (Delaware, USA): Counts Joe Biden as a Presidential playing paner and patient. DAVID Solaco, an ohopaedic surgeon from Wilmington, Delaware, is a next door neighbour of Joe Biden and once treated the US President for a broken right foot. He is president of Vicmead/Bidermann Golf Club as well as being a member of Wilmington County Club, Pine Valley and Bushfoot. He fir played Porush in 2004 as pa of a visiting team from his home club. “It’s the best links course I’ve ever seen. You’ll remember ever single hole, every single shot,” he enthuses. “Are there any better finishing holes than 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18? And the new holes at 7 and 8 are so much better than the two they replaced, the old 17 and 18. “I wouldn’t say it’s a better course than Pine Valley, but it’s the best links course in the world.” He has been a next door neighbour of Mr Biden in Wilmington since 1998 when the now President was a member of the US Senate, and the friendship developed soon thereaer. Joe was a regular caller at his home, and they had an occasional round of golf together, Biden playing o a single digit handicap. David (58) said: “He was very good company. He might drop by over the weekend. Obviously, politics were usually the main topic of discussion, but he was obviously very mindful of the company who were present, and if he felt they weren’t interested, then he’d change to make sure they were involved in the conversation. ”He has very good people skills. He can read a room and make you feel very personable.” Founately, he was on hand when Biden tripped over his dog, a German Shepherd called Major, fracturing his right foot while aying at his beach house, an hour and a half away, at the height of Covid in November 2020. David recalled: “There was a message waiting for me on my house phone….‘David, its Joe here……’” Don Chapman (New Jersey, USA): Dinner gue who has ayed the course. DON Chapman from Cinnaminson, New Jersey, joined Porush aer Simon Rankin invited him to his Captain’s Table in the Dunluce Room in 2014. He was on a family holiday at the time, aying at the Lightkeeper’s House, Whitehead, meeting with some relatives and visiting the church graveyard in Banbridge of his great grandmother. He was also booked in for lunch at Porush aer meeting Simon at Winged Foot five years earlier when he was pa of the Pine Valley squad which played in the Carr Mara, a biennial event involving clubs from both sides of the Atlantic. Don recalled: “I was supposed to play against John Bamber at that match. I was disappointed because I was really looking forward to playing with him. “But there was a late switch and I got Simon instead, and that’s how our friendship staed. “On that family holiday to Ireland, we’d arranged to have dinner at the clubhouse and you can imagine how delighted we were to have been invited to join him at his table. “It was raining that day, but the sun came out. Aer we dined, he gave me the nod to go out for golf. “I remember saying to myself: ‘This is a slice of heaven.’ It was one of those days. It was stunning. There was this incredible natural beauty of the place, and the sheer strength of the golf course. “And that was supposed to be it. But we ended up having dinner in the Ramore restaurant, and then more drinks and it was around 11 o’clock before we headed for home.” As well as Pine Valley, Don (67) who heads up a service company specialising in refrigeration equipment, repair and maintenance, is also a member of Riveon Country Club, Ballybunion and Bushfoot. He returns to the Noh Coa two or three times a year and no trip is complete unless he tees up at Poballintrae. Don said: “Bushfoot is so special. It is the simplicity of links golf. It’s the perfect place to throw the bag over the shoulder for a quick nine and they pour a nice pint as well.” David SolacoDon Chapman
16 / Royal Porush Golf ClubJulie de Vaulx (Florida, USA): “Every round here is awe inspiring”. JULIE de Vaulx, a member of Mountain Lake Country Club, Florida has been an overseas member since January 2021. She was introduced by Liz McCaney, captain of the Ladies’ Branch at the time of the 148th Open which Julie attended. Julie said: “I am an enthusiast of links golf, and I think Royal Porush is the best links course in the world with ocean views that are absolutely spectacular. “Every round is awe inspiring, challenging and fun and with each visit I am greeted with a warm welcome. “It was thrilling to attend the Open in 2019 and look forward to attending the championship next year. “When I’m not golfing at Porush, I enjoy the surrounding area, finding nearby nature walks especially along the Antrim Coast.” Alvin Spence (Iowa, USA): Exiled cricket ace is bowled over ALVIN Spence, a former Irish cricket international from Waringown who emigrated to the United States, joined as an overseas member la year. His course, Finkbine GC in Iowa City, is also home to the University of Iowa ‘Hawkeyes’ men’s and women’s collegiate golf teams. The university has over 30,000 udents. He moved to the US in 1997 aer playing cricket for Waringown where he was the club captain the previous year. He also played for several representative teams, including the Ireland senior team. A former pupil at Banbridge Academy, he qualified with an engineering degree and PhD from Queen’s, managing the university’s rotational moulding research centre, before settling in the States. For the la 27 years he has worked for Centro Incorporated, a manufacturer of cuom rotationally moulded products to leading US equipment manufacturers such as John Deere, Caterpillar and Toro. Some of the products manufactured by Centro where he has been VP Engineering for the pa 10 years are used by Graham’s Beatt’s green keeping a on their Toro equipment. Even though he lives in the States, Alvin returns home every summer to play golf with his son Kyle on the Noh Coa, but it was aer attending the Open at Porush five years ago that he set his hea on joining the club. Cricketing pals Stephen Warke, Ross McCollum and David Allier, were the names which appeared on his application form for overseas membership which was accepted la November. Alvin said: “It’s an incredibly beautiful course to play with some of the most spectacular coastal views in golf. It is one of the toughest challenges in golf, every shot requiring great execution. “It’s just a wonderful thrill to tee o and head down the first fairway and take on the challenges that lie ahead.” Alvin SpenceJulie de Vaulx16 / Royal Porush Golf Club Members’ Newsletter Summer 2024 / 17
Members’ Newsletter Summer 2024 / 17Members’ Newsletter Summer 2024 / 17Simon Rankin on the rewarding role played by overseas members in enhancing the special aura of Royal Porush.AS Royal Porush prepares for its next overseas/gue event, SIMON RANKIN, a former club captain and a member of Pine Valley, and who was inrumental in organising the fir in 2016, says it’s impoant to maintain and rengthen international golf friendships. Here, in a special aicle for the Royal Porush Newsletter, he explains why. I was founate enough to a playing some well known international golf courses 30 years ago. A common theme among my hos in these great places has been the highly exalted position that Royal Porush occupies in the minds of well respected golf travellers. The flip side to this coin was the privilege of being able to ho similar golfers at Royal Porush. I am not a subscriber to ranking syems other than to accept and agree that there are a group of courses in the world that occupy a pedeal above all others. These are the great courses of the game and Royal Porush is one of these. With time and repeat visits for these travelling golfers there can be a lovely evolution that seems to occur where a friendship develops that is based on the beautiful landscape we golf over and a personal relationship that has become woh inveing in. These are the players who sometimes have very gently asked or sometimes been asked if they would consider overseas membership. They have largely fallen in love with our links but then have also fallen for the warmth and flavour that our club exudes. They walk away from times with us as very proud ambassadors, always wanting to know what is happening at the club and wearing their membership in their own home places with great honour and pride. Many of these overseas members have formed deep friendships within the club and visit as frequently as possible. They bring their golfing friends as gues to show o the courses and enjoy the local hoelries. It is clear to me that they also add to our club membership with the depth of golfing intelligence that they bring. The Carr-Mara Tournament inalled a competitive and social ructure into Irish American golfing relationships 2007. I have been involved in this since 2009. This fuher highlighted RPGC as a wondeul golfing and social venue, culminating in our club hoing the event in 2015. To this day that remains a much talked about golfing and social event. Following this and towards the end of my time on council, I asked the club to inaugurate an overseas members’ event. I was asked by one of our overseas members if there was a competitive event that they could play in and I realised that the club was weakened by not facilitating an event and celebrating this group. The fir Overseas Members’ Event was held in 2016 and was a successful fir attempt. The event was held once more before Covid interrupted the pathway. The weak link in these initial events was that the overseas members did not know each other. It is the local members that they have become known to. This year’s overseas event has changed to being a two day member/gue that means the overseas group can bring in their be buddies for the golfing pay. Gary McNeill has always been lead on knowing these members, they generally seek him out and he knows their backgrounds and groups. I am delighted that he has taken ownership of organising this year’s event in Augu which has been well taken up. I was founate to be oered an overseas membership in the US in 2017 and, along with a number of fellow RPGC members, enjoy the overseas process from the other side. I visit my US golf club two or three times a year so as I can bring gues to the club and also take pa in members’ events. My sense has always been that there would be no point in taking up an overseas membership unless you inve some of yourself in the place, taking pa and trying at a small level to be pa of the fabric of the place. Once again conversations within this golfing environment nearly always circle back to where is my golfing home. Then the Royal Porush chat begins again, friends excited to tell of their visits and what they thought of the course. The return of the Open Championship in 2019 was a high point where once again we were very visible on the world age and in my overseas demesne the same excitement, respect and pride was present in our overseas members and everywhere I was queioned about it. I have always felt extremely lucky to be a member of Royal Porush... a hallowed ground for me. It is one of the mo enjoyable pas of my life to be able to enjoy this with many international friends, both overseas members and those whom I meet in my own overseas membership. We are caretakers of a very special place and our overseas members are ju as proud to be a little pa of the same place. Simon Rankin and Don Chapman
Helen Jones looks forward to exciting times ahead following hioric appointment.Richard McDermott and Clyde Shanks also share their hopes for the future on election to council. HELEN Jones made hiory by becoming the fir woman elected to the council of Royal Porush.Almo 40 years aer joining the club, she took her place at the top table, filling one of three positions announced at a packed annual meeting.Richard McDermott topped the members’ voting poll followed by Clyde Shanks, but it was election of the former Captain of the Ladies’ Branch to confirm the club’s continuing endorsement of the era of equality, diversity and inclusion, which made it such a ground breaking AGM. The omens were good. Ju weeks earlier on Eaer Monday, Helen scored her seventh hole-in-one with a 7-iron, holing out at the par-3 138-yard 18th on the Valley, playing with Sjoukje Williamson, alongside Laura Webb and Mary MacLaren, in the Jane Hutton fourball betterball.Helen, a former owner of a ladies fashion shop in Strabane, joined Porush in 1986, playing on the ladies’ Senior Cup team until 2021. She is now into her third year as captain. They won the all-Ireland title for the 27th time la year.She was captain of the Ladies Branch during the club’s 125th anniversary in 2013, and even though she has travelled the world in a remarkable career as an Irish international at all levels, her years playing at, and representing her home club, have had a massive impact, especially now.Helen said: “The camaraderie we enjoy together at Senior Cup with so many suppoive members is special, and the golfing success we have enjoyed along the way is equally matched by the great ‘craic’ we have experienced.“These experiences showed me the strong club culture that exists in Royal Porush. Working to maintain and enhance this club culture is something I would like to help promote while on Council. I hope the club will continue to encourage member paicipation, using those with the necessary skills for relevant projects. It would be great to involve our younger members in specific projects which would fuher foster inclusivity within the club.“Exciting times are ahead for Royal Porush with the Open coming again next year. It will be fantastic watching the top golfers up close and showcasing our fabulous Dunluce Links to the world. Hosting this event is an oppounity for so many members of all ages to volunteer and work together for the club and generate pride, friendship and community amongst all the membership.“I also look forward to Royal Porush hosting some prestigious amateur events in the not too distant future. Our legacy of holding such tournaments is historic. A request to host the Women’s Amateur Championship is under discussion. Maybe a first time Cuis Cup or Walker Cup could be considered. A new and improved Valley Links could potentially host some national events.“The future is bright for Royal Porush. The sense of club and friendship shone through at the recent Yates Salvers with 120 members of all ages golfing, dining and having fun together.”Richard McDermott, deputy chief marshal at next year’s Open, has the name plate of the man who won the 2012 Irish Open adorning his locker.He was one of the two marshals who accompanied the Welshman Jamie Donaldson on his final round, and seven years later was Philip Tweedie’s assiant when Shane Lowry topped the leader board in a never-to-be-forgotten championship.Helen Jones18 / Royal Porush Golf ClubRichard McDermott
Members’ Newsletter Summer 2024 / 19Richard began his golfing career as a teenager at Calerock where we went on to become captain in 1997, aged 40.His friend, the late Roy Dunbar, was among those who signed his application form for Porush, joining as a five day member in 2005 before moving to the full category a few years later.Richard said he has seen a multitude of changes since then, and finds it very special when gues tell him the club is one of the mo friendly they have ever visited.But he is also aware of the challenges ahead.He said: “Earlier this year when suggested that I should consider standing for council I was somewhat hesitant but with the prompting of my proposer, club president Tom Turner and seconder Nigel Pollock, I agreed to let my name go forward. When the nominations closed and the list of nine names went on the notice board, I did not have any great expectation of securing one of the three vacant spots. I was greatly encouraged by all the members wishing me well but never had any expectation of topping the poll“I would like to thank the members who voted for me and I would like to assure all members of my total commitment to my new position on council. These are exciting times for Royal Porush Golf Club and I look forward to making my contributions to continued success of the club.“The AGM clearly illustrated that there are many prominent issues to be progressed in the months ahead and I trust that can I help to fulfil the wishes of the members. My goal is to please the members most of the time as I was casually reminded that it is impossible to please all of the members all of the time.”Clyde Shanks, a Belfa-based planning consultant, says Royal Porush where he has been a member for 38 years is a big pa of his DNA. His father Lindsay is a former captain.He said: “It is a great privilege to be a member of this wonderful golf club and to have introduced my children to the joys of it, its courses, hospitality and community warmth.”Clyde added: “I have always been conscious of a ‘kid in a sweet shop’ feeling every time I tee it up on Dunluce and on blue sky days when at the 3rd green, the 5th tee or the walk to the 15th green. “I feel humbled to have been suppoed by the members at the AGM and to be asked to represent them on council over the next three years. “The club is presently going through considerable change and I will try to play my pa in helping the transition of that change and represent the interests of the members as best as I possibly can. I look forward to the challenges and responsibility that the role brings and to making a positive contribution.”Par and the glory for Adam in fir Uler Senior title.Adam Buchanan won his fir senior title in dramatic yle at Clandeboye.He finished his three rounds in the Uler Men’s Amateur roke play at one over, level with Eoin Murphy (Dundalk) and Jake Whelan (Grange).But a par at the fir tie hole was good enough to secure victory for Adam (18) who played No.1 in la season’s triumphant Fred Daly team.He said: “I was a bit nervous on the tee, but once I got my drive away I was fine and managed to get up and down aer missing the green. Jake took a six and Eoin a five.”His only other previous tournament win was the Uler Boys under-14 at Foyle. Later this summer he is o to the United States to begin a four year golf scholarship at Keiser University at We Palm Beach.Clyde ShanksAdam BuchananTwo British and Irish Lions legends, David Irwin and Owen Farrell, the former England captain, had plenty to discuss during their round on the Dunluce links.
20 / Royal Porush Golf ClubDaniel is lifesaving hero in sea drama.Heroic action by a member of Royal Porush saved the life of a woman who was in grave danger of drowning at Poewa Strand.Daniel McAleese dived into the sea aer she disappeared under the water as a second woman, her friend, scrambled unto nearby rocks to scream for help. He was out walking on the Nun’s Walk overlooking the beach with his mother Therese, and the family’s pet Bichon Frise dog Harry, when he heard the commotion. Daniel (30), an actuary, had earlier spotted the two women swimming in an area close to where he sus during the winter months, and which he knew could be dangerous because of rip tides.He ripped o his clothes as he clambered down a cli face and jumped in as the second woman cried for help. She had managed to get unto the rocks, but feared for her friend’s life.Daniel reached the woman aer he spotted her head underneath the water. She was unresponsive, and viually unconscious by the time he grabbed her, and faced with battling again rong currents he had a quick decision to make.He said: “I got her face and mouth above the surface, and thank God she came round aer maybe 10 or 20 seconds. The currents are really strong and I decided the best way to get her out, was to swim out and away from the rip tides, and bring her back into a cove.”The emergency services – the police, ambulance and RNLI – were already on their way – by the time other passers-by threw him a life buoy to help him get the woman out. She had suered a number of supeicial cuts aer hitting rocks and was bleeding badly.Daniel, a son of la year’s club captain, Gerry McAleese, and a member since he was 10, added: “It was pretty hairy. I’m not sure how the other woman got out, but if I hadn’t reached her friend for another 30 seconds…….it could have been a very dierent outcome? “There are a lot of water moves in that pa of the sea, and this will hopefully serve as a warning to all water users, especially at this time of the year, when we have holidaymakers who are not used to the sea, to exercise caution, and only enter the sea in designated areas during lifeguard hours.“I’ve been surfing there every winter for the last five or six years, about 300 yards away from that area, and I know the currents can be so strong. When I initially saw the women in there, I instinctively hung around for a couple of minutes because I knew the dangers.“It was all pretty chaotic for a time. But there was just a sense of relief once everyone was out. She was shaken, and I was freezing, but she was so, so grateful. She gave me a couple of big hugs before we went our separate ways.”Daniel McAleese
Members’ Newsletter Summer 2024 / 21Bookings have already been confirmed ahead of the opening of The Rosses, the club’s new high end accommodation propey overlooking the 4th fairway.Conruction work is finished and the eight double bedrooms with en-suites, as well as kitchens and lounge areas are ready to receive the fir intake of visitors.A full time house keeper has been appointed to take care of the day to day management, and a pa time gardener will look aer the landscaped grounds. Final ages of the major refurbishment included internal painting, the fitting of carpets and delivery of furniture.An electronic gate syem will operate at the entrance on the Dunluce Road.General manager John Lawler said bookings which have already been taken for this year, and next, were based purely on computer generated images of the house circulated to tour operators.Members of the Pomarnock team due to play their biennial match in September are among those booked to ay at the house.Mr Lawler said as demand for accommodation develops, fuher a recruitment will take place to ensure the propey is presented to the highe andards at all times.He added: “Everyone involved has pulled together, and the finish inside and outside the house is of a very high standard.“I’ve already had the pleasure of showing some tour operators around the propey, and they are hugely interested in using it as a base for their clients when they visit the area to play golf.“The focus will now turn to promoting the propey through the club’s website, social media channels, and fuher engagement with all of the tour operators to grow the demand for the house.“A number of open days for members to view the propey will be arranged in July, and fuher information will be provided in relation to this.”This is the Royal Porush team which won the first round of the Noh Antrim Golf Sixes. It’s a new league which caters for under 13’s with handicaps of over 28. Postewa, Castlerock and Ballymena also compete in the fun family friendly Texas Scramble. Royal Porush is due to host the next round on the Curran Course later this month.Welcome on the mat at The Rosses as fir gues booked in.
22 / Royal Porush Golf ClubAs we all look forward to the 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon the preparation for The Open’s return to Royal Porush is gathering pace. Over the la three months we have finalised the allocation of tickets to our Members, and the process of collecting the payment for those tickets. This has been a major logiical operation, and I would like to thank our Adminiration team for undeaking and completing this task, on top of their normal work, in such an eicient manner. I would also like to thank the Members, who made an eo to follow the requeed process and make their payments on time. Without this co-operation the process would have been materially more diicult to manage.Many of our Members have also volunteered for various roles during week of The Open Championship. I am sure they will all enjoy the week ‘inside the ropes’ and being an integral pa of such a major spoing event. So, thank you to all the volunteers. In addition, we have invited a number of other local golf clubs to put forward volunteers for marshalling duties. The hoing of The Open will require over 1,300 marshals and our Chief Marshal, Richard McDermott, and his two deputies Ashley Moore and Mark Robinson, will have a busy time co-ordinating the entire marshalling programme. We have been engaging with the various external paies who are akeholders in the hoing of The Open Championship, such as Tourism NI, The R&A, Causeway Coa & Glens Council and the NI Executive. As pa of that engagement, we have ated the main guiding objectives for our hoing of the 153rd Open Championship are as follows:153rd Open Championship Update.1. Provide our Members, and their gues, with an enjoyable and memorable experience.2. Showcase the Dunluce Links as one of the leading golf courses in the world, in order to attract future visitors to the Links. 3. Promote the newly redesigned Valley Links as another outanding links course for visitors to play.4. Protect the two courses (Dunluce and Valley) from the impact of having the Open Championship infraructure and spectators on the Club’s premises and ensure appropriate rectification of damaged areas is dealt with in a timely and sensitive manner.5. Highlight the Club’s eos to operate in an environmentally sensible and suainable manner and the Club’s overall positive contribution to the local community.6. Assi with the Club’s exiing initiatives to promote and grow the game of golf for everyone of all backgrounds and abilities.7. Leave a positive and laing legacy for RPGC, the local community and N.Ireland.8. In summary, even though we are 12 months away from the 153rd Open Championship, there is a lot of preparatory work underway and I would like to thank the members of the Championship Committee for how they have embraced the challenge so far.Ian DV Kerr Chairperson 153rd Open Championship CommitteeROYAL Porush’s top juniors pulled o a brilliant double at the Uler Girls and Boys under-18 championships at Templepatrick. Kayleigh Mulholland, who also plays out of Moyola, won the girls’ title while Stua Nesbitt, US bound this summer, clinched the boys. Ella Proctor was third and Gemma McMeekin fouh in the girls. Kayleigh finished on a total of 220, two shots clear of Ellen O’Shaughnessy (Co Louth) aer shooting a fantaic 66 in the fir of her three rounds. It was much tighter for Stua who carded level par 216 for this three rounds, a shot better than Harry McArdle (Warrenpoint).The club’s junior convenor for girls, Claire Bell said: “We are very proud of our peormance juniors and have thoroughly enjoyed both watching their game go from rength to rength over the pa few years, and following their individual successes. “We are also very founate to have many of them representing our club at senior level.”Jubilant juniors Kayleigh and Stua in superb Uler title double. The club’s junior convenor for boys, Richard Beggs, said: “These are fantastic results and just reward for lots of hard work and dedication over the past few years by our kids. “It also illustrates the strength of our junior programme, and highlights the quality of guidance given by our professional coaches, Gary, Alan and Charlene.” Ian DV Kerr
Members’ Newsletter Summer 2024 / 23Ashley Moore who is heading up the project team overseeing the massive conruction work on the Valley course says the work progresses apace and aing to really take shape.It is on budget, but slightly behind on programme.This is late repo:The new tee boxes on the fir are nearly finished. The removal of the aer’s hut is due very sholy to allow for the mounding which will help mask the car park from the course. The fir green is complete and looking excellent.The lengthened 2nd hole is fully formed with dunes to the le removed and the tu growing in. This hole now looks completely dierent and somewhat challenging!The old 3rd has been removed to allow for the expansion of the driving range where the subantial eah moving work required to expand and level the area is nearing completion. The new 3rd is complete with bunkers and mounding down the le hand side creating a much more visually satisfying experience.The 4th has had the new tee formed that creates better separation from golfers walking to the 8th tee on Dunluce.The 5th is now a par 5 that will require careful thought to play well. This leads to the spectacular new par 3 6th with an elevated tee box which oers 360 degree views over the course and surrounding area.Works on the new holes on the Skerries are progressing well. The green and fairway at the 7th are now formed and sown out, the hole oers spectacular views over the beach. This via will dominate the playing experience on this and the sho 8th hole better connecting the course with our coaal location and oering a truly memorable playing experience.The quality of the works continues at the same very high levels and it is becoming increasingly apparent that the end result should be commensurate with the ambition of the club to deliver excellence in everything it does.The proof of the pudding will be in the playing and I anticipate the membership will be delighted with the result. It is planned that holes 1 – 6 will be open from Augu with the Skerries loop (7,8 and 9) not available for play till next year when the enlarged and improved driving range will also re-open.Ashley MooreLooking out from the tee on the par 5 2nd hole.Getting an update on the continuing major development work on the Valley. Main Ebe (right), the course designer with from le to right: Ashley Moore, Naoimh Quigg; links convenor Nigel Pollock, Jim Carrigy and Helen Jones.Valley Update
24 / Royal Porush Golf ClubFrom the ArchivesFrom bunkers to the beaches – how Porush provided a D-Day launch for GI’s.The Royal Porush memorial to the men of the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment.The US Army, in the form of the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, arrived in Porush on 17th December 1943. The 507th was the final element of the 82nd Airborne Division that was assembled in the area in preparation for D-Day. Royal Porush provided playing privileges to the regiment while they were billeted in the area, including hoing a Nohern Ireland Open golf tournament in February 1945.Soldiers, sailors, marines, technicians and other Americans preparing for the landings were eligible to paicipate in the tournament. Clubs and balls were furnished by the American Red Cross but entrants were obliged to pay their own green fee which would not amount to more than two shillings and sixpence for a day’s play. Handicaps would be allocated based on verbal playing ability, a total of 150 golfers paicipated with the top 32 teeing o in the final o on 3th March. The 36 hole matchplay final was played on 5th March between GM Raymond Malain, a Navy golfer from Detroit and Cpt Halsey Schaneen from Emerson. The windy conditions be suited the more experienced Malain who had a lower ball flight and who went on to win the final by 6 and 4. Sadly for many of the Army billeted in the area, this was a la and hopefully happy memory before they le for final D-Day preparations.The 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment quietly le the area on 11th March 1944 on their way to Nottingham where they would prepare and train for the D-Day invasion on 6th June 1944.The club honoured the brave soldiers who had been billeted in the area, and who went on to fight in Europe.A special memorial to the men of the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment Memorial sits outside the clubhouse in the corner of the old putting green.
Members’ Newsletter Summer 2024 / 25As we head into July it feels as though summer is here at la. The low temperatures for mo of June were akin to April weather with very little growth on the links.It was range preparing the courses for busy member and visitor play but the tu ill looked as it does in early spring. This has meant that the target green speeds have been easy to achieve but without enough growth and tu vigour the smoothness and trueness is only now where we would like it to be.The weather has been relatively dry since we topped up the bunker sand in the spring and usually we would wet the bunkers to prevent sand from becoming so, unfounately the water available has been desperately needed for all of the new tu on the Valley, but the weather is to break which will firm the sand a little.Conruction is going very well, as it the grow-in of the new holes with the opening date fa approaching. The new holes look spectacular and the new par 4 through the Skerries land will be one of the mo photographed areas of either course in my opinion.The view from the green is incredible and has been enhanced by sand dunes to the le to screen the carpark, this dune wraps around the green which provides screening while ill oers a view of the town, the beach and the sea. The hole is a sho par 4 but is so exposed that the wind will usually play a pa.The views from the next tee and well beyond the tee are also amazing, the same will apply here with the wind creating an added challenge for players.Work continues on the members’ range which has been a huge pa of the development. The range has been widened at the far end, providing a better target area for longer shots and hopefully a safer area with the road being moved fuher le.Widening the range has entailed the removal of the end dunes which has provided a good source of sand to complete works to the new 3rd and 4th holes as well as the 5th.I am looking forward to hearing the members’ feedback on the new holes, the new challenge that they present, and I hope that the Valley will at la get the praise that it deserves. Course Manager’s Repo Graeme BeattGround prepared for seeding the 7th fairway. Bunkers protecting the 7th green.
26 / Royal Porush Golf ClubHome is where the hea is for new Irish champion Matt.As a senior international he has triumphed all over the world, but Matt McClean had to wait until this year to claim his fir domeic championship title on home soil.His Irish Men’s Amateur Open victory at Rosses Point was achieved with a brilliant final round 69.At one age he was four shots behind, but he battled back to finish at -11, oveaking his Walker Cup teammate Liam Nolan (Galway)Matt (30), the former US Mid-Amateur champion, had his father Noel and girlfriend Kate to lend their suppo. Earlier this season he was pa of the Irish team which won the European Nations at Sotogrande. But it was his individual victory at Co Sligo which he will probably remember mo.Matt said: “I’ve spent years trying to win an Irish championship. I’ve been close many times. I reckon I’ve been 2nd three times, and maybe top five, five times. “It’s was such a relief to win it. There are some great names on that trophy, Padraig Harrington, JB Carr and Ian Bamford, and I’m just delighted to have my name there as well.”Matt McClean Porush to the four in a win for the old school.Four Royal Porush members were pa of the Ballymena Academy team which won the annual Uler Public Schools Old Boys Golf Society outing at Royal Belfa.Jim Stewa’s 73, a shot better than Jonathan McDowell, was good enough to claim the be individual gross score, while the McCullough brothers, Matt, the captain, and Scott, as well as John O’Kane (Galgorm), helped win the team gross prize with 100 points, five clear of Sullivan Upper, the runners-up. Richard McMullan, another Royal Porush member, playing for Coleraine In., finished 3rd in the individual gross on 77.The Society was founded in 1934 and apa from Ballymena, Coleraine and Sullivan, it is also open to members of Old Boys Associations linked to Campbell College, Methodi College, Armagh Royal, Foyle College, Belfa Royal Academy, Poora, Bangor Grammar and Dungannon Royal.Jim Stewa’s winning trophy is named aer Bill Miscampbell and the late Billy Tennant, a former Royal Porush member, who were once heavily involved in organising the Society. It is known as the “Two Billys’ Cup’.He said: “It was pleasing to finally put a decent round together at Royal Belfast, a course that is more challenging than the scorecard would have you believe.“To win with my close friends from Ballymena Academy is very special, 25 years on from winning the Ulster Schools Cup title itself as teenagers. “The field is becoming stronger year on year and the organiser, Iain Knox, should be very proud of getting the event to where it is today.”The ‘Two Billys’ CupOur aers for 2025. John Bamber, Eric Wallace, Helen Jones and Nicky Smyth have been chosen to act at honorary aers on practice days at next year’s Open.Their duties will involve meeting and greeting players on the 1 tee as opposed to announcers.John and Eric are both members of the R & A.Eric Wallace
Members’ Newsletter Summer 2024 / 27Picture this… how Hugh combed the photo files for an eye Opening perspective on an extraordinary week.A special pictorial record of members attending The Open at Royal Porush five years ago has gone on sale.It was compiled by Hugh Black who sied through 2000 images taken over the week of the 148th Championship, beginning with the opening night cocktail pay and finishing with the jubilant scenes which greeted Shane Lowry’s victory.Kelvin Boyes and a team of photographers from his Presseye agency in Belfa captured the week’s events.There are words of introduction by Robe Barry and Liz McCaney, the club’s respective captains five years ago as well as John Bamber, chairman of the championship committee.Shane Lowry wrote a forward recalling the mo memorable week in his golfing career.He writes: “As I navigated the undulating fairways and contented with unpredictable weather conditions, I could feel the weight of history on my shoulders.“The suppo from the Irish fans who turned out in full force created an electric atmosphere that fuelled my determination, and added to the emotional significance of the victory.”Hugh, a member of the club’s archive committee, said the book ood as a captivating visual teament to an extraordinary week.He writes: “Within its glossy pages, the vibrancy and excitement of the tournament comes to life, capturing the thrilling moments when the world’s top golfers graced our revered course.“This book is a cherished keepsake that immoalises the sense of community and camaraderie that defines Royal Porush.”Ju 100 copies, selling at £35 each, have been printed.They are available in the club shop or by emailing: mrhughblack@hotmail.comYates Salvers.Ju four months aer joining Royal Porush Brenda McLaughlin panered her husband Rick to win the Yates Salvers They topped the leader board with 43 points in the annual mixed greensomes event which attracted a full time sheet.Brenda returned to competitive golf at the a of the year when she joined the club aer finishing a busy professional career which included a time as Pro-Chancellor at Queen’s University. During her time at Queen’s she was conferred with a CBE and a degree of LLB (Bachelor of Laws).She once chaired the Civil Service Commission, the South and Ea Belfa Health Tru, as well as being a director of the Uler Bank, and an NSPCC truee. Twenty four points for the fir nine holes and then 19 on the back nine, which included a ‘ding’ at the 12th where husband Rick le their ball in the drain below the green, was good enough to claim the silverware.Brenda said: “Rick promised me that he wouldn’t leave me having to play out of any bunkers. He kept that promise, but he never mentioned about ending up in the water!”Colin Clements and his wife Gillian also finished with ableford 43 points, but as she is a member at the Hilton at Templepatrick, the couple couldn’t qualify for the competition. The McLaughlins found themselves in a similar situation a few years ago.Rick, a former captain and club president, said: “We played steady golf. I suppose the turning point for us in the round was our par at the 11th which gave us four points, but maybe the least said about what happened at the next hole, the better“In over 30 years at Porush, it’s the first time I’ve ever managed to put a ball in there….”A winning pair - Brenda and Rick McLaughlin.Matt McClean Scan/click above to view the photo book.
28 / Royal Porush Golf ClubEIMEAR O’Connor, a member for more than 20 years, has rong family connections to Royal Porush. Her late father, Brian, was a life-long member, playing regularly on the Dunluce and Valley links with members who included Butch Fleming, Jackie Mitchell, Phonsie Mullan, Gerry McAleese, Michael Taylor and many more. He died, aged 78, in 2012 and every Boxing Day, the mixed foursomes competition for the O’Connor Trophy, is played in his memory. Eimear said: “It is very special because the event maintains an impoant and emotional family link and I’m very proud of that.” Her son, Jack, has been a member for 15 years, joining as a junior aged 10, and going on to be a member of the Fred Daly team. Eimear is a Regiered Nurse. Due to family commitments, she retired aer 33 years from managing the Nohern Health Tru’s Nurse and Midwifery Bank. She continues to work pa time. Her cousin, Maria, is married to the Club Captain, Jim Carrigy, a former banker in Dubai, where she enjoyed a round of golf when visiting the couple. Q: WHY IS GOLF SO IMPORTANT IN YOUR LIFE? I was unable to play la year due to an acute medical issue and ended up having a total hip replacement. So I am going to enjoy every round I get to play this year, regardless of good or bad. But I will try to come back with the same golf ball as I go out with. Q: YOUR MAIN AIM? Try to figure out the handicap syem, and get my handicap down. Q: FAVOURITE HOLE AT PORTRUSH AND WHY? It was always the old 18th on the Valley and now that it is back into play, let’s see what happens. It’s an all or nothing hole and it’s fun, although a poor shot can ruin your card! A Round With Eimear O’ConnorA golfing life ory in 18 queionsQ: AWAY FROM PORTRUSH, WHAT ARE YOUR FIVE MOST ENJOYABLE COURSES AND WHY? The Nairn Golf Club in Scotland. Views from course are amazing and a lovely links course The Majlis at Emirates Dubai. Beautiful course and I have been very lucky to have played it numerous times. The Faldo at Emirates Dubai, is called the Waddi, and I found the fairways very tight and too much water and a few trees. The Faldo scenic hole over water with a wateall feature was amazing and I don’t know how many balls I lo in that water. Arabain Ranches Golf Club, Dubai. Fir course I played abroad and was told that you pay the fees to play on the fairways as I was in the sand all the time. Monte Rei Pougal. Only played this course once. Long drives and long holes but really enjoyed playing this course, although very few pars occurred. Q: THE TOUGHEST COURSE AND WHY? The Majlis. Yes, it looks lovely on TV but the rough is awfully hard to get out of. It is all water and trees, which, of course, we all love being links players!Q: DO YOU HAVE ANY RITUALS OR SUPERSTITIONS? Funny thing is I have two. If I see a magpie I have to salute it three times saying Mr Magpie, Mr Magpie, Mr Magpie. And if I see white feathers on the course, I always think it’s a good sign and would li one and place it on my person. Q: DREAM GOLF DESTINATION AND WHY? Would be the course that’s impossible to be allowed to play. Augua. Q: MOST MEMORABLE ROUND? I honely cannot single out any specific round, although I remember a good week of golf when I aed. My handicap at the a was 36, and at the end of the week it was 29. I had a 63 nett on the Valley (I remember this vividly as I can ill hear Eimear O’ConnorAddicted to golf... how dad’s memorial trophy provides an emotional family link to the club... and making a splash at Faldo course in Dubai‘Augusta my dream golf destination’ ‘My perfect fourball with late dad, Tiger and Robe Downey jnr’
Members’ Newsletter Summer 2024 / 29my dad saying you broke 90), and then proceeded to play in the Black Bush at Poballintrae where my handicap was cut twice. I also am very proud of winning the Scott Cup the fir time I played it with my father. It is a lovely memory to have. The O’Connor Cup retains fond memories of my father. Q: HOLES IN ONE? WHERE AND WHEN? I wish. Close I ever came was on the Valley, 14th par 3 where I the ball ended up four inches from the hole. Although I once had an eagle on the 10th on Dunluce. Q: HAVE YOU EVER CONSIDERED QUITTING? Never. I love all aspects of golf, the competitions, the matches, the social aspect and the fact that golf has no age limits. You get to know all age groups and professions. The interclub match play is a fun way to get to meet other club members and play other courses. Q: ALL TIME FAVOURITE GOLFER AND WHY? This is hard as there are so many professional golfers out there. But anyone that knows me would be able to say Tiger Woods. I know that he had a lot of personal issues, some of which he brought on himself, but he has done so much for golf and has played some amazing rounds. Q: FAVOURITE GOLF TOURNAMENT AND WHY? I enjoy watching all the major tournaments, and cannot wait for the Open to come back to Porush next year, and then there is the Ryder Cup. It ju shows golf sposmanship and team camaraderie at its be in how the players all suppo each other. The mo memorable one was Medinah 2012, although Luke Donald picked a brilliant team to win in Rome la year. Q: DREAM FOURBALL AND WHY? My late father; Tiger Woods, of course, and Robe Downey junior. I am a bit of a Marvel fan. Q: SLOW PLAY? No thanks. Slow play is bad for my game. I remember playing the Dunluce trophy one year and on the front nine, I had 21 points. We then caught up with people in front who didn’t look behind and didn’t let us through. I ended up with something like six points on the back nine. Q: WHO INTRODUCED YOU TO GOLF? Although my father played golf, it was my cousin, Maria Carrigy, who took me out golfing to a with. She was home on holiday in the summer of 2003, when my mother got her to take me and my other cousin, Marian Dooey, out on the par-3 course at Ballyreagh. We went out one evening and got addicted and ended up waiting for Maria to take us out every evening thereaer. The following year we applied to Royal Porush Golf Club and I was successful with my application and haven’t looked back since. Q: ANY OTHER SPORTS? Unfounately I haven’t had time for any other spos yet. I do watch the Olympics and football World Cups and recently have aed to watch and underand rugby and gaelic football. Q: WHAT CAN ROYAL PORTRUSH DO TO HEIGHTEN THE GOLF EXPERIENCE? I am sure I am like everyone else and looking forward to seeing all the new changes to the Valley course. I have seen a lot more bunkers going in so I will need to practise those shots. I feel that there should be more use made of the old practice green at the side of the clubhouse. The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee pay was a great success, and showed what could be done in that area. An outside light food/bar area would also be nice to have, although I am sure the club has some plans in place. I look forward to seeing what they do. Eimear O’Connor‘Ryder Cup shows golf sposmanship and team camaraderie at its best’ ‘We should make more use of the old practice green’ Eimear with her father Brian on the golf course in Dubai.Ian Henderson presenting the Scott Cup to Eimear and her dad in 2006.
30 / Royal Porush Golf ClubClub ShopCharlene ReidCharlene Reid has been a member of Gary McNeill’s professional team since the 2012 Irish Open, but the next year promises to be one of her busie as she combines her job as his senior assiant professional with her role as the club’s retail manager. Charlene has a BA in spo management and business which she obtained from Pfeier University, Noh Carolina in 2009. And with the club shop filling up with 153rd Championship memorabilia she will be in charge of a major sales operation which could well exceed the one back in 2019. Charlene explained her developing role at the club, saying: “It is my responsibility to oversee the entire shop operation such as buying stock for the season ahead, budgeting, sta management, merchandising and monthly sales performance repos. “As well as this, I still manage to run a very successful cadet programme for kids aged 5-10 at the club and give lessons to many members and visitors. As you can guess, my time management has become key in the success of my career! “Having been lucky enough to have travelled to and played some of the most prestigious golf courses around the world, I am always comparing other pro shops to ours. “I am sure anyone who comes into the shop can tell that I take great pride in the optics of it and am always striving to make it better. I am very conscious that I need to keep the stock relevant and of the best quality as the Royal Porush crest is recognised globally. “I love how wearing a Royal Porush top is a conversation staer at any golf destination I go to in the world and this is something anyone associated with the club should be very proud of.” Here are some of the more fun and intereing facts discovered by Charlene regarding 2023: • We sold 20,288 golf balls in 2023 (Not sure if this represents the quality of the golfer or the diiculty of the course more!) • The mo popular items sold in 2023 were Hats (5827), Ball Markers (4134), Titlei Logo Balls (3514), Duo Markers (3036) and Head Covers (2191). • Two hundred teddy bears with Royal Porush logos were also sold during the year. • The total number of till transactions for 2023 were 29,044.Charlene adds: “A few years ago, we introduced our Members’ crest. This has been very successful and popular amongst the membership and we even stock a number of items such as leather head covers, golf bags, polo shis, sweaters and leather holdalls. “We are also very happy to organise custom orders for any member wanting the members’ crest on something other than these stock items. Please do not hesitate to contact me or speak to any one of the team for more information.” Charlene on cre of a wave in brand new merchandising role.
Members’ Newsletter Summer 2024 / 31JOHN Lawler, general manager at Royal Porush Golf Club, is leaving to become general manager at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London. He will take up his new position at Wimbledon in mid-September. Jim Carrigy, captain of Royal Porush, said: “John has been involved in many key mileones for the club, demonrating unwavering commitment and exceptional leadership. “Under his guidance, our club has thrived and enhanced the experience of the members. “We are deeply grateful for the contributions and positive changes which he implemented during his tenure. Whilst we are sad to see John go, we are proud to see him advance his career and confident he will excel in his new position.” With The Open Championship returning to Royal Porush next year, the club confirmed that the process to find a replacement is underway. John was appointed general manager in 2019 at the time of the 148th Open, and was heavily involved in preparations for the 153rd championship in July next year. He previously worked at golf clubs at Caon House, Mount Wolseley, Rathfarnham and The Island. He qualified as one of the fir Ceified Club Managers (CCM) in Europe through the Club Managers Association of Europe. John said: “I am hugely grateful to council and members for the oppounity to work at Royal Porush. I have been lucky enough to have been surrounded by a brilliant and dedicated team, and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the club. “I wish everyone the very best for an exciting year ahead, and I have no doubt the 153rd Open will be a huge success for the club.” From Royal Porush To Wimbledon. Preigious move will see general manager John now serve at famous All England Club 50 10 0YA RDSTICK ET H O LDE RS’ E N TR AN C ES NO N-TIC K ET H OL DER S’ EN TRA NC E V IA TH E TU RNST ILE S PRIVA TE A ND C ON TRA CT OR S ’ EN T RA N CES AC CE SS PO IN T SUN RESE RVE D SE A TING RE F RES HME NTS TH E W IM B LED ON S HO P TO IL E TS FIRST A ID TO IL E TS O UT S IDE T HE G RO UND S IN FO RMA TIO N DR INK ING F OU NTA IN TE L EPH ON E RE C OM M EN DE D RO UT ES F O R W HEE LCH AIR U SER S DE SIG NAT ED W HEE L CH AIR V IEW ING – AO RA NG I T ERR A CE USE D TE NN IS B ALL K IO SKS O M E R S E T R O A D12 8 5CO UR T4 14 15 16 17 18 19 6 7 9 10 11ST M AR Y’S W AL K ST M AR Y’S W AL K1213 14 15161720208,91111A765 4 319181 1O R C HA RD ST MA RY ’ S GA T ELTASPONSORS’SUITETHEWIMBLEDONSHOPSUITEFSUITESE,DSUITESC,BSUITEAAORANGICAFÉSUITELDEBENTUREHOLDERSSUITESG,H,J,KBRITISHTENNISSUITEFO O D V ILL AG ECE NTR E CO UR TtNO R T HCO M P ETITO RS’ PRA CT IC E CO UR TS CO M P ETITO RS’ PRA CT IC E CO UR TS CO M P ETITO RS’ PRA CT IC E CO UR TSNo.1CO UR TNo.2CO UR TNo.3CO UR T1 2 3 4 5 7 6 8 9 11 16 12 13 14 15 17 18 19 20 21 10PRIV A T E MA R Q U EE S PRIV A T E MA R Q U EE SCO UR T CO UR T CO UR T CO UR T CO UR T CO UR TCO UR TCO UR TST M AR Y’S W AL K AO RA N GI TERRA C ECO UR T CO UR T CO UR TCO UR T CO UR T C OU RTNO RT H C O NC OU RS E AO RA N GI PAVIL ION SO U T H CO NC OU RS EN E W S T E A D W A YSOMERSETROADCHURCHROADS O M E R S E T R O A D12 8 5CO UR T4 14 15 16 17 18 19 6 7 9 10 11ST M AR Y’S W AL K ST M AR Y’S W AL K1213 14 15161720208,91111A765 4 319181 1O R C HA RD ST MA RY ’ S GA T ELTASPONSORS’SUITETHEWIMBLEDONSHOPSUITEFSUITESE,DSUITESC,BSUITEAAORANGICAFÉSUITELDEBENTUREHOLDERSSUITESG,H,J,KBRITISHTENNISSUITEFO O D V ILL AG ETO W IM B LED ONLEF T LUG GA GE DCAR PA RK8CAR PA RK4CAR PA RK5CAR PA RK6CAR PA RK1CAR PA RK3John Lawler
32 / Royal Porush Golf ClubCompiled and Edited by Deric Henderson© Royal Porush Golf ClubDunluce RoadPorushCounty AntrimBT56 8JQe. info@royalporushgolfclub.comt. +44 (0)28 7082 2311www.royalporushgolfclub.com