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Members’ Newsletter Autumn 2024 / 1ROYAL PORTRUSH GOLF CLUBMEMBERS’ NEWSLETTERAutumn 2024Issue 5
2 / Royal Porush Golf Club Members’ Newsletter Autumn 2024 / 32 / Royal Porush Golf ClubThe Rosses wins Tony award for quality as New Yorker checks in as fir gueA New York developer, whose company has been involved in building some of the city’s showpiece commercial propeies, was the fir occupant of The Rosses.Tony O’Donnell, managing director of Titanium Conruction Services, and his wife Nicole, signed the opening page of the visitors’ book aer the house, overlooking the 4th fairway, formally opened for business in late Augu.He was here for the club’s inaugural overseas members and gues event where he panered former council member Pat Mullan, Ballymena-born Nick Kingham – he also lives in the Big Apple - and club treasurer Brian Lockha, who headed up the project to purchase and refurbish The Rosses.Tony, who was born in Glasgow before moving 35 years ago to Boon and then New York, is CEO of Titanium, one of the leading general contractors in NYC. He has several other business interes, and owns a house in Killybegs, Co Donegal where his late grandparents lived.His verdict on the Royal Porush’s new high-end rental accommodation: “Absolutely beautiful; a perfect location with views to die for. The quality of the workmanship is top notch.” Reservations for The Rosses are aing to fill up, and even though there have been a number inquiries about its availability for the week of the 153rd Open, it could be early next year before any booking is confirmed. Tony O’DonnellBrian Lockha said: “It is early days, but the feedback has been really positive, especially from our members and from within the tourism industry. “This is a wonderful facility and with the proper international marketing, I have no doubt the interest will be enormous. It is a terrific addition to Royal Porush and what we have to oer our visitors.”
Members’ Newsletter Autumn 2024 / 3Members’ Newsletter Autumn 2024 / 3Contents:The Rosses Wins Tony Award 2Captain’s Repo 3President’s Day Trophy Win 4Ladies’ Captain’s Repo 6International Team Challenge 6New Ladies’ Captain Naoimh 7Ladies’ Senior Cup Team 7Sam’s Picture Peect Prize 8Shane Lowry Membership Award 10Senior Amateur Title 11Fred Daly Class Of 85 11Talk In The Dunluce Room… 12Overseas Members’ Event 14Opinion Ranks The New Look Valley 16All Change At The Valley 18Course Manager’s Repo 19Cover image: Side by side – The 16th (Calamity) on the Dunluce and the adjoining new 3rd (War Hollow) on the Valley. Photograph by Dave Canon. Social Programme – Autumn / Winter 19What The Members Think 20Iconic Image Of Shane Lowry 22Juniors Captains’ Day 22Match & Handicapping 23Retirees’ Monday Group Presentation 23From The Archives 24Junior Championships 25A Round With Ian Simpson 26Payne Stewa Trophy Win 28Kelly Cup 28The Open Championship Committee 29Wimbledon 30Lady President’s Day Lunch 30Farewell To John 30All-Ireland Title Bid With Fred Daly Team 31Captain’s Repo Captain Jim Carrigy Despite a wet windy summer, the links remain busy with good numbers playing weekly club competitions. The links are in excellent condition and are a credit to our great Green keeping team.Following on from la year’s success, our Women’s Senior Cup and Fred Daly teams again reached the finals of their respective tournaments, but in both cases were narrowly beaten in closely conteed finals. We have a good squad of young low handicap players which bodes well for our representative teams over the coming years.The Overseas and Member Gue Day was a great success with 70 paicipants over the three day event. It was a great occasion to provide overseas members the oppounity of engaging with Club members; the feedback was very positive.The works on the Valley course are now complete with fieen holes open for play, the remaining three holes will likely be ready for play in March next year. The new holes are very impressive and members’ feedback has been good. Comments regarding the punishing rough will be addressed over the winter months.The 153rd Open preparations are well in hand and I would like to thank the Chair of the Championship Committee, Ian Kerr, and his team in planning how to make this event a great success for members and gues. Having attended a number of these meetings, I am appreciative of the significant amount of time and detailed work that they are undeaking behind the scenes.The Rosses is now open for business and early feedback from residents is good. The two open days for members were well attended. The high andard of accommodation will ensure a good long term invement for the Club.The ever successful Hat Dinner sadly proved to be the final HAT for our Chief Hatter, Dick Agnew, who aer 10 years of managing this very popular weekly competition has decided he deserves a well earned re. We thank Dick for his huge contribution over the years; we will miss his witty HAT prize presentations.The que to find a General Manager is well underway and a sho li of suitable candidates has been identified, interviews are underway. It is expected that this process will be completed in early October.Enjoy your golf and please remember to repair pitch marks!Captain Jim Carrigy.
4 / Royal Porush Golf Club4 / Royal Porush Golf ClubNEAL Morrison claimed Dr Tom Turner’s President’s Prize aer a 35-year wait to finally win one of the club’s top honours. He was second so many times before that he had viually given up all hope of ever finishing top of the leader board. But three birdies in a round which ended with 43 points was enough to get him over the line this time, ju as he’d predicted before teeing o at the 1. Neal revealed: “Tom was there to see us o, and I told him jokingly that I was going to win it. “I’ve been runner-up in the Kelly, the Allison, the Alexander, and various other competitions, and was getting a reputation among my friends of being something of a choker. “It’s has taken me 35 years to get here, and I’m now grateful that this monkey is finally o my back.” At one age when he looked to be getting into contention, his playing paners, Richard Beggs, Ian Turkington and Clyde Shanks, feared he was going to bottle it once again. Neal (51), a chaered surveyor, playing o 11, was anding on the 12th tee, at four-over gross, when one of his friends produced a sma phone to video a one to one interview about his chances of victory. Neal finally keeps his eyes on the prize with President’s Day trophy winNeal MorrisonCaption.
Members’ Newsletter Autumn 2024 / 5Members’ Newsletter Autumn 2024 / 5Neal MorrisonHe said: “They felt that this was going to be another near miss aer all the previous disappointments, and asked me if I was going to choke again? “I putted well, birdied a couple of holes (the 1st and 5th), and aer I told them that I’d get a two at Calamity – and I did aer hitting the driver to four feet – then I knew I could be in the running again.” He parred the 17th, and even though he three putted 18, his 43 points was two more than his neare challenger, Charles Henderson. Nathaniel Baillie’s 75 was the day’s be gross. Neal added: “I suppose there was a time when I felt like Colin Montgomerie who won plenty, but never a major. Even my three paners couldn’t believe it. They didn’t bother turning up for the presentation to suppo me in my hour of triumph because they thought I’d blown it again. “It is just feels so good to finally win something, especially the President’s Prize. I’ve been a member of this club since 1989 and we’re founate and blessed that we play such a world class course. It’s phenomenally good.” Presidents Day Results: Winner: Neal Morrison 43 points Runner-up: Charles Henderson 41 points Gross: Nathaniel Bailie75 (la three holes)Over 65’s: Mark Rollins 40 points Under 30’s: Liam Purcell 37 points Black tees: Brian Hayes 40 points Pa Captains:John Bamber 36 points Curran Course putting:Roma EnglishLiam PurcellNathaniel BailieBrian HayesJohn BamberMark RollinsRoma EnglishCharles Henderson
6 / Royal Porush Golf Club6 / Royal Porush Golf ClubLadies’ Captain’s RepoLadies’ Captain Clair BalmerSummer has come and gone, but despite the weather, as Ladies’ Captain I have had a great summer.One of the highlights for me, of course, was my Captain’s Day. Congratulations to all the winners and thanks to everyone on Ladies’ Council, green keeping a and hospitality for making it such a fabulous day – this is covered, in full, in the Newsletter.Our Iron Match, again Royal County Down Ladies on the Annesley Course at Newcale, was held in brilliant sunshine, our golf less brilliant and so we returned home with the Iron!We had a very similar sunny day for our Scott Cup match, again Malone Ladies at Malone – again very enjoyable and this time we had to return home without the Scott Cup!I also had the pleasure of attending Ladies’ President’s Day; President’s Day; Rathmore Captain’s and President’s Days – all equally enjoyable.Along with the Captain Jim and his wife Maria, David and I were gues of The R&A at Royal Troon Golf Club and had a marvellous experience. It was very intereing to meet the Captains from other Clubs who also ho The Open and with R&A members. It goes without saying that everyone spoke warmly of Royal Porush and are very much looking forward to coming back to Porush, next summer.Our Women’s Senior Cup Team reached the All Ireland final, in Carlow in Augu, only to lose very narrowly to Douglas Golf Club, from Cork – so close. I mu congratulate all our Senior Cup players on reaching the final and thank all the suppoers from the Club who made the journey to Carlow Golf Club.Lahinch Golf Club was the venue for this year’s Women’s International Team Challenge 2024 – and it was a wondeul experience to be pa of this very professional event– a full repo is also in the Newsletter.As Captain, I was also invited to play in the match again Royal Wimbledon Golf Club, at Wimbledon. Again, over the pa nine years of this match, great friendships have been made.Inter club matches, such as the Pollock Trophy and the Dorothy Glendinning Trophy were played in a friendly, but no less competitive manner and a great oppounity to exchange ideas and thoughts on the way forward for the Club.The Club also hoed a team of women from Pomarnock Golf Club following the match at Pomarnock la year - this was very enjoyable.As this is my final repo before the Ladies’ Branch AGM, I would like to thank Ladies’ Council, the Captains and the Club Council for all their help and guidance during my year and I especially want to thank all of you, the members, for making my term as Captain a truly wondeul time.It has been an honour and a year I will cherish forever.I wish my successor a wondeul year – it does go by in a flash!Clair Balmer, Captain of the Ladies’ Branch.Ladies rise to International Team Challenge with creditROYAL Porush Ladies mu wait at lea another year before they can claim the Women’s International Team Challenge. The club’s team of seven put up a spirited display at Lahinch during two days of intense competition involving 36 holes of four ball better ball. They acquitted themselves well in very diicult weather conditions and on a challenging golf course, but didn’t feature on the prize li. This was the 13th WITC event. It attracts teams from both sides of the Atlantic. Porush has won category prizes in the pa, but the close they came to getting their name on the overall trophy was when they finished runners-up as hos three years ago. A team will travel to the United States next year when the competition will be aged at the preigious Country Club in Boon. The Royal Porush Ladies WITC team at Lahinch. Le to right: Mary Taylor, Liz McCaney, Ladies’ Captain Clair Balmer, Lorraine Young, Vivienne Houston, Frances Pollock and Maud Wilson.
Members’ Newsletter Autumn 2024 / 7Another bouquet for new Ladies’ Captain Naoimh NAOIMH Quigg, one of the club’s mo decorated playing members, is the new captain of the Ladies’ Section. She took over this month from Clair Balmer. Naoimh has played at schools, girls, under-21 and senior interprovincial and international level since 1991, and is the current captain of the Irish women’s team which won the Home International series in September. She was an R & A Cuis Cup selector between 2017 and 2022. Naoimh has been a member of Royal Porush for 33 years and during that time won a remarkable 11 All-Ireland Women’s Senior Cup gold medals. Naoimh is a flori who manages the family business in Derry. New Ladies’ Captain, Naoimh Quigg.Captain Helen looks to the positives as Ladies Senior Cup team are pipped for All-Ireland title HELEN Jones looked to the future rather than dwell on the defeat for the Ladies Senior Cup team which ju missed out on retaining their All-Ireland title. Even though they were up in three of the five matches with ju a few holes to go, Douglas, beaten finalis two years ago, finished the ronger, winning 3½ to 1½ and deprived Royal Porush of their 28th title. Helen, the team captain, said: “Obviously we were terribly disappointed, because we were so, so close. We nearly had it in our hands, but Douglas produced a few birdies at a crucial time.” Hopes at Carlow were high aer beating Co Sligo in the quaer-final and The Island in the semi-final, but with Shannon Burke in the form of her life – she won all three of her matches – Douglas held on to claim their 13th title. They looked down and out at one age in their semi-final again fancied Elm Park, but ju squeezed through before sitting down to draw some inspiration from images on their sma phones. In the immediate aermath of the victory over Porush, a relieved Douglas team captain David Barry revealed: “It was a tough match against Elm Park. We somehow managed to get through and aerwards we sat in the corner of the room. “The girls were confident, and the message went into the WhatsApp group with a picture of the girls accepting their 2022 runners’-up medals. Every single one of them didn’t want to feel like that again. “They went out and played superb golf. Porush also played superbly well, and it was one of those finals where it was just birdies. Nobody was making mistakes, and it was a great way to win that final.” Defeat made for a long drive back to the Noh Coa, but Helen Jones took hea from a huge team eo, and especially those teenagers on the panel. Helen said: “Hannah Lee-McNamara and Gemma McMeekin are 15 and Kayleigh Mulholland is 16. So, the standards are high. “The team spirit and camaraderie are excellent. They work together so well. There is no doubt we had high hopes. We knew it would be tough and we knew we had the team to win it. “However, that’s the way it goes. Disappointed? Yes. But there was such a good atmosphere among all the players, and that was a great few days in Carlow, with good suppo. “There was this spirit of togetherness and fun. The future is good. I’ve no doubt about that.” Helen Jones (centre) with the Royal Porush squad which reached the All-Ireland final.Members’ Newsletter Autumn 2024 / 7
Sam’s picture peect prize as new clubs help her deliver a winning family doubleSAMANTHA Barry triumphed at Clair Balmer’s Ladies’ Captain’s Day using a set of men’s clubs bought as a Chrimas present. She finished her round on the Dunluce links with 38 points, and later took delivery of her winning prize - a framed copy of a print of the White Rocks which she actually witnessed being sketched by the ai five years ago! Husband Robe supplied the feive voucher for her to purchase some of TaylorMade’s fine la December as she ruggled to find some so of form to get her into regular contention. And the switchover in equipment finally paid o, as she returned 21 points for the fir nine holes and then adding 17 for the second nine, despite failing to score at the 18th. Samantha said: “I obviously tensed up on the final tee. I knew I had a good score going, maybe not a winning one. Angela Wilson and Fiona Nicol (her playing paners) were providing me with plenty of encouragement, but it was a terrible finish. “It was quite windy and I was all over the place going up the last. First the rough, then the bunkers. But that’s golf.” Meanwhile, at the same time on the neighbouring Valley, husband Robe, playing his fir competitive round on the new holes, finished with 32 points to top of Division 2 of the men’s Augu Stableford, and claim a winning family double. But that coincidence was nothing compared to the one which awaited his wife aerwards. Clair’s Captain’s Day prize was a copy of a framed print of the White Rocks by the award winning Co Down ai, Kathryn Callaghan. She painted the original ju before The Open at Royal Porush in 2019, when Samantha escoed her in a buggy to a spot to take in some of the Noh Coa’s mo iconic scenes, and then sat with her until her sketching was completed. Kathryn is the aunt of a be friend of Samantha’s daughter, Erin, and a couple of her paintings had already been on the walls in the Barry household. Samantha added: “I suppose this was meant to be. I couldn’t believe it when Clair handed over the prize. I always liked Kathryn’s work, and I well remember the day out on the course. She did four dierent sketches, and here it was five years later. Wow! I dropped Kathryn a note to tell her the good news.” Runner-up was Alex Barnes on 37 points. Lucy Simpson, with a round of 79, had the be gross on a sunny day with a warm south-weerly breeze which benefited the 120 players on the opening five holes. Prize winners at Ladies’ Captain’s Day.Sam Barry, winner of the Ladies’ Captain’s Day prize, presented by Ladies’ Captain, Clair Balmer.8 / Royal Porush Golf Club
Members’ Newsletter Autumn 2024 / 9Even though they were suained by Pimms, dispensed at the 9th Hut, competitors found conditions more challenging later on. This was the second time the Ladies’ Captain’s Day was played on the Dunluce, and Liz McCaney who hoed the fir one in 2019 won the Pa Captain’s prize. Twenty six members played on the Valley the previous day as pa of the event, and the competition was won by Edith Ludlow. Prize winners at Ladies’ Captain’s Day.Ladies’ Captain Clair Balmer with Frances Pollock, Helen Hamilton Brown and Hazel Henderson.Winner: Samantha Barry 38 points Runner-up: Alex Barnes 37 pointsPa Captains: Elizabeth McCaney 29 points Anno Domini: Brenda McLaughlin 35 pointsSection A winner: Amy O’Donnell 37 pointsSection B winner: Diane Burgess 34 pointsSection C winner: Sara Dick 34 points Front nine: Karen Fulton 20 pointsBack nine: Aimee Ha 19 points9-Hole winner: Edith Ludlow 17 pointsRunner-up: Ann Atkins 17 pointsLucy SimpsonDiane BurgessSarah DickLady Brenda McLaughlinAimee HaEdith LudlowAnn AtkinsKaren FultonAlex BarnesAmy O’DonnellElizabeth McCaney
10 / Royal Porush Golf ClubSHANE Lowry returned to Royal Porush for the fir time since his Open Championship triumph to formally accept the club’s oer of honorary membership. Standing in the Babington Room, aer taking delivery of his club tie and members’ sweater, he declared: “For little old me, growing up in the middle of Ireland and to be here accepting this, is pretty cool.” Padraig Harrington, Paul McGinley and Seamus Power also travelled to the Noh Coa before the a of the Irish Open at Royal Co Down, to play a round before adjourning for lunch ahead of Lowry accepting his honour. Billionaire businessman Dermot Desmond, and his new sponsors, were among Lowry’s pay who battled in the wind and rain to finish the 18 holes on the Dunluce where McGinley holed out at the 3rd with a wedge – the 15th hole in one of his career – before going on to eagle the 12th Lowry said: “It’s weird that I haven’t been here since then (2019), but life has taken me fuher afield. I’m now living in the United States and don’t get back as much. “Now that I’ve been here, I’m going to try and get back as much as I can and I’m very excited to return to the Open next year. Talking to the players, we all know how amazing that tournament was and what Porush has to oer.” Jim Carrigy who conferred the honour and made the presentation said: “Shane has such an easy going manner and smile and we’re looking forward to him having another successful Open. Schools Out! Shane Lowry meets Junior convenors Richard Beggs and Claire Bell and local pupils (le to right) - Ben Todd, Noah Beggs, Katie Proctor, David Lockha, Ella Proctor and Jamie Beggs.“We’re delighted to make him an honorary member. He is a great ambassador for golf in Ireland.” Harrington, Rory McIlroy, Graeme McDowell and Darren Clarke – all major champions – are already honorary members of Royal Porush. Lowry also posed for selfies with members, some of them in front of the oil painting in the clubhouse foyer which captures him hitting his second shot to the 18th green on the day he won the Open. But in his hurry to return to Newcale for the a of the Irish Open, he forgot to go and see his gable wall mural. “We were 10 miles down the road when we suddenly remembered,” his manager Brian Moran revealed. “We’ve heard so much about it and how it’s generated such interest in Porush. We’ve seen the photos on social media, and it looks fantastic. We hope to get a good look at it before the Open.”I’m honoured... Shane’s reaction as he accepts club’s ‘pretty cool’ membership award
Members’ Newsletter Autumn 2024 / 11Reunited... club’s victorious Fred Daly class of 85 roll back the years BACK then they were leaner and fitter, and hitting the ball a country mile. They could putt a bit as well. The ageing process has clearly taken its toll, but the memories of that day are as fresh as ever as the club’s victorious Fred Daly team of 1985 gathered to reminisce about a never-to-be-forgotten triumph. Ahead of a special 40-year reunion, the seven members posed for a photograph in the Royal Porush car park – ju like they did at Warrenpoint in the immediate aermath of their victory over the ho club all those years ago - before heading out onto the Dunluce links for a quick nine holes in the fading light. Syd Henry said: “We just managed to get in before darkness fell. But it was nice to have everybody there, especially seeing Gary Moore who lives in England. “We switched playing paners aer every couple of holes and talked about how the game of golf was back then. It’s changed dramatically. A bit like ourselves, I suppose…”THEN AND NOW – The winning 1985 Fred Daly team. Back row: (from le) – Paul Cameron, Syd Henry, James Knox and Gary Stevenson. Front row – Ian Macafee, Ronan McNally, holding the GUI pennant and Gary Moore. Members’ Newsletter Autumn 2024 / 11David MulhollandDavid’s four-hole horror ory as Senior Amateur title slips from his graspDAVID Mulholland came agonisingly close to winning this year’s R & A Senior Amateur title. He was leading the field by three as he entered the closing ages of his penultimate round. But suddenly it all went horribly wrong. David (59), a consultant ophthalmologi, dropped SEVEN shots at the 14th, 15th, 16th and par-3 17th at Saunton Ea, noh Devon. He eventually finished third overall aer scoring birdies on the final two holes of his level par fouh round. But he was le to reflect on a huge oppounity missed, especially aer being runner-up at Ganton in 2021. Everything was going so well in a windy round three that one of his playing paners, Scotland’s Paul Moultrie was moved to remark aer the round: “You have it on a string until…”. However the thick, punishing rough, and a couple of wayward shots co him dearly as he recalled: “I wasn’t too far o but had a few terrible lies in two holes and it could have been worse. Even though I was three behind (going into the final round) I still felt I could win it. “Anything could happen on that course. It’s so tough. The reigning US Senior Amateur title holder, Todd White, went on to win, a shot clear of Brent Patterson, a New Zealander, and the defending British champion, and two better than David whose home club is Calerock. David added: “This is always a diicult championship to win. (He also finished 8th at Royal Dornoch in 2022). There are so many good players. I played solidly and putted well and so I’m delighted with the result. “Everybody had their horror stories. Unfounately I had all of mine over a four-hole stretch!”
12 / Royal Porush Golf ClubTalk In The Dunluce Room...12 / Royal Porush Golf ClubInter-council cup Jim Carrigy took delivery of the winning trophy from Poewa captain Neil Morrison when he returned the be score of the day as Royal Porush won the annual inter-council match again their neighbouring clubs.It was the fir time women took pa in this quadrangular event which also involved Rathmore and Calerock, and with Helen Jones’ 34 points, 36 points from Eamon McCotter and the captain’s 40 points, Porush were runaway winners. Poewa, the ho club, finished second. President Tom Turner, Ashley Moore, David Bell, Brian Lockha, Richard McDermott, Chris Brown and Keith McGarry also played for Porush. Firemen on call-out duty at PorushThe fire fighters of Porush had a never to be forgotten day at the club where they were treated to 18 holes on the Dunluce and a three course meal. Johnny Curran, catering and events manager who helped organise the special outing said: “We owe the Nohern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service an enormous debt of gratitude, and this was our way of saying a huge thank you to people who do so much for the local community. They had a brilliant day as our guests.”Here they are getting ready to tee o. Front row (le to right) – David Taylor, James Parke, Kenny Shinner, Jason Quigley and David Fletcher. Back row (le to right) – Jim Blee, Andrew Neely, David Patton, Hugh McAlister, Scott Bohwick, Krystian Kulon and Clive Eagleson. Noh of Ireland winner Matt hails all time favourite DunluceTHE new holder of the Noh of Ireland men’s amateur title, Scotland’s Matthew Wilson, declared the Dunluce as his favourite all time course. He said: “I can’t speak highly enough of it.” Wilson (24), a member of Forres on the Moray coa, had a final round 71 which included birdies at the 7th, 9th and 13th to finish at four-under, two clear of Caleknock’s Paul Coughlan. The Noh is ranked as the highe of the four men’s senior provincial championships.Wilson played here in the British Boys in 2018, but this was the bigge title he has ever clinched. He said: “It’s my favourite course for sure. It was amazing to watch it (The Open) on TV aer that. “And it’ll probably be even more special to watch it on television next year aer winning here. I can’t speak highly enough of the golf course.” The be placed local player was 15-year-old Harris Fleming (Galgorm and Royal Porush), a member of the Irish Under-16 Boys’ high peormance panel. Town Shield Match Rathmore Captain Alan Ball and Royal Porush captain Jim Carrigy share the Town Shield aer a drawn match.
Members’ Newsletter Autumn 2024 / 13Stars of the future tee up on DunluceTom McKibbin, a member of the club, took time out from his DP World Tour commitments to play a challenge match on the Dunluce Links with three under-10’s who arred in the Flo Gas Irish Open Tour series. Ella Kenny (Royal Curragh), Marah Mijumbi (Roganown) and Jack Conlan (Athy), and some parents, also met with club captain, Jim Carrigy. Drinks on Kenny as he hits his fouh ace! BAR and clubhouse manager Kenny Gault has celebrated his FOURTH hole-in-one – all of them at an 11th. His late was with an eight-iron at his home club, Bushfoot – his second at that par-3 11th – having previously aced the original 11th on the Valley, and the original 11th on the Dunluce. It happened on his good friend Kenny McKillop’s President’s Day. Kenny, a member of the Bushfoot team which reached the final of this year’s Junior Cup (Noh Region), losing to Massereene, said: “I was playing OK, but ju couldn’t get a putt to drop. I hit the 8-iron well, knew it was decent and had a chance. It pitched ju sho of the hole and rolled in. “I can fully recommend the golfer’s insurance which just about covered the bar bill.” Enjoying the 152nd Open at TroonLo and found – Mark Rollins (right) who worked at the Lo Propey/Le Luggage tent at the Open Championship at Troon meets up with David and Clair Balmer, Robin Adair and Brian McMullan.The mo expensive item to go missing during the Championship was an engagement ring which was later handed in. Ju like when he was on duty at St Andrews for the 150th where lo handcus belonging to a prison oicer, and a £40,000 ladies bracelet, were among items returned to their owners. No such luck however for some of those seeking shelter from the rain aer losing their brollies. “As expected, no missing umbrellas were handed in,” Mark revealed. “It is always the same. If the weather is poor at Porush next year, the Open Shop will have to double up on orders because lost brollies are never returned.”Golf Ireland President welcomedSpecial gues at Porush - Rosemary Tully, President of Golf Ireland and her husband Joe preparing to tee o as gues of Roma English and Captain Jim Carrigy.
14 / Royal Porush Golf Club14 / Royal Porush Golf ClubANOTHER overseas members and gues event has been pencilled in for 2026. Following the hugely successful three days of competition and socialising in Augu which attracted players from across the Atlantic and various pas of Europe, the club’s head professional, Gary McNeill, revealed plans for a second tournament, once next year’s Open Championship is out of the way. Gary said: “I’ve lost count of the number of messages and emails I received from people who really enjoyed it. “The opening night barbeque; the whiskey tasting; the night out at The Mermaid and the presentation dinner. They all loved it. The weather could have been better but we’ve got a couple of new ideas for the next time we hold this event in 2026.” Stephen Watson, the BBC NI Spo presenter, one of the hoing members, said he hoped the next event would be even bigger. He said: “The buzz and the atmosphere around the club was mentioned to me by many people. It was great to see our overseas members not only enjoying the course, but mingling with fellow members they had never previously met. Gary did so much to make this happen, and Bernie Wall (RPGC oice) played a blinder as well with her organisation and pre-planning. “Not only do I hope the event can be repeated in 2026, but that it is expanded to fuher enhance the international reputation of Royal Porush.” More than 60 people filled the timesheet for the four ball-better ball Stableford competition which was won by David Allier and his gue, Niall O’Carroll, from Co Dublin. We’ll push the boat out for Overseas members again, promises Gary, aer hugely successful eventDoug and Liz Bender with Bernadette and Colin Neill looking forward to the Overseas Members’ Dinner.Attending the Overseas Members’ Dinner are Gordon and Valerie Knight.Sta members Andrea Lappin and Bernie Wall with guests at the overseas members’ dinner. (le to right) – Niall O’Carroll, Paul Rohdich, Jenny Wile, Georgina Wile, Rod Ferguson, Ben Ferguson and David Allister.Members’ Newsletter Autumn 2024 / 15
Members’ Newsletter Autumn 2024 / 15Rob Aiken and his gue, Rob Powelson, from Philadelphia, a member of Biddermann Golf Club in Delaware, finished in second place, five points behind the winners. This pair fir met at Pine Valley in 2021 and Rob has been to Porush several times. His great grandmother came from Malin Head. David Allier said: “We didn’t expect to do so well, but both of us just gelled. However, this just wasn’t about the golf. It was about engagement with our overseas members and making new friendships. That is what made is so special and hopefully will be repeated.” Apa from the opening night barbeque and the golf, there was whiskey taing at the 9th Hut, dinner at Matt McAlpin’s Mermaid Reaurant, and then the presentation night dinner at the clubhouse where Stephen regaled gues about spoing travels before conducting a one to one interview with Gary. There were two holes in one over the two days, both witnessed by Mayn Curragh from New York who was born in ea Belfa. The fir was at the 3rd where Patrick Rooney Jnr., whose family own American football team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, holed out with an 8-iron. His father Pat Rooney who died la year, aged 84, was a long anding member of Royal Porush. The following day, Mayn, who is originally from Belfa, watched in amazement as Ray Schueuman from Canada, a gue of Jamie Pyper aced the 13th.Niall O’Carroll, Jim Carrigy, David Allister and Neil Johnstone before the Overseas Members’ Dinner. Ken Spinner from Calgary, Charles Kucey from Ontario, John Guilhan from Bushmills,Brian Doolan from Edmonton and guest at the Tavern.Members’ Newsletter Autumn 2024 / 15Chuck Moran of Rossmoor GC California with James Berutich of Beardance GC Larchspur Colorado enjoying the Bushmills Whiskey at the Tavern.
Members’ Newsletter Autumn 2024 / 17‘The 9th is going to be one of the best holes anywhere with amazing coastal views from the back tees’THE upgraded Valley links has the potential to be rated as one of the fine courses in the UK and Ireland, according to golf architect Main Ebe. With work on all the new holes due to be completed this autumn at the conclusion of a massive redevelopment scheme on the front nine, he is convinced the club’s so-called second 18 is in line for a dramatic increased ranking. Golf Dige judged the Valley the 82nd be course in the world outside the United States, and that was even before the DAR conruction team moved unto the land to begin the work which involved shiing an eimated 120,000 tonnes of sand. The fir six have already been well received by an overwhelming majority of the club’s membership. The 7th, named aer former US Open champion Graeme McDowell, the par 3 8th and the 9th are unlikely to be ready for regular play until the early pa of next year. All three take in views of the Ea Strand, adding to the aehetics of a unning revised layout. Ebe, who has been overseeing the work with course manager Graeme Beatt, said: “The dune formation is outanding, and that loop of holes (7, 8 and 9) is so exciting. “The 7th is fantastic, and we were always confident the 8th would be a great par-3. The 9th, a tough par-4, is going to be one of the best holes anywhere with amazing coastal views from the back tees.“It was amazing to see the Valley go into the top 100. That’s remarkable, bearing in mind that it is the younger sibling of the Dunluce. “Gary McNeill deserves a lot of credit by making sure the rankings guys were brought out onto the Valley as well as the Dunluce. 82 is already an amazing ranking, and it has the potential of becoming a top 50. In Irish golf, it deserves to be well inside the top 10. “We are absolutely delighted with the quality that they (DAR) have produced. They had to have faith in our plans and they exhibited their skills and talents in replicating natural links contours.“To turn the course into the finished product has been amazing. I’ve been absolutely blown away by its condition.It’s been incredible what Graeme Beatt has achieved, especially with The Open coming next year, and with all that involves.” Graeme Beatt said he believed the views from the championship tee at the 9th will rival the iconic 5th hole on the Dunluce and was looking forward to hearing the reaction back in the clubhouse once all nine were in play. He said: “From then on, I have no doubt the Valley will be judged on its own right, whereas before it seemed to be judged against the Dunluce. “I think that the Valley is now a more impressive links visually, as well as having far more variation in levels and playability than before. “The Valley didn’t get the credit that it deserved, and maybe that was a bit unfair.” 16 / Royal Porush Golf ClubOn course to be one of the UK and Ireland’s fine... how expe opinion ranks the new look Valley
Members’ Newsletter Autumn 2024 / 17“I can understand that to a degree, but people, especially our overseas visitors, will really want to play it and see for themselves what it is – a truly outstanding golf course.” Ashley Moore, who is heading up the project team overseeing the work, said a lot had happened since they fir aed talking about the development in July 2022. He looked forward to hearing all the comments from members. He also paid tribute to the work of Main Ebe, DAR and Graeme Beatt. He added: “I believe we need to wait until all the holes are open and we have the chance to play the entire course during next year. Aer that we can reflect on any issues that have arisen, or tweaks that are required. “All the works we do to our estate are aimed at improving the incredible courses that we have. This work is never done. As Bob Rotella said: ‘It’s not a game of perfect.’ “I am paicularly looking forward to the club oicially opening the full 18 holes next year when we can all celebrate and enjoy the benefits of the hard work, and the investment made by the club in the Valley. Our aim was, and is, ‘36 great holes, playable by everyone.’ Hopefully we have lived up to that.”The new 7th green.Looking down on the new 8th hole.
18 / Royal Porush Golf ClubAll change at The Valley as course plays the name game with G-Mac and Co. THE new 7th hole at The Valley has been named in honour of Graeme McDowell’s heroic victory at the 2010 US Open at Pebble Beach. It was one of several new names agreed by council aer a special udy group was set up to consider the changes to coincide with the completion of work on the fir nine Captain Jim Carrigy, Ladies’ President Kath Stewa-Moore, President Tom Turner, immediate pa captain Gerry McAleese, links convenor Nigel Pollock, council member Colin McElderry and John McNally, a club truee, proposed the changes. The 2nd, previously known as Green Lane, is now called Nothing Daunted, a favourite phrase of Dorothy Glendinning, and in recognition of her immense contribution to the Ladies’ Branch and her work with the juveniles and coaching Irish girls. The new 8th is called The Arcadia. It overlooks the wee beach at The Arcadia which has been a place of bathing since the middle of the 19th century. The 9th, previously called Home, has been named Skylark’s Re in recognition of the course’s rich and biodiverse ecosyem. The 10th, previously known as Switch Back, overlooks the route on which the world’s fir hydro-electric tramway ran (1883-1949), and is now called Tramway. The 12th is called Rhona Adair’s in recognition of her significant contribution to golf which included winning four Irish Amateur and two British Amateur Ladies’ championships. The hole was previously known as Middle Green. The 13th is called Sir Anthony’s, acknowledging the inrumental role of Sir Anthony Babington in creating the Valley links. It was previously known as Right About. The 15th, previously called Recess, has been named aer May Hezlet in recognition of her five Irish Amateur and three British Amateur Championship wins. The 16th was called Bunker’s Hill between 1889 and 2018 when it was then changed to Giant’s Elbow. It has now reveed back to Bunker’s Hill. The hole plays directly at Bunker’s Hill which sits beside the green.Approaching the 7th green.
Members’ Newsletter Autumn 2024 / 19Conruction works almo complete, it feels as though we have made it through a challenging time, which has involved co-ordinating conruction works and preparing the Dunluce Links for another busy season.In terms of the remaining bits and pieces, the range tee should be seeded next week. The sandone path at the Valley aer area is also expected to be completed, whil the grass path on the 10th hole is now laid. However, it will be 2-3 weeks before we can introduce it for play.The Dunluce Links has peormed well and managed the wear and tear well, and I feel that we are in a good place for next year. This winter our work will be concentrated on re-building ju over half of the bunkers in preparation for the 153rd Open Championship.In Augu, the club suppoed Ashleigh Larkin to travel to and volunteer for the Women’s Open in St Andrew’s. She had a great time, and the experience will be of benefit to her next year.Karle Steel who has been with us since 2015 is heading out to Sydney for the winter to work at New South Wales Golf Club, where major renovations are being carried out. We look forward to learning from his experience on his return. Course Manager’s Repo Graeme BeattAshleigh Larkin with Lydia Ko, winner of the Women’s Open.December 2024• Sundays 8th, 15th and 22nd Santa Sunday Lunches• Saturday 21st Christmas Draw and Hamper Prize Presentation• Wednesday 25th Christmas Day – Club closed• Friday 27th O’Connor Mixed FoursomesJanuary 2025• Saturday 25th Burns’ NightOctober 2024• Saturday 12th Dinner Day Cup and annual Dinner• Wednesday 16th - Friday 18th Great Noh Links Golf TournamentNovember 2024• Saturday 9th Annual Prize giving• Sunday 10th Remembrance Sunday – courses closed until 12noon• Friday 15th Quiz NightSocial Programme – Autumn / Winter
20 / Royal Porush Golf Club...and here’s what the members think – fir impressions are hugely positiveSIX members were invited to share their views on the six new holes at the Valley. Here is what they had to say: David Young - Firstly, I would like to congratulate DAR and Graeme Beatt and his team for the excellent work which they’ve carried out over the past number of months. The quality of work is exceptional. Any of the following comments refer to play from the blue tees. The changes to the 1st are good. The 2nd hole at 494 yards is extremely long as a par 4 compared to the 13th which is 8 yards shoer and is a par 5. Also the 11th on Dunluce is 19 yards shoer and a par 5. The 3rd and 4th are eectively as they always were. The 5th is a very challenging par 5 and my main concern is the narrowness of the landing area sho of the green. Indeed into a prevailing wind it will be a beast of a hole. The 6th is a lovely par 3 Regarding the proposed 7th and 8th holes, I think they are very good. The 9th fairway will require a considerable amount of work. In conclusion, I strongly suppo that the proposed 7th , 8th and 9th become the 1st, 2nd and 3rd and the current 1st becomes the 4th . No long walks from green to tee and it eases you into your round before facing those very challenging holes 2,3, 4 and 5. Alice Kinkead - Sholy before the first six holes opened for play, I walked them. First impressions? Daunting and long. Once they opened for play however, I realised that they are at times challenging but playable, and they look good. The first is fine. The second is longer than of yore and has an elevated green, but fine. The third and fouh have bunkers where no bunkers were before which serve to tighten up the holes, but fine. Then we come to the fih. It was Stroke Index 1 in its last incarnation and is still Stroke Index 1. Stroke Index 1+? Or a Par 6? It is long with pialls and praalls here, there and everywhere. No doubt we shall learn to love it. Then we come to the par 3 sixth – a possible card wrecker, and a very good hole. It’s almost a relief aer three par fives in a row. Indeed the course does seem somewhat Par 5 heavy. Having said that I am sorry that the 17th is no longer the Par 5 which I loved. I feel that the current holes 1 to 6 would be better as 4 to 9 to give the course a better flow rather than the slightly bitty feel that there is at the moment. There is already a long walk from the second green to the third tee and there will be another long trek from the sixth green to the seventh tee, thus creating a long first nine. This would also make sense of the slightly strange mound between the current first tee and the carpark and clubhouses. The current sixth green is beside the 10th tee. There would be a lovely symmetry in finishing both nines on a Par 3 each of which has the potential to make or break a good score. This layout would also add to the Championship credibility of the Valley Links. I have, of course, only walked the three as yet unfinished holes. The prospect of playing them is daunting, and exciting. These holes are spectacular. What a wonderful first impression which will stay in the mind for the rest of the round. Was it woh it? The months of disruption to our golf? Yes. I feel that overall the Valley will hold its own against other great courses, and that we, the members, will become used to the changes as the new work settles down. I would, however, ask all players to tramp through the rough frequently and with vigour to make it manageable should I be foolish enough to venture into it. Brian McMullan - I have played the new holes twice. Both times o the white tees, once in calm conditions and once in a strong south westerly wind. My overall impression is positive and all of the holes are visually appealing. The 1st hole is much improved, while still being a relatively gentle opener. The repositioned tee provides a better view of the fairway and the raised green blends in well with the surroundings. The 2nd is too long for me o the white tees. Perhaps it would be better played o one of the more forward tees, paicularly as this hole is followed by three more long holes. I like the green complex although seems that a shot landing just sho is likely to kick to the le. The new bunkering on both the 3rd and 4th adds better definition to the drives and improves both holes. The mounding separating these holes is another positive. For the next phase of work, similar mounding could be considered between the parallel holes on the back nine. I found the 5th to be a demanding but fair hole in calm conditions, however very diicult into a strong wind. The 6th is a quality par 3 to finish the sequence of holes. It will typically play into the wind, but is not too long o the white tee. The run o area to the le of the green is in keeping with other holes on the Dunluce and Valley links. Carol Rodgers - The opening 1st hole is visually a much better but more diicult hole with a raised tee box and two new bunkers playing to a raised green. The second hole definitely looks like a very demanding hole, definitely more challenging than the previous. The 3rd hole, a par 5, was always a great hole, but has now been improved with the addition of four bunkers. Again more challenging!
Members’ Newsletter Autumn 2024 / 21The 4th hole again has always been tricky enough, but now there is an introduction again of two bunkers to the le and right of the fairway. The 5th hole for me ceainly could be a signature hole as it proves a tough, tight challenge with narrowing fairways. The 6th hole, a par-3 downhill with a right hand bunker and a large run o to the le. Missing the green results in a very diicult recovery to achieve par! Philip Tweedie - Walter Hagen has been quoted as saying “make the hard ones look easy and the easy ones look hard”. I was minded to think of this quote as I sat down and thought to myself does this mean the first nine holes on the new Valley Links should be made to look easy? Definitely not! In reflecting fuher on the changes, I compiled a list of likes against dislikes but I genuinely struggled to find any dislikes. I admit that I am relatively easily pleased on a golf course, paicularly in Porush, where even on a bad day I struggle to get past feeling how lucky I am to be out on those links with the beauty and sounds of nature all around. For me The Valley now embodies even more of that beauty and nature whilst also providing a really stern challenge to any golfer. The alterations to what were the existing holes have also made a significant and positive change and really do make you think even though you are on familiar terrain. The new holes, which I will class as 5 and 6, are a test of varying extremes but in both instances the need for accuracy is paramount. I suspect that, for most of us, 5 is going to be a three shotter to make the green – at best! I have walked the three as yet unopened holes and in my mind they are going to be stunning. If I were to list a dislike it would be that I am not sure of the course layout as per the current card. For me I would sta at the ‘7th’ with the first then becoming the 4th because I believe rising up to that 1st green and seeing the Arcadia and East Strand would provide a visually spectacular sta to the round. I love what has been done and thank those who have put in so much hard work to create. I would also thank the members for their patience waiting for the work to be completed. I will close with another quotation this time from Harry Vardon - “For this game you need, above all things, to be in a tranquil frame of mind”. The new Valley is undoubtedly daunting and for many its challenges will render it sometimes diicult to retain that tranquillity. On such occasions just look at the beauty that has been created around you and come back to that tranquil place. Anna McVicker - Much anticipation and excitement flowed following the thorough course works on the Valley links. The first hole marks the beginning of numerous modifications to the course, with the introduction of a slightly more elevated and position shi for the first tee box. The introduction of a new bearded bunker on the right-hand side of the fairway, proves an obstacle for the initial drive. As does the addition of a le greenside bunker, proving a tricky approach shot onto the recently elevated green. The second hole marks a change to a flat, stable tee, setting you o down the slightly more open fairway, leading you to the extended, elevated green - if able to avoid the rear mound lined with thick, rough. The third hole marks the first of three consecutive challenging par fives, perhaps the most significant change on the Valley links. Despite the par and tee box remaining the same the introduction of new fairway bunkers, challenges any player’s ability to keep it on the narrow fairway with their approach shots. Notably, the new right-hand fairway bunker proves challenging paicularly, for any longer ball strikers, with it being placed perfectly in their landing zone if right at all. Green changes also ensure a so approach shot to keep the ball on the solid, less elevated green. The par five fouh hole keeps its character with the elevated tee box, setting you up for a view to tackle the narrow valley with your second shot on the fairway. The introduction of two new fairway bunkers on each side, allow clear motivation to try and stay in the centre of the open fairway. The fih hole marks the last of the trio of par five’s – ceainly making its introduction noticed. The longest of the three-par five’s is a familiar tee shot, avoiding the right-hand dune and treacherous rough lining the le-hand side, pointing you down the narrow valley.Bravery to take on this monster of a hole in two is admirable but challenging. Depending on weather conditions and ability, course management is key with a safe landing area on the le-hand side of the fairway, between the treacherous rough on each side, leaving a lengthy enough approach shot into the par 5 extended green. The sixth and final new hole on the Valley links – and perhaps my favourite – marks the first par three on the front nine. This par three guiding you back towards the clubhouse (if made over the rough and undulations prior to the green!) proves a test of accuracy to avoid the le greenside pot bunker. A test of skill is needed here to firstly carry the undulation directly before the green, but to stop the ball from taking a trip o the back le hand side. The numerous changes to the Valley links are ceainly a test of any golfer’s skill. Between the shi of tee and green positions, introduction of consecutive par fives and numerous new bunkers installed, the changes ceainly are challenging. However, the Valley links still maintains its character and reputation for a course moulded from the natural elements, with cleverly sited greens. With the addition of new hazards, clear accuracy and course management will be rewarded whilst straying will be punished. The Valley remains a remarkable course and I look forward to seeing what other new changes will bring to our links in the coming months. I ceainly will be considering a bucket and spade for the next tee time!
22 / Royal Porush Golf Club22 / Royal Porush Golf Club Members’ Newsletter Autumn 2024 / 23Porush’s new tourist attraction – The Shane Lowry mural. Iconic image of Shane Lowry’s Open triumph is right up our reet ONE of the reet ais involved in painting the giant Porush mural of 2019 Open champion Shane Lowry has spoken of his amazement at the public reaction to his work which has become a top touri attraction. Donal O’Dohey said: “It’s been unbelievable. Hundreds - and I mean hundreds and hundreds of people - came to watch us going about our business. They really embraced it. It was astonishing.” He along with two other ais took five days to complete the mural on the gable wall of an end of terraced house in Causeway Street, ju yards from the one time family home of Fred Daly, the 1947 winner. As pa of preparations for next year’s 153rd Open, the R & A commissioned Peaball, a collective of professional ais based in Londonderry, Belfa and Dublin, with backgrounds in graiti, reet a, tattoo and graphic design, to paint the mural with Lowry clasping the claret jug again a background of Noh Coa scenery. Murals of Terry Hooley, a prominent figure in the Belfa punk scene, and another featuring the main characters in the hit TV series, Derry Girls, are among their mo famous aworks. They are heavily involved in the education sector, working with community organisations, schools and youth clubs. They also helped run a summer scheme in Coleraine’s Ballysally eate. Donal said: “The people of Porush – the whole town - really bought into this project. They were so interested, and we must have lost count of the number of tourists, day trippers and holiday makers who stopped to chat and have conversations. “Even one of the local businesses which had only just opened, fed us with free pies. “It was incredible really. We included some of the Noh Coast’s iconic images, like the White Rocks, and that was so well received by everybody who stopped by. “The public reaction was amazing, as good, if not better, than we’ve experienced anywhere else.” Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, the R & A’s championship executive director said: “The passion for golf that exis throughout the island of Ireland could not have been better reflected in the jubilant scenes that greeted Shane Lowry’s iconic win at Royal Porush. “We are anticipating another memorable occasion when The Open returns to the famous Dunluce links next year and welcoming the fans there for a true celebration of golf.”Juniors Captains’ DayLuca Rogers and Katie Proctor won Jensen Boyce’s and Ella Proctor’s Captains’ Day prizes. Runners-up were Stua Nesbitt and Julia Currie. Gemma McMeekin had the be gross. Stua won the longe drive and Samuel Lee-McNamara was close to the pin. Oliver Knox won the visitor’s prize.Front row (le to right) – Daniel Illif, Samul Lee-McNamara, Jess Allen, Dorian Campbell, Katie Proctor, Zara Proctor, Hannah Lee-McNamara, Gemma McMeekin, Ella Proctor, Julia Currie and Toby Allen.Back row (le to right) – Oliver Knox, Patrick Morris, Jensen Boyce, Noah Beggs, Stua Nesbitt, Luca Rogers, Lochlan Carruthers, Fionn McFadden-Newman, Jamie Beggs, Andrew Hall and Caleb McKenzie.
Members’ Newsletter Autumn 2024 / 23Members’ Newsletter Autumn 2024 / 23Members’ Newsletter Autumn 2024 / 23Keith McGarryMatch & HandicappingAs the membership may recall, the M&H committee sent out an e-mail earlier in the summer with a view to addressing the issue of slow play, something that can be a scourge on our enjoyment.It is fantaic to repo that big improvements have been seen. At the a of the season the average Saturday time to play Dunluce was ju over 4 hours 30 minutes. La weekend the average time for the Saturday Dunluce round was ju over 4 hours 15 mins.“How so?” you ask. A number of factors have proved crucial in the improvement.Firly and mo impoantly has been the “buy in” of the membership. We, as a committee, received a universally positive response to our eos and it appears that an increased awareness of the potential issue has been achieved.Secondly, the input and presence of the golf ops team on the course has had an eect. Thanks are due to Alan, Neil, Michael and Darren whose very visibility keeps the issue in focus. It’s amazing how oen they have been asked, “Are we slow?” only to reply, “I have said nothing, I’m just watching the golf!”Thirdly, the Pace of Play (POP) timers have worked really well in aleing golfers as to when their three minute ball search is up. As a well known supermarket says, “Every little helps!”Fouhly and finally, the dreaded phone call has had a positive, encouraging and oen humorous eect.Those who have received the call have been assured anonymity, although it’s amazing how keen some are to spread the news which again keeps the awareness high. If you thought we were all team players and adopted collective responsibility, how wrong you are. It’s amazing how many responses a with a laugh and end, “It wasn’t me it was them!”In seriousness though, all the calls have been received well and encouragement given to keep up the eos.So a huge thank you is due to all concerned. It is work in progress, but the journey seems to have had a positive a.Retirees’ Monday Group Presentation to John LawlerJohn McNally, on behalf of the group, thanked John for his contribution to running of the club, its preparations for next year’s Open and in paicular his suppo of the Retirees’ Monday Morning 9 Hole Competition. John Lawler in reply thanked the group for the gis and mentioned that the fir event he attended on joining the club was the Retirees’ lunch and now probably the la will be this Retirees’ Presentation.John McNally, Main MacLaine, Dougie Hanna, Norman Hillis, Sian Wee, Marshall Moore, Barry Mitchell, Bob Brown, Des Orr, William Burgess, Thompson McCullough, Allan Moore, Robe Currie, George Chambers, Brian Peoples, John Lawler, Robin Crawford, Richard Burns, Norman Gallagher, Andrew Babington, Scott Brown, Edward Grey, Robbie Barr, Sidney Grey, Ian Simpson, Chris Hancock.
24 / Royal Porush Golf ClubFrom the ArchivesIT was May 1939, and the outbreak of the Second World War was only months away as members of Royal Porush agonised over a proposal to spend £12,000 on a new clubhouse. The scheme would involve entering into a land agreement with the then Lord Antrim and replacing the exiing building which was considered inadequate. There was some resiance. With the threat of worldwide conflict, one member felt they should wait. But the proposal to press ahead had overwhelming suppo, especially from the president Anthony Babington who claimed the new clubhouse would make Royal Porush one of the mo attractive, and convenient golf resos in the UK. War clouds ca a shadow
Members’ Newsletter Autumn 2024 / 25Almo 50 juniors took pa in three days of club championships in various categories. Former Ladies’ Captain Mary Taylor presented the prizes.Junior ChampionshipsFarrah Park, runner-up and winner of the girls best nett category. Noah Beggs, best gross winner of the Junior BoysElla Proctor, best gross winner of the Junior Girls.Andrew Hall, runner-up, Sloane Park, winner, Mary Taylor and Toby Allen, runner-up in the nine hole sweep.Rafe Hastings, winner of the boys’ best nett
26 / Royal Porush Golf ClubIAN Simpson, a former manager with the Uler Bank, has been a member since 1988, the club’s centenary year, and lives with his wife Wilma, a former Captain of the Ladies’ Branch, in Porush. He was brought up in noh Belfa where the family home in Sunningdale Park was seriously damaged by a bla in the German blitz of the city at Eaer 1941. At the time, his father Tommy, who worked for the Gallahers cigarette firm, had been out on duty as a volunteer air raid warden when the bomb fell. Luckily, Ian had been aying with his mother Laura and sier Patricia in Armagh with two of his mother’s five siers. That weekend ay was extended to two years, and following a number of years residing in Ballymena, the family returned in 1947 to live in their newly reored house adjoining Clionville Golf Club, and where he fir learned to play. A former pupil at Belfa Royal Academy he began working for the Uler Bank in 1955, and between then and his retirement in 1996, he worked at branches at Mountpottinger (ea Belfa), Crumlin, Antrim, Downpatrick, Garvagh, Ballycale, Ballymena, Calederg and finally Ballymoney. At various times he played golf as a member of Clionville, Ballymena, Downpatrick, Ballycale and Newtownewa. Rugby at Ballymena also played a huge pa in his life, and he was on the team with Willie John McBride and Syd Millar which won the Uler Senior Cup in 1963. He remains a regular spectator at Eaton Park to watch the 1 XV. His two sons, Alan and John, and daughter Jill, as well as a grandson Scott are all members of Royal Porush. Aged 88, his family has a hiory of longevity. His mother, two of her siers, and a sier of his father lived until they were over 100. Ian was diagnosed with hea failure 13 years ago, and lives for the day, especially golf. He said: “Medication keeps me going. I’m a dierent person (health wise) compared to what I was in 2011, and I’m grateful for the time that I’ve had.” Q: WHY IS GOLF SO IMPORTANT? It’s the friendship and companionship, paicularly at this age of my life. It means so much to me. Weather permitting, I now play three times a week using a buggy with the Retirees. Nine holes on a Monday and Wednesday, and 12 holes on The Curran on a Friday. A Round With Ian SimpsonA golfing life ory in 18 queionsThe day aer I retired from the bank, I was introduced to the Retirees by John Dowds and Joss Lapsley. I’ve played with them ever since. It’s become very much pa of my golfing life. It is not ju the golf. It’s the camaraderie; the coee and scones; the handing out of the prizes and the draw for golf balls aerwards. The social side is so impoant. There were probably 20 or so when I fir joined, but the weekly outings are much more ructured nowadays, and there could be as many as 30 of us on some days. We are all very grateful to John McNally for taking on the responsibility of organising the nine-hole competitions on Monday mornings. He rules with an iron rod, and his decision making is usually right. Q: YOUR MAIN AIM? It is to win another of those Monday morning outings. In the three years it has been going, I can only claim one win, and I think very few played that day. Q: FAVOURITE HOLE AT PORTRUSH? It has to be the 3rd, because it seems to be the only one where I can get a par these days. I once played o a handicap of 6 and took pa in two Noh of Ireland amateur championships back in the 50’s. But my golf definitely isn’t what it used to be. Q: AWAY FROM PORTRUSH, WHAT ARE YOUR MOST ENJOYABLE COURSES? Clionville, where I aed. The 6th was at the back of our house at Sunningdale Park, and you could ju jump over the fence. In my youth I could play 36 holes a day, and you had to be o the course by 6pm. Also, Ballycale. It is a mixture of links and parkland, and because of the amazing scenery. You have Rathlin, Fair Head, Knocklayde, the nearby beach and the Glens of Antrim. It’s a unning location. I played the Old Couse at St Andrews twice. I suppose it’s the hiory and tradition, the atmosphere and ambiance which makes it so special. Next to the Dunluce, it has to be my No.1. Q: THE TOUGHEST COURSES AND WHY? They are all places where they’ve aged The Open. St Andrews, Muiield, Troon, Turnberry, Prewick. I’ve played them all, and of course there is Porush. Q: DO YOU HAVE ANY RITUALS OR SUPERSTITIONS? Not that I’m aware of. Ian SimpsonHow a lifetime in golf began with a leap over the garden fence for great spoing all rounder Ian Simpson‘At my time of life, there is no other place I’d rather be than Royal Porush’
Members’ Newsletter Autumn 2024 / 27Q: DREAM GOLF DESTINATION? It will always be Royal Porush. At my time of life, there is no other place I’d rather be, and the use of the buggy makes it all that more enjoyable, especially playing o the black tees. I don’t think I would bother playing if the black tees were not available.If I don’t feel up to the Dunluce or the Valley, then there is always The Curran. Q: MOST MEMORABLE ROUND? I’m not sure what year it was, but it has to be with late Colin McVicker, playing in the final of the Babington Shield. We’re five down, playing the old 10th (now the 12th), and aring defeat. We were ju sho of the green in 5. Our opponents were at the back of the green, on the le hand side, in 3, and looking at a downhill putt with a following wind to a front right hand side pin position. They had three putts to win the hole, four at wor for a half. But they putted down over the green, and nearly into the drain. We managed to win the hole and every one thereaer. So make sure to have a good look the next time you play the 12th!Q: HOLES IN ONE? I have had three. The old 12th at Ballycale and the 15th at Newtownewa. Both were uphill shots which meant I didn’t see the ball disappear into the hole at either. But at lea I was able to witness the third, this one at the 6th on the Dunluce. Q: HAVE YOU EVER CONSIDERED QUITTING? Never. Golf has given me so much pleasure, paicularly since I retired. I never taken it too seriously. There was probably a competitive edge at one time. I played Uler Cup for Ballycale and Newtownewa and Belfa and Dirict for Clionville but I’ve never let the game get to me. I’ve always been generous in giving putts! Q: FAVOURITE ALL TIME GOLFER? It has to be Seve. He was such a naturally gied player and wondeul to watch. He seemed to have aura. He might not have been peect, but he was so talented. Nothing seemed impossible for him. Q: FAVOURITE TOURNAMENT? The Open. We tend to sometimes forget that it was played here in 1951. The 2019 championship was such a momentous event, absolutely marvellous. The club came out of it really well, as did Porush and Nohern Ireland. I’m really looking forward to next year. Q: DREAM FOURBALL? Norman Gallagher, Nigel Semple and Syd Grey. Our average age is 86. Nine holes on the buggy with these three great friends makes me very, very happy, especially as I usually win the £1. Thanks to all the Retirees who play with us. Q: SLOW PLAY? It has never been a problem, or an issue for me. I can’t ever recall being chaised for holding the course up. We’re reasonably quick and good at finding the ball in the rough. But I sometimes despair at some of the professionals who are not the quicke. Those who transgress should be penalised a shot. Q: WHO INTRODUCED YOU TO GOLF? My father, Tommy. Clionville was so handy. All you had to do was climb over the fence and it was one of the fir clubs which really encouraged juveniles. The club pro in those days was a man called Joe McCaney, and he used to gather us around him in a circle and teach us. I think we paid him sixpence for the lesson. Q: ANY OTHER SPORTS? I played 1 XV rugby and 1 X1 cricket at BRA, and then rugby with Academy before joining Ballymena in 1962. That team which won the Senior Cup in 1963 had six Irish internationals – Willie John; Syd Millar, Ian Dick, Baon McCallan; Robin Gregg, and Johnny Moett. We had a New Zealander, Gary Jamieson, at out half, who told us he had a trial for the All Blacks. He was a good player. He definitely ood out. I had some great years at Ballymena, not ju as a player, but as an adminirator as well. Q: WHAT COULD ROYAL PORTRUSH DO TO HEIGHTEN THE GOLF EXPERIENCE? I think council should consider making suitable buggies available to shuttle our visitors back and forward to the practice area. It’s a fair bit away and this could be a terrific oppounity to enlighten them about the hiory of Royal Porush. The drivers of those buggies could be briefed by the likes of Gerry McAleese, a former captain, who knows this place inside out. It would be nice way to introduce them, and I’ve no doubt they’d be happy to know a bit more about the course they are about to play. At the time of The Open in 2019, the drivers who transpoed the players to and from the practice area, were told not to speak to them. But inevitably some did, because it was the players who wanted to engage, and hear all about Royal Porush. We want to welcome all our visitors, especially those from overseas, and hope they have a good time. I think this would be an excellent way of improving the visitors’ experience and maybe it is something woh considering by the club council.Ian SimpsonIan Simpson (middle row, le) and Ballymena’s winning Ulster Senior Cup team of 1963. Also included are Irish internationals, Willie John McBride (back row, third from right); wing forward Ian Dick (back row, third from le); hooker Baon McCallan (middle row, third from le); scrum half Johnny Moatt (middle row, centre); Syd Millar (middle row, third from right); and full back Robin Gregg (front row, right). Ian Dick is a member of Royal Porush. Johnny Moatt, who now lives in New Zealand, and the late Colin McVicker (back row, extreme le) were also members. ‘I had some great years at Ballymena rugby club, winning the Senior Cup in 1963 alongside six Irish internationals, including Willie John McBride and Syd Millar’
28 / Royal Porush Golf ClubSAM Allier, who has ju aed a golf scholarship in the United States, got a peect send-o when he panered his father David to win the international Payne Stewa Trophy in sensational yle. This is an event which was eablished 25 years ago in memory of the three times major champion who tragically died in an air crash in October 1999. Almo 100 golfers from across the world took pa in the competition which has the likes of the PGA’s Bill Rogers, Bernard Langer and Tom Lehman, as its ambassadors. The Alliers won it in 2016 at RCD and Ardglass when Sam, then aged 11, was playing o 24. But how times have changed. This time it was the young pretender, with a plus 2.5 handicap, who showed his dad the way, contributing to three brilliant four ball-better ball rounds at Royal Porush, Poewa and Galgorm to finish a remarkable eight shots clear of their neare challengers. They combined to return an aonishing 12-under for the final round at Galgorm where they ju missed out on shooting a 59 aer both missed eagle putts at the 18th. Sam had eight birdies and his father four to finish 18-under. David (55), a senior business development manager with the Danske Bank, playing o six, said: “It was just one of those amazing days. We didn’t think we could do it, but then the stars suddenly aligned and we found ourselves chasing a 59. “We came so, so close, but managed to record the lowest ever score in the history of the competition.” Sam (18), a former pupil at Friends School, Lisburn, is now udying medicine and health sciences at Erskine University, South Carolina as pa of a golf and academic scholarship. His sier Hope (24) was on hand to make an acceptance speech on behalf of her brother and father when they took delivery of a solid silver Quaich, and two replicas, at the presentation dinner. Porush la hoed the competition four years ago and this was a hugely significant father and son victory aer finding themselves up again players from Argentina, South Africa, Canada, America, Auralia, Japan and China. Previous venues included Pinehur, Oakmont and Payne Valley in the US, and as far away at China. But here on home soil, they were viually untouchable. David added: “It was such a special couple of days. We look forward to this every year, and the fact that this was Sam’s final competitive event before he headed for the States made it even more memorable.”Allier dad and son panership’s fantaic Payne Stewa Trophy winA triumpant Hope Allister with her brother Sam and Father David.Des Orr aged a late, late comeback to win the Hugh Kelly Cup at the second tie hole. Two down with two to go, it looked as if the experienced Philip Tweedie was home and dry. But Des won the 17th and 18th to take the match up the 1 before clinching the title at the par-5 2nd. The retired anaeheti, playing o 12, had seven shots on his opponent, and even though he birdied the 7th where he had a shot, and sank a 30 foot putt for par at the 9th, he needed them all to keep tabs on his rival. Both players went into this match in top form, Philip shooting 38 points o the blue tees, and Des 41 points, in the club’s September Stableford ju days earlier. It was the fir time they had ever made the final of the Kelly Cup, the club’s only men’s individual knock-out event, and as expected it was always going to be a tight aair. Des, a twice winner of the Macnaughton Trophy, said: “When we got to the 17th, two down, all I was thinking about was trying to keep my score more respectable“But I knew that if I won the 17th, then I was in with a chance of going all-square at the 18th where I had a shot. I hadn’t completely given up all hope.” Philip was magnanimous in defeat and later, over coee in the Dunluce Room, again oered his congratulations. He said: “Des played very well. It was played in a very good spirit, and it was ju a shame to lose.” Happy Des aer dramatic fightback wins the Kelly Cup
Members’ Newsletter Autumn 2024 / 29The 153rd Open Championship is less than 10 months away and preparation work is continuing at a rapidly increasing pace. Members will have read in the media that over 1 million ticket applications were received from the public. The expected spectator numbers will be in excess of 250,000, compared to 237,750 in 2019. The additional spectator numbers will all be accommodated over the four practice days.Our members’ ticketing process is complete with a rong demand for the 18th hole grandand tickets; the final Sunday being well over subscribed. The over-subscribed tickets were allocated on the same basis used for half-price weekly tickets.Over the next few months we will issue all members with an Open Guide which will explain, inter alia, how the ticketing works and how the tickets will also provide access to the Clubhouse and Links Pavilion.It is woh noting that Council plan to close the main Clubhouse to members from the date we hand over the course to The R&A (Monday 30th June) until the fir oicial practice day (Sunday 13th July). This allows the food & beverage a to take some time o before the hectic Open week.We are working with The R&A on an access syem for the Clubhouse that will use a QR code to precisely control which members and their gues are in the Clubhouse at any time. This will improve the Clubhouse experience for both members and their gues. In 2019 there were times when there appeared to be more gues than members in the Clubhouse, which prevented many members from gaining access! Council have approved that during The Open Championship week in 2025 members will be limited to signing in one gue at a time, and mu remain with their gue. We are assessing a method for members, who have pre-booked lunchtime dining, to be allowed more than one gue per member for the lunch. More details will be provided on this in the coming months.In the coming months, members will notice an increasing number of visits from R&A a as preparations for the build-out of the infraructure gets underway. We tru members will warmly welcome all these visitors to RPGC. The fir buildings on site will be two poacabins for the R&A’s adminiration a. These are expected aer mid-October. The main work will a in March 2025 when the contractors’ compound on the tu nursery will be set up. Following that, the work on the grandands and other buildings will commence at the beginning of May. This will have a knock-on eect to the access to various pas of our site, including the Valley Course. When we have clarity on the site closure programme we will share this with the members.The current plan is that mats will be in use from 1 January 2025 until 31 March 2025. Aer that date, mats will only be required in 6-8 ‘hotspot’ areas until we hand-over the course at the end of June 25. Visitors and R&A Patrons will adopt the same usage of mats as our members. Prior to the Open Championship in 2025, we will have Visitors only during the month of May; however members can continue to bring gues to play up to the end of June.Council have approved the proposal that club members who have volunteered to work at the Open Championship will be able to purchase Open branded clothing from the Club Shop at a 50% discount from the 1 June 2025 up to 20th July 2025. Fuher details will be provided on this ‘thank you’ reward scheme and the requirement to use the volunteers’ Open Championship photo identity card to avail of the discount. We will continue to keep members appraised of developments.Ian DV Kerr Chairperson 153rd Open Championship CommitteeIan Kerr, Chairman Of The Open Championship CommitteeIan DV KerrDes Orr (right), Kelly Cup winner and Philip Tweedie.Championship Chairman Ian Kerr who attended the Open at Royal Troon with other committee members (L to R) Alison Algeo, Rory McCaney, Nigel Pollock, Samantha Barry, Richard McDermott and Deric Henderon.
30 / Royal Porush Golf ClubWimbledon A group of foueen Royal Porush members enjoyed two glorious days of golf and hospitality in splendid sunshine at Royal Wimbledon where the hos ran out comfoable winners. This match arose from an invitation via Gavin and Jenny Stebbing who are also RPGC members and followed Royal Wimbledon’s mo recent visit to Porush in April 2022Royal Wimbledon have carried out significant improvements to their course with thinning out of areas of overgrown trees, new drainage, new bunkering and ongoing reoration of large areas of heather all ensuring a beautiful, well running parkland course.From Le: Be Allison, Fiona Nicol, Tim Dickson, John McCaer, Gavin Stebbing, Diane Burgess, Susie Gavrilo, Rory McCaney, Claire Byrd, Brenda Bucknall, Margaret Allison, Liz McCaney, Clare Molock, William Burgess, David Balmer, Alex McCaer, Alison Algeo, Henry Algeo, Jenny Stebbing, Andy Byrd, Jude Barnard Lee, Andrew Barrow, Dominic Proctor, David Morgan.Front row: Captains Jim Carrigy, Cathy Stoddard, Mark Pumfrey and Clair Balmer.Lady President’s Day LunchKath Stewa-Moore hosts her Ladies’ President’s Day lunch.John Lawler, the club’s general manager has le to become general manager at the all-England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London. John and his wife Vicky receiving tokens of appreciation from the club.Farewell to John
Members’ Newsletter Autumn 2024 / 31PAUL Rohdich is all set to lead next season’s Fred Daly team aer his squad came close to successfully defending their All-Ireland title. It will be his eighth consecutive year in charge, and even though he was bitterly disappointed about losing the final at Warrenpoint in Augu which le him in two minds about taking on the job again, he decided to give it another go. Paul said: “We’ll still have a good team and I get enormous satisfaction watching these young lads develop and doing so well.” With their No.1 Stua Nesbitt unavailable – he was away in the United States – the Royal Porush team managed to overcome a fancied Galway team 3-2 in the quaer-finals. They then got pa a very rong Belvoir Park team by the same margin, to reach the final again Greyones, the team they beat la year to clinch the title for the fir time since it went national. But their opponents from Co Wicklow, representing Leiner, were more than ready this time to avenge that defeat, winning 3 ½ to 1 ½. Paul said: “If you’d have asked me at the sta of the season would I settle for a silver medal, I probably would have said ‘yes’. But we did so well. We beat two really good teams to make it to the final, and I have to admit that I le Warrenpoint for home that night a bit deflated. “The boys surpassed themselves. Greystones had the same team from last year and they were on a mission. They were so focused. That was obvious, although a couple of them were nervous on the 1st tee when they drove their ball out of bounds. But they had massive suppo and as the match progressed we were always playing catch up.” The team’s andout peormer over the two days was Luca Rogers, according to Paul. He said: “He is the real deal. He’s only been playing for three years, but he’s definitely one for the future. He’s o plus-2, and everybody who was in Warrenpoint for the finals, including the other teams, could recognise his potential. He’s such a class player. “He’ll be available for the team next season and we’ve a couple of players on the Peter O’Hara squad who should be ready to step up. There are plenty of positives. “This team who played at Warrenpoint had been on the go, practising, since last September, and most of these boys will be ready to go again. That’s the so of dedication which is needed. They have the determination, the golfing skills, and the behind the scenes work and coaching by Gary McNeill (head professional) and Alan Dunbar (his assistant) is having a huge impact as well. “We won’t have Jensen Boyce next season. That’s a pity, because he has been such a stalwa this last couple of years. His commitment to the cause was always 101%, nothing less. “But there are lots to look forward to. We defended our Ulster title this year, and I’d like to do it three times in a row. That’s one of our main objectives.” Silver lining as Paul tees up for another All-Ireland title bid with Fred Daly teamPaul Rohdich and the Fred Daly squad with their silver medals – (le to right) Luca Rogers, Jensen Boyce, Ollie McEvoy, Noah Beggs, Samuel Lee McNamara, Patrick Morris and Ben Todd.
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