Experience paves the way for veteran victory at Black Bush

The second annual Ryder Cup-style seniors against the juniors took place at Black Bush Golf Club on Thursday of last week. The young guns were eager to defend a title they took in some style 12 months ago, but on this occasion they had to settle for the runner-up position. The seniors snatched a sensational victory on the 18th hole when club president Aidan Burns holed a 25-foot putt to secure the title for the experienced members of the club. There was some consolation for the junior members when Michael Kennedy took the 'longest drive" accolade, but veteran golfer Bernard Kenny scooped the 'nearest the pin" award. To be eligible to compete a player had to be over-14 and under-74 and birth certificates were inspected prior to the start. The pairings for the fourball event were: Stephen and Michael McCarthy v Sean Fenton and Kevin Farrell; Oisin Browne and Ben Kinsella v Noel Foran and Aidan Byrnes; Sam Gibbons and Michael Kennedy v Bernard Kenny and Michael Kane; Alan McEntee and Matt Sharpe v Ger Deegan and Danny Byram; Feidhlim Cunningham and Colm Fogarty v John Ward and Jimmy Mullaney. However, golfers were forced to abandon the Royal County fairways over the weekend due to the inclement weather. Golfers in Westmeath at Delvin Castle didn"t fare much better. The qualifying rounds for Tommy McNamee"s president"s prize were scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, but fell victim to the terrible weather and will now be played next weekend. New time sheets are in operation in the clubhouse, there is a block draw which will be decided next Friday evening so each player should be aware of his exact tee-off time. The Tudenham Cup team will be in action against Kildare opponents Castlewarden Golf Club next Sunday in the semi-final of the competition.