John Shoer Memorial 2010

John Shoer Memorial 2010
Helen McMorrow, Tipperary County Board presents John Shoer Memorial Cup to Winner - John O'Meara - Riverdale

Sunday, February 28, 2010

PPUI Convention Report

First of all congrats to the officers who were elected, you now have a further 12 months to continue to develop the game and ensure prosperity going forward. We now have new President & Vice - President and if they stick to their words today, good things seem to be on the horizon for all our game. Unfortunately 2 people were not elected in Non-Portfolio as there are only 4 places but this was tight enough Niall Reynolds topping the poll with 71, Paddy Browne with 66, Liam Sherry 63, Mary Farrell 53, PJ Curtin 41 & Liz Lysaght with 40.

Below are motions that were passed

Motions from 2-7 were all about Handicap reform from the Handicap Committee and after much deliberation, all were passed. (Please ensure to ask your Club of what changes affect you)
Motion 8 - From 2011 a National Juvenile Officer will be part of NEC.
Motion 9 - Development/Coaching Fund will be set up to make money available to clubs by way of grant/loans etc.
Motion 10 - Constitution to Include 0/55 Ladies & Gents Strokeplay and also Boys & Girls Championships.
Motion 11 - Inter County Championship will now be 18 Hole Foursome & 18 Hole Singles
Motion 12 - PPUI Constitution to be updated to show amateur status of Provision for Cash Prizes of FIPPA Competitions
Motion 17 - Rule 5.1 Delete "as near as possible to the original line of play" and replace with "at nearest point of relief"
Motion 18 - If ball lies all on putting green or spare greens etc ball must be lifted and dropped at least two club lengths clear of the green at nearest point not nearer hole
Motion 24 - Deletion of maximum 5 cent coin in rule 6.5
Motion 33 - All graded Provincial Matchplays be re-introduced for a trial period of 3 years
Motion 37 - Standard Allowance for Scramble be in Constitution
Motion 38 - That National Championship winners from 2010 onwards be automatic in Matchplay and Strokeplay in all grades (I think this got in)
Motion 40 - Beaten Finalist in the Ladies and Gents National Matchplay be automatic the following year
Motion 48 - For all catergories a member will not be entitled to a shot back if they have won more than one gross prize in single open competitions
Motion 58 - Juniors (Juveniles) will now be called U/16's.
Motion 62 - Amendment of 10.1 of Constitution - A club or a member of a club shall not assist in the promotion of nor participate in an open or sponsored tournament or competition not sanctioned by the appropriate governing body. Exceptions shall be members who compete in Business House events provided that all those competing were at some stage on the payroll and play off their PPUI handicap. An addition exception to be societies, non affiliated clubs and groups of such kind provided that all those competing play off their PPUI registered handicap and no prizes or trophies are played for and accepted.
Motion 63. All National events, the club will no get at least €1500 for hosting the event.

Recommendations were spoken about and NEC to speak on them at their meetings in the coming year.

Mervyn Cooney spoke from the heart about the International game and it was truly a great speech. It finally let us all know what exactly is going on at International level. He explained that both himself and John Manning are not seeking re-election to FIPPA in a few weeks, this could be of major concern going forward to lose two of the best administrators ever to have graced the game. Frank Smith has been nominated as FIPPA President for their elections in March.

The meeting offered a lot of debate on each motion, some long, some short but all persons present had the game at heart, which ultimately is what its all about. Some got very strong points across, be it on motions, reports or recommendations and it was great to hear such a great variety of speakers for a change. I am personally quite happy that some of of the Tipperary Motions got passed, showed our efforts were not all in vain.
The wheels are now in motion, we have to try in let these changes outlined above get a chance to grow legs before we start to knock them so I would urge players be patient with the changes, they are there to benefit all players and hopefully this will be achieved.

Myles & Helen McMorrow Elected to NEC

Myles & Helen McMorrow of Lakeside were elected to the National Executive Committee of the Pitch and Putt Union of Ireland on Saturday last in Athlone at the Annual Convention.

Myles was elected as President of the Union for the second time his long administrative career, an honour that only two people have held in the game before him. Helen was elected as Hon Registrar for the 5th successive year and she gave a detailed report on the years Registrations etc and also proposed some very detailed handicap improvements which were all passed.

The ever-popular Myles & Helen outstanding speeches and explained to the delegation of what it meant to them both to be serving officers of the Union. Their ideas going forward will surely help to develop the game and they will be eager to implement initiatives to ensure the games continued growth and also it will enable the game in Tipperary to continue to develop.

Sean Keane - Patron of PPUI

Mr Sean Keane of Tipperary Hills was elected unanimously as Patron of the Pitch & Putt Union of Ireland at its Annual Convention that was held in Athlone on Saturday last. Sean has been symnonous with the game of Pitch & Putt for the last 40 years and it was a fitting reward for his sterling service to the game in Tipperary Hills and also with Tipperary Co Board. Sean now fills the shoes of the great Paddy Power RIP from Hillview who passed away last year.

Sean decided to step down as Treasurer of the Co Board in 2005 after serving nearly 35 years on the board in a number of positions. He had a very clear vision for the direction of the game, always having a positive input to meetings, he was the driving force as Chairman of the Board in the 80’s and early 90’s that have sown the seeds to have the board as strong as it is today.

Sean, himself was a very keen player. Undoubtedly one of the highlights of his career was playing for Tipperary at his beloved Tipperary Hills in the All Ireland Inter County Championships back in 1990. Although not in the winner’s enclosure that day, it was a proud day for Sean as he has had a love for the Inter County Championships over the years. He was a very important factor on Tipp Hills Senior League teams over the years and was always very capable of performing to a very high standard.

Sean through his former employer Blue Hawk DIY became a very prominent sponsor of the All Ireland Inter County Championships for a number of years. Lakewood in 1993 and Tralee in 1995 will always remain fond memories for Sean, when he emotionally presented the victorious Tipperary Captains with the Anchor Cup. This was truly one of his proudest moments in Pitch and Putt.

Tipperary Hills has a place in the Keane household that will always be cherished. Involved since the early 70’s he and his committee brought “The Hills” to extremely high standards. Their Juvenile crop were the crave of the country in 1980’s, their course was always impeccably prepared, their hospitality only bettered by some 5 star Hotels. How his heart must have broke to see the course close back in late 2005. In his speech last Saturday, he spoke of his own personal illness, this time two years ago he was in the intensive care unit in the Mater Hospital in Dublin. He gradually improved but then in November 2008 he got a call informing him that there were plans in motion to re-open the course. He overcame his own adversity and took on a new challenge with the new committee led by Michael Brennan to re-establish The Hills once more. This dream was finally realised in August of 2009 when the official opening of Tipperary Hills took place. The man who had seen it all was back to see a new beginning. The Clubs Committee that night acknowledged his years of tireless work and announced that he would be Hon. President of Tipperary Hills, an honour he so greatly appreciated.

Sean now joins the elite few of have become Patrons of the Pitch and Putt Union of Ireland. It truly is a deserving honour for a man who has dedicated over half his life to promote, foster and develop the game of Pitch and Putt.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Spring League - Hillview - Cancelled

Players are asked to note that next week’s League Fixture, which was due to played in Hillview has been cancelled due the PPUI Annual Convention in Athlone where all our Clubs and Co Board will be represented. The League will re-commence in Hillview on Sunday 7th March.

Tee Times from 9.30am - 1.00pm

Entry: €10 per player.

Myles & Helen for National Executive Council

Mr Myles McMorrow will be elected as President of the Pitch & Putt Union of Ireland at their Annual Convention, which will take place in Athlone this Saturday. Myles, an ever present member of the NEC since the late 90’s will become the President for the second time and will become only the third person in the history of the game to serve two terms as President. A great administrator, Myles will bring his own unique style to the table and the game is very lucky to have such a man as talented as Myles taking over the helm.

They say behind ever good man is an even better woman. Myles’ wife Helen will also be elected Hon. Registrar, a position she has held since 2005. Helen who is the current Co Board Secretary is a very dedicated administrator and has been on the Co Board as Secretary since 1991, a true testament to her dedication and commitment to the game in general.

We wish both Myles and Helen well in their tenure once again on the NEC and I have no doubt they will serve Tipperary with pride and distinction.

Spring League - Round 3 - Larkspur Park

Hillview back on Course

The third instalment of the Spring League was played at the picturesque Larkspur Park, Cashel on Sunday last. With beaming sunlight greeting the players from early morning, it was evident that there was going to be some low scoring throughout the day.

Brian Webster of the host club is finally back to showing the form that made him an Irish International back in 2005, he returned a flawless -14 to set the early clubhouse lead for the overall gross score. Scores were coming in thick and fast with Riverdale masters O’Meara and Minogue very much to the fore for their respective teams. Patrick Kennedy of Lakeside was in devastating form shooting -7 for his Lakeside team in the Intermediate section and his clubmate Alan Maher duly followed him with the same score to put Lakeside in a healthy position with more players yet to play. John Minogue of Riverdale having the Spring League of his life once again ensured that he would count for Riverdale with his masterful display and he would pick up the 36 Overall Gross for the 2nd successive Sunday. Martha O’Brien of Lakeside continued her fine form in the league as did Davy Morrissey make a welcome return to boost the confidence of the Lakeside players. Paul O’Brien is finally re-discovering his form, he shot -14 on the day but Lakeside minus a few of their top players, paid the ultimate price and were beaten into 3rd place on the day behind Riverdale and Hillview.

Hillview are a team slowly finding their form in the league at the moment. With players gradually coming back to the scene, they are now playing consistently and are very much back in the hunt after last Sunday. Michelle McCarthy of Hillivew is definitely the most promising player in the Ladies game at present, she powered around Larkspur shooting -4 and clearly stamp her authority on the competition, perhaps set down a marker for the year. Her coach James Cleary also playing very well on the day will be happy with his return. Bríd Cullinan also made a very welcome return on Sunday and she showed that she has lost none of her talents, albeit with the help of a little person and it great to see her on the course producing the goods but the silver haired fox that is Noel Joyce ensured this Hillview team would take second place on the day when he returned a magnificent -15 to take the 36O/A Gross also, his second of the league.

Once again kudos to the Larkspur Park committee for having the course in such splendid condition. A lot of work is being undertaken there to prepare for the All Ireland Matchplay but nevertheless the course was very well prepared and the Co Board would like to express their gratitude to all who competed yet again.

League Table after Larkspur Park
Riverdale 18pts
Lakeside 11pts
Hillview 10pts
Larkspur Park 0pts
Tipp Hills 0pts
36 O/A Gross – Noel Joyce – Hillview – 93 (-15)
36 O/A Nett – John Minogue – Riverdale (108) Level Par.

Monday, February 15, 2010

An Interview with a President - Myles McMorrow

The ever-popular administrator Mr Myles McMorrow of Lakeside aims to become President of the PPUI in 2010 and become only the third person behind Liam Houlihan and Patrick A. Murphy to serve a second term as PPUI President. Myles is a driven man who has achieved much in administrating the sport at Club, County, Provincial and National level in the past. A keen player, when on form, he has won numerous County Championships and he was also Manager of the victorious Irish Team that won the European Championships at Lloret Papalus, Catalonia, Spain in 2001. Myles and his wife Helen are very dedicated to Pitch & Putt in Ireland and we take a few moments out of Myles’ very busy schedule to ask him a few questions on Pitch & Putt leading into the future in these times on uncertainty.

1.How and what attracted you to become involved with the Sport?
Back in 1979, I went along to the Lakeside AGM that was held in the Pioneer Hall. Back that time anyone who attended was roped into going on the committee. I remember the club at the time were about to run a draw so I said I would get involved.

2.What attracted you to the Administration side of the sport? Did your game suffer as a consequence?
I suppose it is fair to say that I have always liked to be involved in the administrating of any sporting organisation I was ever associated with. Prior to being involved with Pitch & Putt, I was involved in the Darts set-up in Tipperary (of which he is still involved with today). The chance of implementing ideas and helping out in the organising and running of a club is something that has always appealed to me. My game was never much good to have suffered but the odd time I hit form and that is pleasing for me.

3.Your wife Helen is obviously a great support to you and an avid Pitch and Putt administrator herself. How would you sum up her involvement in Pitch and Putt?
One word – TOTAL.

4.What do you strive to achieve in your term as PPUI President?
During my term of office I see a few challenges ahead but I aim to meet them head on:
-Try and get membership on the increase, at least one-third increase in my term of office would be satisfactory.
-I would like to see a unified organisation.
-I envisage to set up a few sub-committees to tackle areas that are of concern to me.
-One NEC Officer to attend a Co Board Meeting at least once a year where the Co Board can relay any issues to the Officer that they might have.

5.Would you be willing to meet with individuals/groups who have ideas on how our game can develop and possibly prosper going forward?
I will be available to meet with anyone who has ideas as to where the game can improve and develop. Just send a letter to the office requesting same and I will have it dealt with accordingly.

6.Should people be more appreciative of the efforts NEC officers make and should Club Officials have more responsibility when hosting events?
Yes. Over the peak periods of the season it can become a very tiring job because you never seem to get a weekend off because of how congested the calendar has become. This year, it looks as though officers could be out almost every weekend from June to end of September. Sometimes it gets hard but when you love the game, it is easy to attend the competitions. I would also look at a way as to how we can include the host club more effectively when running championships but that will have to looked into more.

7.The disbanding of the Provincial Councils, some people feel was a mistake. Can you give some background to why this decision was taken and do you agree with it?
The strategic plan committee back in 2002 proposed that it would be better to streamline top-flight administrators and it was agreed to abandon the councils. I was opposed to it at the time and still am. However, and this may not be popular but I would like to see the County Boards being Regionalised mainly because it would help the weaker Co Boards and could help strengthen the game in certain regions by having a strong board. I would then re-introduce the Councils to oversee these Regions. Whether or not this would ever be implemented though remains to be seen.

8.Is it fair to say that the current handicap mechanism within the PPUI is not working? What are your ideals on the new Handicap Committee that has been set up?
I really feel that the Handicap Committee that has been set up has done a fantastic job and really have brought forward an excellent motion to Convention. The motion is aimed at helping all grades within our game and it should prove very beneficial if supported. I will say that any handicap system is only good once it is being implemented correctly. Up to now we have had a few clubs not implementing the current handicap system correctly and I feel this has had an adverse affect on some grades. The new handicapping system looks at a lot of new initiatives within the game and could prove very successful if implemented correctly by all the clubs.

9.What role do you see Irish Pitch & Putt playing on the International frontier into the future?
I see Ireland playing a leading role as we enter a new decade. We were the founders of the sport so with our help the International game can continue to flourish and our player will continue their dominance on the International circuit also.

10.What is your outlook on the recent split with FIPPA & IPPA on the International front?
It is very unfortunate to be honest and I am unsure if the split is in the best interests of the game going forward. I would hope it will be resolved as soon as possible so that all we can develop and improve the game together.

11.Do you think Ireland will host one of the major International Events i.e. World Cup etc in your time as President?
I would like to think so. It could prove to be very beneficial to our game in terms of PR and also could help create sponsorship. If it enabled us to increase our memberships, then it would be a very worthwhile exercise also. We have proved to successful hosts of International competitions in the past also.

12.It seems to be a very busy and time consuming job being on the NEC. Do you find it tough in managing your own time while also looking after any other commitments be it work, other pastimes, etc?
Yes I do. During the peak times in the season as I have alluded to earlier, it does become very constant but I suppose myself and Helen are doing it now for many years at all levels in Pitch and Putt and we enjoy every minute of it.

13.You are also Captain of Lakeside in 2010. You are going to have an exceptionally busy year, will you get time to play at all?
I will always get time to play, maybe not as much as I would like to but once I am supporting competitions in Lakeside and Tipperary it won’t be too bad. You never know I might even qualify for the All Ireland Mixed with Helen, that would be nice (he says with a wry smile).

14.As President, what would it mean to you to be President of the PPUI and Captain of Lakeside when they host the All Ireland Seniors Competition in September? Are you eligible to play?
Lakeside is a place I have great memories of and will hope to experience many more in the times ahead. We always pride ourselves in preparing the course to a very high standard when hosting any tournament. Hosting a National is nothing new to us but it will be extra special for me to be Captain of the Club and President of the Union but you will never get an answer from me whether or not I am eligible to play!!!

Myles, thank you most sincerely for agreeing to this interview and everyone involved with Tipperary Pitch & Putt would like to wish you and Helen the very best of luck in your respective elections at PPUI Convention. We know that both of you will continue to administrate the game with passion, conviction and dedication that you both have shown over the years.

(With Paul O’Brien)

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Spring League Round 2 - Tipperary Hills

Riverdale Triumph at Tipperary Hills

Golden sunlight greeted the players back to the infamous Tipp Hills course in Tipperary Town on Sunday last but Jack Frost came back to haunt us once again and causing a delay for the massive crowds that had congregated. After close consultation with Tipp Hills Officials, the Co Board decided to suspend the competition for 2 hours in order for the frost to clear from the greens. At 11am the enthusiastic players got the green light from the officials and once again “Competitive action was being played on the Hills.

The Riverdale contingent are really firing on all cylinders this year, they obviously are eager to re-claim the competition they have dominated for the last 25 years. This time it was the son of a master who shone through the beaming sunlight in Tipp Hills. John Minogue has been living in his father’s shadow for a few years now but this day was to be his day in the sun as he blasted home a 36 Hole score of level par to win the Overall 36 Nett and ensure that Riverdale would claim first place once again. It has to be said that John O’Meara, proud father Sean Minogue, Damien Long & Jim Molloy were also the catalyst’s of the Riverdale supremacy, which they are enjoying at present. The question at this stage really is, who is going to join Riverdale in the final? Lakeside, last year’s winners are quietly going about their business, but what will be alarming for them, some of their players are performing below their best at present but this is expected to be rectified come the closing stages of the league. However, Brian Cahill, Martha O’Brien, Captain Myles McMorrow and Anthony Maher are all finding their form at present. Their exquisite play ensured Lakeside would finish Runner-up on the day and they can be more than pleased with their efforts. In 3rd place came Hillview. The mercurial James Cleary, finally re-discovering the form that saw him National Strokeplay Runner-Up in 2006 was the tour-de-Force here. James, always liking to grace the hallowed turf of Tipp Hills blasted home a tremendous -15 and claim the 36 Overall Gross on the day. That said though, James’ team-mates were unable to match his clinical display and found themselves in 3rd position for the second successive Sunday.

To those who experienced the course that is Tipp Hills, I am sure you are very pleased to have played one of the finest courses in the country. To see it re-opened once again is fantastic to all those concerned with Pitch and Putt. Mr Sean Keane Hon. President of Tipp Hills and the committee were bursting with immense pride to finally see some competitive action. There were so many people saying “Isn’t it like old times” or “Great to see every tee-box full” from the paths that run parallel with the course and indeed they are right. Tipp Hills is the jewel in the Pitch and Putt world in the case of its uniqueness, the setting is simply unrivalled and of course the infamous 18th walk to the clubhouse is forever related with the Club. As we were always accustomed to, a huge welcome was there for all to receive, hospitality at its brilliant best and the course impeccably prepared. I for one never thought I would play competitively there again and let’s just say it did “Remind me of old times”.
League Table at Tipperary Hills
Riverdale 12pts
Lakeside 8pts
Hillview 6pts
Larkspur Park 0pts
Tipp Hills 0pts

This coming Sunday, the venue will be Larkspur Park with usual tee times of 9.30am to 1.00pm with €10 entry fee per player.

Monday, February 8, 2010

Tippeary Spring League - Week 1 - Riverdale

Riverdale Run Riot

The long awaited Tipperary County Board Spring League took place at Riverdale on Sunday last where the enthusiasm was met with great excitement. Conditions were very good for this time of year with a nice fresh breeze blowing just to ease the players back into the playing season. Rumours were rife that Riverdale players have been practicing since early Jan since the appointment of Jim Molloy as Competition Secretary, the players were chomping at the bit to get into competitive action. The Riverdale players are obviously still hurting after losing last year’s final, they simply went about their business in a fashion that is rarely seen in the league. With almost 30 players representing the Club last Sunday it was clear indication that a marker was to be set. Stephen Shoer, now fully recovered from a near fatal car crash last year was their leading light and I am personally delighted to see the young maestro back to his very best, shooting a very impressive -14 on the day. Needless to say the oldguard are continuing to fly the flag high above the mast when Sean Minogue was also finding is 2009 form to return a score of -13. Riverdale have a tendency to have players capable of scoring in all grades, this was clearly shown by Simon Ryan Snr’s emphatic -12 and PJ Ryan’s flawless -12 in the Intermediate grade. I am sure the Secretary of the County Board will be waiting for these lads with a mighty fine scissors if they continue this line of scoring throughout the league. All in all Riverdale have talent in abundance throughout all the grades and it will be very hard to stop them this year. Lakeside, winners in 2009 finished a very credible 2nd place and they can thank Seamus Ryan & Brian Cahill who played so well but they will have to improve dramatically if they are to retain their crown this year. Hillview led by the ever-present Noel Joyce with best score on the day -14 came home in 3rd place.

Larkspur Park and Tipperary Hills were unable to field a team on the day itself due to lack of players from their clubs attending. The competition is there for all to play and with 68 competitors competing last Sunday this crowd was made up mainly of Riverdale and Lakeside players. All clubs are urged to get their players out playing in the league, it is a great competition for all grades and should be utilised to ease players back into the season. With the league stage at Tipperary Hills this Sunday 14th February, I expect all clubs to be able to field a team and for the clubs to become more competitive.

Tee Times @ Tipperary Hills are from 9.30am – 1.00pm and entry is €10 per player.

Individual Winners from Riverdale: Noel Joyce 36O/A Gross & Simon Ryan O/A Nett.
League Table – Riverdale 6pts, Lakeside 4pts, Hillview 3pts, Larkspur Park & Tipperary Hills 0pts.

The Riverdale Club deserve great credit for the way the course was presented to the players last Sunday. In excess of €6,000 was spent before Christmas doing up the boundaries of the course and the car park. Riverdale is a course with enormous potential and they are sowing the seeds for future players at the moment. The County Board would like to thank them once again for the way the course was presented and also for the hospitality shown to the players on the day.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

An Interview with Noel Joyce - Hillview

The ever-popular Noel Joyce of Hillview has been a mainstay in Irish Pitch & Putt since the early 80’s. Noel is a former International with Ireland and also proud holder of two coveted Inter County Medals from the successes on 1993 & 1995. He had the proud distinction of being Captain of the team in their win at Lakewood in 1993. He still remains to be stalwart of the Inter County with his beloved Tipperary and also continues to challenge at almost every Scratch Cup he plays. Noel took the time out to answer some questions just as the season is about to start.

1. How and what attracted you to become involved with the Sport?
I first started playing in Larkspur Park, I think I was about 9 years old, there was not much to do in Cashel for the Summers and my Mother(RIP)paid the membership fee for myself and my brother. I suppose her thinking was that if we were up playing Pitch and Putt we would not be down the town getting into mischief. At that time you could hire clubs for a whole day for a shilling. The sport was very popular back then, I made friends in the club and I stuck with it, eventually we rose to the dizzy heights of owning a set of clubs, I actually still have that set.

2.What has been the highlight & biggest disappointment of your career to date?
I suppose the Inter-County in 1993 was very special in Lakewood. Winning the Riverdale Scratch Cup after 30 attempts was nice too. I remember taking a 4 on the last in National Strokeplay in Parteen in 1992, Frank O Donoghue won with –16, had I managed a par I would have got 2nd, but took 4 and got nothing. That was a big disappointment at the time, I've played total rubbish in the last few National Matchplays, but I hope to do better in Larkspur if I qualify.

3. From knowing you over the years Noel, you like to play for a few Euro to keep things interesting. If you had a choice who would you like to be paired with in a fourball and against whom and on what course?
Of course Paul it would be you in Lakeside against two 18 handicap players.

4. Have you a favourite and least favourite course?
I played Roscarbery last Winter and I thought it was just beautiful there, I must go again for a weekend. Would have no least favourite course, there have been a few over the years where Ive said ”never again“ but I've never stuck to my guns, what irritates me most are badly run Scratch Cups, but if people are making an effort to run things well, I normally don't complain.

5. Can you recall your most memorable win?
My first Scratch Cup in Lakeside 1984 which I won in a play off.

6. What drives you to continually play at the highest level?
I reckon I'm at it so long now it’s a lifestyle, more so than just a hobby, I've made many friends over the years too, that’s an important part of it.

7. What does Pitch & Putt mean to you?
I think answer to Number 6 would be appropriate here too.

8. How healthy is Pitch & Putt in Tipperary at the moment?
It's good at the moment, the fact that Tipperary Hills is back now means a lot, I think I would like to see more new faces coming through from the juvenile scene, we have a few girls now with Martha O Brien and Michelle McCarthy and there are a few others too, so that’s all good for the game.

9. Where do you see Pitch & Putt going as we begin a new decade?
I hope it will go forward, anything that stand still dies, it will be interesting to see if the current recession will have a positive or negative effect on memberships.

10. Is there any thing you would like to see change within the game?
I would like to see a natural progression, County Champion automatically into Provincial Finals and Provincial Champion into Nationals. I would also like to see more money handed out from Central Council for clubs hosting a National. Maybe with the value of land now in decline Central Council would consider buying some land and building their own course and office complex headquarters. I also think that in the current computer run world we should be able to enter competitions on-line. I'd like to see Scratch Cup results considered towards the Ranking system. Some of these issues may be addressed at Convention.

11. You are now an administrator with Tipperary County Board for a last number of years, do you see yourself ever getting involved with NEC in some way in the future, albeit on a Sub-Committee or even serving as an Officer?
Not for me at the moment anyway.

12. You were right in the mix of the Munster Strokeplay last year at Bruff with 9 holes to go. Can you recall the feeling of emotion that you went through at that event and did it give you great confidence for the remainder of the season?
Naturally I was delighted to be in the shake up, I had a poor shot at 14 and took 5 that finished it for me, there is always next time.

13. What are your own future playing aspirations?
I would love to win a National or a Munster as would everybody else, maybe it will never happen who knows, but as long as I'm enjoying playing I'll keep trying.

14. The All Ireland Matchplay has finally come to the course where you started Pitch and Putt. Provided you qualify, what would it mean to you to play in that event on the course where you learned your skills?
It would be great to play in Larkspur, I see qualifying is in Tipperary Hills so it wont be easy to get through. I failed to qualify for the last 2 Matchplays that were in Tipperary so maybe 3rd time lucky.

15. Just a final question Noel. Who is or was your toughest ever opponent and why?
Every opponent can be tough, I feel it all depends on how I'm playing myself, I know that if I play well I can beat anybody, if I'm not, then anybody can beat me, when you get to a certain level in the game, its all about practice and confidence, practice gives confidence, as I get older I find it harder to practice, I get bored with it, anyway that’s my excuse and I'm sticking to it.

Noel, thank you most sincerely for your co-operation with this interview and I wish you the very best for the season in 2010. I have no doubt that you will continue to master the skills of the game and be battling it out with the very best throughout the year.

(With Paul O’Brien)

Monday, February 1, 2010

Tipperary Spring League Re-Commences

Riverdale, as in previous years will the launching of the Pitch & Putt Season for 2010 when the Spring League begins at the Nenagh venue. With the re-emergence of Tipperary Hills we will now have 5 Clubs battling it out for the coveted Crown of League Champions. Undoubtedly the Riverdale team will start off as favourites and they will be hoping to re-capture the title they so agonisingly lost to Lakeside at Larkspur Park last year. Lakeside will be hoping to regain the form that enabled them to win the league for only the second time in their history and with two training days under their belts already Captain Myles is ensuring his charges are ready for battle. Hillview will once again fancy their chances and one has to think with their staging of the league near the end of the competition they really could upset the form chart. Larkspur Park will be aiming to reach the dizzy heights they achieved back in 2006 when they were champions and with a few players returning to the fold, they could cause an upset. This leaves Tipperary Hills. I really am glad to see them back in the league with a team of their own. On their return last year they boasted nearly 300 registered members, an amazing feat when you consider they only re-opened mid-way through the year. Word is some of the staunch players are back and playing as good as ever before and it will be great to see them all chasing birdies on Sunday and only time will tell if they can relive the golden years they once enjoyed.

The County Board would like to call on all players to attend the league each Sunday and assist their clubs in capturing the League title. In recent years the League has proved very successful and continues to grow amongst the players and it will be great to see large numbers on our courses throughout the league.

Tee times are from 09.30am – 13.00pm with an entry fee of €10 per player. Please note that times are weather permitting and the Co Board will notify all Clubs immediately if any changes are made.

Dates for your Diary:
Sunday 7th Feb – Riverdale .
Sunday 14th Feb – Tipperary Hills.
Sunday 21st Feb – Larkspur Park.
Sunday 28th Feb – Hillivew.
Sunday 7th March – Lakeside.