Spring League Round 4 - Hillview

Last Sunday saw the 4th instalment of the Spring League took place on one of the oldest Pitch & Putt courses in the country, Hillview. A glorious day of sunshine greeted the players from the early morning session and the course was prepared impeccably as always by the Hillview ground staff albeit with the odd local advantage added to the course.

Hillview, who normally are very strong at home, certainly lived up to this expectation when some of their players returned flawless displays of Pitch and Putt. Noel Joyce, always a man to post a score for his club did not disappoint but this day was where the younger players of Hillview would shine through the beaming sunlight and stamp their authority on their relevant grades. Rory O’Hanrahan, an ever aspiring young player returned a magnificent -11 to get the ball rolling for the Senior Grade, he was ably followed by the mercurial Stephen O’Reilly who blasted home -7 for his second round to return -8 for his 36 holes. Evan Hickey, who has only entered the Intermediate Grade from the Juvenile ranks was relentless in his pursuit to win the 36 O/A Nett and pursue it he did when he returned a tremendous -6, keep your eye on this player as the season progresses. It goes without saying behind most men are even better women or so they say. Michelle McCarthy is really developing into one of the best players in Munster at present and with a little more dedication to the game could become one of the leading ladies in Irish Pitch & Putt. I watched her at first hand on Sunday and to say I was impressed is an understatement and I have high hopes for this young lady on the competitive scene this year. She returned a magnificent -7 to ensure that Hillview would be very comfortable winners on the day. It was just a pity that Con Lucey’s magnificent hole in one on the 15th hole from the 1st tee-box didn’t count, surely was the best shots this writer has seen in his years involved in the game!

Riverdale, who were already qualified for the final came home in second place with the likes of John O’Meara, Paul Shoer, Sean Minogue, Pierce Mitchell all putting their shoulder to the wheel when push came to shove on Sunday, last. Lakeside led by the rejuvenated Michael Fennell, the comeback of Michael Bourke and a few other players came home in 3rd place. Young Shane Hoare of Larkspur Park played the pitch and putt of his life to return a remarkable -14 to clinch the best 36 Overall Gross on the day.

Final leg of the league will take place at Lakeside on Sunday 14th March. Tee Times from 9.30am to 1.00pm and €10 entry per player. Something tells me there will be a scintillating finish to this compelling competition at Lakeside on Sunday