96 of the bravest souls in Ireland graced the famous Tipperary Hills course on Monday last. Tipperary Hills officiall re-opened back in August of 2009 and was hosting its biggest competition since that famous night and certainly left no stone unturned to ensure the course was at its immaculate best.
The day itself was so tough for any sport, the “swells” the players endured were beyond belief, never have I seen so many players almost falling over due to sheer velocity of the wind, balls shaking on greens, the odd time moving, tee shots just wondering away from its intended targets, it was so tough but the players played through the adversity and played incredibly well on the day. Brian Webster of Larkspur Park was to set the early morning lead of -8 but up step the comeback kid, Anthony Culhane of Tipperary Hills to power home to -9 and take the early lead. Sean Minogue, the last winner of this event when hosted in Tipperary Hills was to go one better than Anthony and he returned -10. Paul O’Brien of Lakeside, looking to win this title for a 5th time was to fire home -9 to remain in contention with James Cleary of Hillivew, another former winner posting -8. It was Anthony O’Loughlin of Claycastle in Youghal who set the pace though as the weather really began to deteriorate, he posted a magical -12 to take the lead as we began for the Final 18 holes. Breda Lonergan of Tipperary Hills showed she is very much back to her best by producing a scintillating -1 to claim the Ladies. Damien Long and Jim Molloy, both from Riverdale took the Intermediate and Junior Prizes with scores of +2 and +3 respectively.
The Final 18 began and 14 players ventured to play in what can only be described as hurricane conditions. I have seen many an appalling day on the Pitch & Putt course but in all my years involved this was the toughest conditions I have ever witnessed and played in. However, the standard increased from each player as they aimed to win the coveted trophy. Webster started slow but eventually found his rhythm and began to eat in to the lead. Cleary and Culhane were slow out of the blocks, each dropping the odd shot but then began to make birdies. O’Brien and O’Meara have had many a duel and this was to be no different, the latter starting like a train only for a bogey at the fifth halting his gallop momentarily. Minogue and O’Loughlin both started ok but drop shots by them both on the fourth were to prove extremely costly. O’Brien was -5 for the round through 9 and looking strong but in stepped O’Meara who was -3 at this stage to birdie 10,11,13 & 14 and move two shots clear. Webster in the Clubhouse with -13 was looking safe for 3rd but any mistakes from the leaders could see him back in the fold. Darren Goodall of Tralee was clearly going about his business under the radar. He produced -5 in the last round to claim the Final 18 prize. O’Brien birdied 16 to narrow the gap to 1 shot with 2 to go and the crowd were sensing a very tight finish and they got it. O’Meara pitched to within 6 feet of 17 after O’Brien failed to hit the green, O’Meara uncharacteristically missed and so it was down to the penultimate hole. The 18th is a blind tee shot, O’Brien found the green, O’Meara missed the green and so the door was slightly ajar or so we thought. O’Meara chipped to within 3 feet and O’Brien still had a chance from 15 feet to force a play-off. O’Brien failed in his attempt and it was down to John whether or not he could hold his nerve and sink that winning putt. Coolness personified, O’Meara duly sank his putt and with it took the John Shoer Memorial for 2010. John, it has to be said thoroughly deserved this win, his play was flawless, he showed the variety of skills he possesses and once again showed everyone just how good he really is. Isn’t it any wonder why he has recently been invited into the Irish Panel? This win will do wonders for his confidence and I don’t think this is the only time I will be writing about him winning competitions in 2010.
The County Board would like to extend its gratitude to all the players who played in the competition and ensured it was a great success. To our host Tipperary Hills, they once again stepped up to the mark as exceptional hosts, the course prepared impeccably, the hospitality was exquisite but more importantly it was just a pleasure to be involved in a competition on one of Irelands best Pitch & Putt Courses.
