Largest group yet, for fifth week of junior programme

Mullingar Golf Club notes

The fifth week of the junior programme took place on Tuesday, July 14. We welcomed our largest group yet and, in total, more than 150 juniors participated, supported by approximately 50 volunteers throughout the day. The summer programme is streamed, and several juniors have progressed through the ranks in recent weeks.

Birdies to Cadets: Cormac Flynn.

Cadets to 3B: Billy Farrell, Daire Egan, Emmett Devine. Cadets to 3A: Adam O’Donoghue, Sean Curley, Ted Matthews. 3B to 3A: Jack Tyrrell, Mel Bohan. 3A to 2: Joseph Mulvey, Shane Canning, Dylan Thornton. 2 to 1B: Beibhin Scally, Conor Quinlan. 1B to 1A: Jamie Leech, Tom Leech.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back this week for more great golf, fun and coaching across all levels.

Temporary Local Rule

As a result of the ongoing repair work on the damaged areas of greens 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 16 and 17, the committees are implementing the following temporary local rule. This is to support the great work of David Perdisatt and our greens staff. The need for this local rule will be reviewed weekly.

Temporary Local Rule – Damaged Areas on Putting Greens

The Committee has defined the newly repaired damaged areas on the putting greens as Ground Under Repair (GUR). Relief is available under Rule 16.1 as follows:

1. Ball on the damaged area

If a player's ball lies in or touches a damaged area on the putting green, the player may take free relief under Rule 16.1d.

The ball must be placed at the nearest point of complete relief, not nearer the hole.

2. Damage on the line of play

If a player's ball lies on the putting green and the damaged area intervenes on the player's line of play to the hole, this constitutes interference under Rule 16.1a.

The player may take free relief under Rule 16.1d by placing the ball at the nearest point of complete relief, not nearer the hole.

There is no relief solely because the damaged area is on the player's line of play when the ball is not on the putting green.

Penalty for playing from a wrong place in breach of this Local Rule: General Penalty under Rule 14.7a.

Mullingar Scratch Trophy – August 2-3

The highlight of the club’s year is fast approaching. The event continues to attract top-quality amateurs from across Ireland and beyond, and a new chapter now begins.

The countdown is on to the 2026 Wtech Mullingar Scratch Trophy. Proudly sponsored by Wtech, the 64th edition of one of Ireland’s most prestigious amateur championships will take place on August 2 and 3, 2026, marking the first Scratch Trophy to be played on the newly renovated Mullingar Golf Course.

Since 1963, the Mullingar Scratch Trophy has helped launch the careers of some of Ireland’s greatest golfers, including Darren Clarke, Pádraig Harrington, Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry. This August, 90 of the country’s finest amateur players will once again compete for one of the most coveted titles in Irish amateur golf.

A proud tradition, a spectacular new course and an exciting new partnership combine to set the stage for a memorable championship. Whether a passionate golfer, a local supporter or a visitor from further afield, all are warmly invited to join Mullingar Golf Club for what promises to be an unforgettable Bank Holiday weekend.

Anyone available to assist with ball-spotting or volunteering is asked to contact the club office.

Order of Merit with Seventh Open Singles Stableford

This Friday, July 24, will see the seventh 18-hole Open Singles Stableford competition, sponsored by ORS, taking place at Mullingar Golf Club. The event runs in tandem with Round Seven of the Order of Merit, supported by Egans Auctioneers.

The Order of Merit stretches across 12 weeks, with each Friday’s Open Singles contributing to the overall standings. Points are awarded to the top 25 finishers, and players must return a minimum of five counting scores to remain in contention. With the good weather set to continue and the course in fabulous condition, it’s an ideal time to get out on the fairways. Book your tee time on BRS or contact the office or pro shop.

Nine and Dine

The third Nine and Dine of the season takes place this Friday, July 24, offering members a four-person team waltz format kindly sponsored by Keenan Bauer Motors. The entry fee is €20, covering both golf and a meal, making it excellent value for an enjoyable end-of-week outing. With the fine weather set to continue, it’s an ideal opportunity to unwind with a relaxing round of golf followed by a meal with friends. BRS is now open for bookings.

Club Major

Friday, August 7, will feature the Captain’s Mixed Foursomes Club Major, beginning with a shotgun start at 2.30pm. The competition is kindly sponsored by Lady Captain Jackie Mills and Mr Captain Stephen Lyons. To be eligible for first prize, players must hold a fully developed playing handicap, requiring at least 20 scores on their Golf Ireland scoring record, with a minimum of five qualifying rounds returned in Mullingar over the past 12 months. Class 1 juniors may compete when paired with a full member.

Playing handicap limits apply, with ladies capped at 36 and men at 28. Ladies will play from the red tees and men from the blue tees. The entry fee is €25 per player, which includes a BBQ and music afterwards. Those not playing in the golf are very welcome to join us for the BBQ – €15 for great food and even better company.

The Captain’s Mixed Foursomes remains one of the club’s most popular summer events, so it’s the perfect time to grab a partner for a fun afternoon of mixed golf. Bookings can be made through BRS from July 30.

Competition Results - Men

This weekend's competition was an 18-hole Stableford sponsored by Cantor Fitzgerald. With the course extremely firm and running fast, the players are identifying areas of the course they have never played from before – 200-yard shots now go 300 yards; chips that normally stop on the green run through. It makes it very challenging. However, duffs now go further.

Winner: Mathew Cassidy (6) 40pts; Gross: Adam Smithy (-2) 41 gross pts; Cat 1: Frank Cotter (10) 37pts; Cat 2: John Shaw (12) 39pts; Cat 3: Stephen Noonan (17) 40pts; Senior: John Smyth (20) 40pts CB; Junior: Oisin Scally (2) 37pts.

Men's Long Handicap

The North Midlands Credit Union Seniors Open took place on Thursday, July 16. The event was well supported, with some stunning scoring. Thanks to NMCU for sponsoring this event. Overall Winner: Damien Daly (10) 42pts; Cat 1 (0-14): Tommie Kelly (10) 41pts; Cat 2 (15-20): Jim Baker Snr (17) 38pts; Cat 3 (21-26): Kesavan Ravikumar (25) 37pts; Cat 4 (27+): Maurice Darley (V) (32) 41pts.

Men's Seniors - Weekly Competition Result

This nine-hole Stableford now runs as a competition from Monday to Friday throughout the summer. Once again, there was some excellent scoring. Winner: Denis Finn (12) 20pts; Runner-up: Michael Duffy (8) 20pts; Third: Jim Baker (9) 19pts. Thanks to all 39 who took part.

Prizegivings

There were two prizegivings this week. Firstly, the Long Handicap presentation was held on Thursday, July 16. This was a well-attended event with plenty of great banter and recognition of some excellent scoring and golf in the competitions. Prizes were presented for events sponsored by The Fish Market, Galvin’s for Men, Gilleran's Bar and JP Foy Menswear. Additionally, prizes were presented for President Frank McDonagh’s Prize to the Long Handicap and Vice Captain Leonard O’Mahony’s Prize to the Long Handicap. We are grateful to all of our sponsors.

Secondly, the men's branch held a prizegiving on Saturday, July 18. Prizes were presented for events sponsored by DJM Accountants, Joe Bracken and Sleator Kia/Midland Suzuki. Additionally, prizes were presented for Mr Vice-Captain Leonard O’Mahony’s Prize and the event sponsored by Tuesday Seniors. It was a lovely evening up at the club, with the sun streaming through the windows and the doors open to cool down the restaurant/bar area – such a change from the grey, rainy outlook we often have. Why is the grass turning brown? That's a new one on me!

Ladies

Despite the very warm and sunny conditions, 42 teams turned out in style for the Ladies' Open Fourball Betterball, kindly sponsored by the Fashion Shop. The course was in excellent condition, and the generous run on the ball contributed to some outstanding scoring throughout the day.

First place went to Pauline O’Hara (21) and Mary Carr (28) with a superb 47 points. In second were Suzanne Murtagh (26) and Regina Healy (17) on 45 points, followed by Cally O’Donovan (22) and Susan Hogan (43) in third with 44 points. Fourth place was claimed by Sarah Toomey (33) and Elaine Frayne (43).

An additional 37 ladies took part in the nine-hole Stableford competition. First nett went to Helen Hill (15) with an excellent 21 points, followed by Ruth Rooney (11) in second with 19 points. The Silver prize was claimed by Zita Graham (20) on 16 points.

Twenty-one men entered the men's nine-hole Stableford competition on the day, and the scoring was impressive throughout. First nett was claimed by Desmoney Toomey (14) with a superb 23 points, while second nett went to John Keanee (8) on 20 points.

Congratulations to all the winners and to everyone who played and contributed to the success of the day.

Inter-Club Results - All-Ireland Mixed Fourball v Esker Hills

Played in very warm conditions, the Charles's secured one home win and a half, courtesy of Bridie Shaw and Mick McCarthy. Our away pairings, meanwhile, were haunted by bad bounces and bunkers, and the outcome unfortunately did not go Mullingar's way.

Despite the result, the team spirit and camaraderie were outstanding, and valuable lessons were learned for next year. A big thank-you to Ann Hannon and Chris Garry for managing the team, and to Vice Captains Ann Marie Fagan and Leonard O’Mahony for their away support and encouragement.

Branch/Club Event Lookahead

Monday-Friday, July 20-24: Senior nine-hole Stableford; Wednesday, July 22: Ladies' 18-hole Singles Stableford, sponsored by Nuts & Grains; Friday, July 24: 18-hole Open Singles Stableford, sponsored by ORS, and Round 7 of the Egans Auctioneers Order of Merit; Friday, July 24: Nine & Dine, sponsored by Keenan Bauer Motors; Saturday/Sunday, July 25/26: Mr Captain Stephen Lyons' Prize to the Men – 18-hole strokeplay qualifying round, with the top 64 qualifying for the play-off on Sunday, August 9; Wednesday, July 29: Ladies' 18-hole Singles Stableford, sponsored by DJM Accountants; Friday, July 31: 18-hole Open Singles Stableford, sponsored by Pat & Paula Davitt and Family, and Round 8 of the Egans Auctioneers Order of Merit.

Inter-Club Lookahead - Men's: Duggan Cup quarter-final v Mt Temple, Saturday, July 25 (away), 3.40pm.

Ladies Branch

Lady Captain Jackie Mills sends her heartfelt thanks to everyone for making her Lady Captain’s Day such a wonderful and memorable occasion. The atmosphere throughout the day was electric and truly special. Jackie is deeply grateful for the generosity shown towards her chosen charity, the Irish Cancer Society Drivers Fund, which received over €2,000 in support.

She extends her sincere thanks to the club staff and the Ladies Branch Committee, whose hard work and dedication helped make the day so enjoyable. Jackie also wishes to thank everyone who played, baked goodies for the 10th, provided flowers, called to the club, sent cards and gifts, and contributed in any way to the success of the occasion.

Jackie’s family and friends were overwhelmed by the warm welcome they received from the club, and they were particularly impressed by the style and atmosphere at Sunday evening’s presentation.

Jackie sends her best wishes to all members for good golf, plenty of laughter and lots of fun in the months ahead.

Prizegiving will take place on Wednesday, July 29 at 9.00pm. Awards will be presented for the PGA Professional/PGA Tankard Corey Doherty, Specsavers Mullingar/Vision Ireland, the Fashion Shop and Charter Medical sponsored competitions. Please note that prizes for the Nuts & Grains and DJM accountant's competitions will be awarded later. All prize-winners are asked to attend or to arrange for a representative to collect their prize.

Mr President Frank McDonagh’s Prize to the Ladies, the fifth ladies’ major of the year, will take place as an 18-hole stroke play competition. It takes place on Wednesday August 5. In addition, there will be both a ladies’ and a men’s 9-hole singles Stableford competition available on the day. BRS opens on July 28 for bookings.

Ladies are reminded to mark Wednesday, September 9 in the diary for the Lady Captain’s Away Day in Birr Golf Club. A shotgun start and a lively, friendly atmosphere promise an enjoyable outing for all. Further details will follow closer to the date, but it is well worth noting now and looking forward to a great occasion both on and off the course.