Mullingar Scratch Trophy is highlight of year

Mullingar Golf Club notes

The highlight of the club’s year is up, as preparations for the 2026 Wtech Mullingar Scratch Trophy are finalised. The event once again draws top-quality amateurs from across Ireland and beyond, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the championship.

Sponsored by Wtech, the 64th edition of one of Ireland’s most prestigious amateur tournaments on August 2 and 3, is the first Scratch Trophy contested on the newly renovated Mullingar Golf Course.

This week has seen the buzz around the competition beginning to build. Captain Stephen Lyons was on Midlands 103 talking about the history of the event, its importance and its relevance.

Padraig Harrington shared a video referring to his participation and victory in the Scratch Trophy in 1994. Preparations are advanced for the transformation of the clubhouse to support this prestigious tournament and provide an elite experience for those taking part.

Since its inception in 1963, the Mullingar Scratch Trophy has been a proving ground for many of Ireland’s finest players, including Darren Clarke, Pádraig Harrington, Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry. This August, ninety elite amateurs will once again compete for one of the most coveted titles in Irish golf.

A proud tradition, a transformed course and a strong partnership with Wtech combine to promise a memorable championship weekend. Whether a committed golfer, a local supporter or a visitor from further afield, all are warmly invited to join Mullingar Golf Club for what is expected to be an unforgettable Bank Holiday occasion.

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

Junior Golf

The sixth week of the junior programme took place on Tuesday July 21. We welcomed our largest group yet, and in total more than 150 juniors participated, supported by approximately fifty volunteers throughout the day. The summer programme is streamed, and several juniors have progressed through the ranks in recent weeks.

Our juniors had a treat this week with Liam Grehan, who is now a professional playing in South Africa, returning to his roots where his golfing career began in the junior programme in Mullingar. Liam delivered some coaching and did a Q&A with the juniors. Many thanks, Liam.

Cadets to 3b – Michael O’Sullivan, Jack Maguire, Evan Smyth. 3a to 2 – Stephen Smyth, Jack Tyrell, Mel Bohan, Adam O’Donoghue. 2 to 1b – Amy Lucas.

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

Several notable dates are approaching. On Tuesday, August 4, the Junior Golf President’s Prize will be held, sponsored by Lady President Ann Fagan and Mr President Frank McDonagh.

Tuesday August 11 features the Lady Captain and Mr Captain’s Prize to the Juniors, sponsored by Lady Captain Jackie Mills and Mr Captain Stephen Lyons. The Daly/Gerry Cup for Juniors follows on August 18, and on August 25 the Junior Golf Play in Pink will take place in honour of the National Breast Cancer Research Institute.

Bunker Care and Course Presentation

A considerable investment has been made in the bunkers at Mullingar Golf Club, and members’ cooperation in helping to maintain them is greatly appreciated. Taking a few extra moments to rake a bunker correctly is a simple courtesy that significantly enhances the enjoyment of the course for all players.

As part of the club’s ongoing bunker improvement programme, the traditional rakes have recently been replaced with Gun Barrel rakes, following recommendations from course consultants DAR Golf. These rakes are designed to level sand more efficiently while displacing less material, reducing the tendency for sand to be dragged towards the back edges of bunkers.

Members are also reminded to repair their pitch marks on the greens and, where possible, to repair any additional marks they notice. Small actions such as these play an important role in preserving the excellent condition of the course.

Round 7 of the Order of Merit with Seventh Open Singles Stableford — July 24

Fine weather and a generous run on the ball produced excellent scoring in Friday’s Open Singles competition, kindly sponsored by ORS on July 24. A superb turnout, too — 104 players from 26 different clubs took on the challenge.

In the Ladies section, Sarah Xiao (Powerscourt GC) (24) led the way with an impressive 43 points, while Lady President Ann Fagan (19) followed closely as runner-up on 42 points.

The Gross prize was claimed by Eoin O’Carroll (St Anne’s GC), returning a superb 41 gross points off his -2 handicap.

In the Gents section, Kesavan Ravikumar (25) secured victory with a stunning 43 points, including two four-pointers in the first two holes (!), and Andrew Flynn (11) finished runner-up on 42 points.

The Order of Merit, kindly sponsored by Egan Auctioneers, stretches across twelve weeks, with each Friday’s Open Singles contributing to the overall standings.

In the Gross standings, the leaderboard shows Oisin Scally out in front on 350 points, followed by Ross McKinley and David Tynan, level on 300 points. Kylan Heffernan sits close behind on 280 points, with Tadhg Connell completing the top five on 200 points. In the Nett standings, Alison O’Neill leads impressively with 465 points, ahead of John Bagnall on 390 points and David Tynan on 325 points, with Paula Davitt and Oisin Scally level on 320 points.

Nine and Dine – Friday July 24

Fine weather and a generous run on the ball made for a brilliant atmosphere at the third Nine & Dine of the season, kindly sponsored by Keenan Bauer Motors. The format was a four-person waltz, followed by a tasty meal that added to the evening’s enjoyment.

The fantastic scoring continued, with Alan Mills, Hon. Treasurer David Murphy, Mary Morrissey and Josephine Purcell returning an excellent 50 points to take first place. Close behind on 46 points were Jackie Mills, Barbara Gilmartin, Louise McGonagle and Mary Gillen, securing the runners-up position.

The next Nine & Dine will take place on Friday August 28.

Club Prizegiving – Wednesday July 29

The club’s prizegiving will take place on Wednesday, July 29 at 9pm. In the Ladies Branch, prizes will be presented for the PGA Corey Doherty, Specsavers/Vision Ireland, The Fashion Shop and Nuts & Grains competitions.

For the Men’s Branch, awards will be made for the Lady Captain Jackie Mills Prize to the Men and the Lady President Ann Fagan Prize to the Men.

The Committee of Management will also present prizes for the 18-hole Open Singles, kindly sponsored by Charter Medical Private Hospital.

All prizewinners are asked to attend or to arrange for a representative to collect their prize.

Round 8 of the Order of Merit with Eighth Open Singles Stableford

Today Friday July 31, the eighth 18-hole Open Singles Stableford competition took place at Mullingar Golf Club, kindly sponsored by Pat and Paula Davitt and Family. The event runs alongside Round Eight of the Order of Merit, supported by Egan Auctioneers.

The Order of Merit extends across 12 weeks, and each Friday’s Open Singles contributes 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 forecast currently looking favourable and the course in excellent condition, it’s an ideal opportunity to get out on the fairways and experience the course in full Scratch Trophy condition. Tee times can be booked through BRS or by contacting the office or pro shop.

Captain’s Mixed Foursomes – Club Major Friday,August 7

Friday August 7 will see the staging of the Captain’s Mixed Foursomes, one of the club’s key summer majors, beginning with a shotgun start at 2.30 PM. 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 twenty scores on their Golf Ireland scoring record, including a minimum of five qualifying rounds returned in Mullingar over the past twelve 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 post-round music from DJ Chris ‘Searg’ Geraghty. Those not participating in the golf are warmly invited to join the BBQ for €15, offering great food and even better company.

The Captain’s Mixed Foursomes remains one of the club’s most popular summer events, making it the perfect opportunity to team up for an enjoyable afternoon of mixed golf. Bookings can be made through BRS from July 30.

Captain’s Open Charity Day – Saturday August 22

The Captains’ Open Charity Day will take place on Saturday, August 22, and will be played as a team-of-four event in aid of Saplings. Members are asked to note the date and begin assembling their teams for what promises to be a worthwhile and enjoyable occasion.

Competition Results - Men

Mr Captain Stephen Lyons’ Prize to the Men qualifying round took place over the weekend.

The leading contenders going into the 48-man play-off on Saturday, August 8 are Don Bell 65; Aaron Smith 67; Liam Lynam 67; Niall O’Dowd 67; Alan Warde 68; Brendan McEvoy 68; Michael Donnellan 69; Pat Curran 69; Mick McCarthy 69; Dan Grehan 69. In the Gross Stakes the leading qualifiers are Gareth Carr 74; David Tynan 75; Adam Smith 76; Simon Carr 77. Nearest the Pin was John Traynor, while the Longest Drive was won by Colin Burke.

ECN Player of the Year standings through July 12: Tim Moorhead 690; Andrew Flynn 655; Brian McGinley 595; Noel Murphy 580; Joe Dolan 575; Kieran McGurran 560; Niall Conroy 450; John A. Ahern 450; Peadar Conlon 450; Damien Hand 450.

Men's Long Handicap: A 15-hole Stableford, sponsored by DJM Accountants, took place in great conditions on Thursday, July 23. Winners were: Category 1 (15-19), Declan Brennan (18) 36pts; Category 2 (20-24), Joseph Bracken (20) 35pts; Category 3 (25+), Pat O’Rourke (27) 34pts.

Men's Seniors: This nine-hole Stableford now runs as a competition from Monday to Friday throughout the summer, and once again there was some excellent scoring. Patrick Reynolds (10) won with 22pts; Denis Finn (12) was runner-up with 21pts; Pat O’Rourke (13) finished third with 20pts. The competition attracted its highest participation of the summer so far, with 60 players taking part.

Ladies Competition – Sponsored by Nuts & Grains: The fine weather and advantageous run on the ball continued on Wednesday for the Ladies competition, kindly sponsored by Nuts & Grains. Scoring was excellent throughout the day, with 70 ladies taking part.

Celine Whitelaw (31) produced an outstanding 44 points to claim first place, followed by Kathleen McKeon (34) in second with 41 points. The Gross prize went to Helen Moorhead (18) with 21 gross points. Category winners were Dorothy O’Keeffe (17) with 37 points in Category 1, Norma Mullen (21) with 37 points in Category 2, Patricia Gardner (26) with 40 points in Category 3 and Lillie Donoghue (28) with 37 points in Category 4. The Silver prize was won by Rosemary Nolan (33) on 34 points, while Maeve Donnelly (23) secured the Back 9 with 23 points.

A further 38 ladies competed in the nine-hole event, where Harriette O’Neill (24) topped the standings with an excellent 26 points. Ann Brady (21) finished second on 24 points, and the Silver prize went to Zita Graham (20) with 22 points. Congratulations to all the winners and to everyone who played and contributed to the success of the day.

A side note — Lady Captain Jackie Mills unleashed a superb 280-yard drive on the 4th hole on Wednesday. Any lady who bettered that distance can claim a sleeve of balls.

Inter-Club Results - Men

Duggan Cup v Mt Temple, quarter-final. Mullingar progressed to the semi-finals in a hard-fought but great-spirited match. Mt Temple won their two home matches comfortably, while in Mullingar McCarthy/Dolan, Shaw/Hepburn and McGurran/Caffrey all triumphed. It was great to have the support out on the course on Saturday to help cheer the team home. Onwards now to the semi-final in Edenderry on August 30.

Branch/Club Event Lookahead

Sunday and Monday, August 2 and 3: Mullingar Scratch Trophy; Wednesday, August 5: Ladies Mr President Frank McDonagh’s Prize to the Ladies; Friday, August 7: Captain’s Mixed Foursomes – Strokeplay; Saturday, August 8: Men’s Mr Captain Stephen Lyons’ Prize to the Men, Top 48 Play-off – 18-hole Strokeplay; Sunday, August 9: Men’s 18-hole Stableford Competition, sponsored by Conor Moore.

Inter-Club Lookahead

Men: Duggan Cup semi-final v Old Conna or Beech Park at Edenderry on August 30.

Mullingar Ladies Branch Notes - Prizegiving

Prizegiving will take place on Wednesday, July 29 at 9.00 PM. In the Ladies Branch, prizes will be presented for the PGA Corey Doherty, Specsavers/Vision Ireland, The Fashion Shop and Nuts & Grains competitions. All prizewinners are asked to attend or to arrange for a representative to collect their prize.

Mr President's Prize to the Ladies

Mr President Frank McDonagh’s Prize to the Ladies, the fifth ladies’ major of the season, will be played as an 18-hole stroke-play competition. In addition, both a ladies’ and a men’s nine-hole Singles Stableford will be available on the day. Bookings open on July 28 through BRS.

Lady Captain’s Away Day

Ladies are reminded to note Wednesday September 9 in their diaries for the Lady Captain’s Away Day in Birr Golf Club. A shotgun start and the promise of a lively, friendly atmosphere should make for an enjoyable outing for all. Further details will be issued nearer the date, but it is well worth marking the calendar now and looking forward to a great occasion both on and off the course.