Mahon leads field to capture Mr President’s Prize to Ladies in testing conditions

The final day of the 2026 Scratch Trophy, sponsored by WTECH, produced a thrilling conclusion as Ireland's leading amateur golfers battled over the final 36 holes on a beautifully presented Mullingar course.

Overnight leader Dylan Holmes of Greystones carried a commanding five-shot advantage into Monday after a sensational opening day that included three eagles and a 10-under-par total. Despite relentless pressure from a chasing pack led by Paul O'Hanlon, Holmes displayed remarkable composure throughout the day to claim the title with a superb 15-under-par total of 273.

O'Hanlon mounted an outstanding charge during the closing rounds, producing some of the best golf of the championship to narrow the gap and ensure an exciting finish. However, Holmes responded when it mattered most, showcasing the consistency, shot-making and mental resilience that made him the standout performer throughout the tournament.

There was also a strong local performance from Adam Smith, who continued his impressive form to during round 3 eagling the 1st and moving to -6 under after the first 4 holes within 3 of the leader Holmes, providing Mullingar supporters with plenty to cheer over the two days.

The 64th Scratch Trophy will be remembered not only for the exceptional golf but also for the atmosphere created by everyone involved. Players, volunteers, referees, officials, sponsors and club staff all played their part in delivering a championship that reflected the very best of amateur golf.

As another memorable chapter closes, the Mullingar Scratch Trophy continues to strengthen its reputation as one of Ireland's premier amateur championships, providing a fitting stage for the country's finest golfers and adding another deserving champion to its illustrious roll of honour.

2026 Mullingar Scratch Trophy – Final Leaderboard Top 4

1. Dylan Holmes, Greystones, 273 (-15); 2. Paul O'Hanlon, Carton House, 276 (-12); 3. Sean Keeling, Roganstown, 279 (-9); 4. Jake Foley, Elm Park, 281 (-7)

Junior Golf

Mullingar Golf Club’s 2026 Junior Summer Programme is now well into its stride, and has already proven one of the most successful on record. With three weeks still to run, the club is delighted to report exceptional participation, high-energy coaching, and tremendous enthusiasm from all age groups. A record 345 girls and boys have enrolled this year, ranging from eight years old to under-18s. Their commitment, progress and sheer enjoyment have brought great energy to the course and reflect the strength of junior golf within the club.

Coaching has been a major highlight, with the programme striking an ideal balance between instruction and on-course play. Under the guidance of club professional Corey Doherty and his two fellow professionals, juniors are receiving top-tier coaching and regularly putting their skills into practice, playing between six and eighteen holes depending on their level.

The enhanced Birdies Programme for 8- to ten-year-olds has been a standout success, offering young golfers a fun, friendly and engaging introduction to the fundamentals of the game.

With momentum strong heading into the final three weeks, several notable dates are approaching. On Tuesday, August 4, the Junior Golf President’s Prize was held, sponsored by Lady President Ann Fagan and Mr President Frank McDonagh. The results will be published next week. On Tuesday, August 11, the Lady Captain and Mr Captain’s Prize to the Juniors will be held, sponsored by Lady Captain Jackie Mills and Mr Captain Stephen Lyons. The Daly/Garry Cup for Juniors follows thereafter 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.

The latest promotions from the Junior Programme have been confirmed, with strong progress evident across all levels. In recent weeks, several Cadets advanced to 3B, including Joshua Dempsey, Seán Óg Donoghue, Louie Murtagh, and Fionn O’Donoghue. A large group moved from 3B to 3A, namely Liam Reddan, Daniel Smyth, Eddie Casey, Charlie Crone, Max Long, Daniel McCabe, Emmett Devine, and David Canning. Two players progressed from 3A to C2: Fionn Ledwith and Devin Reilly. Finally, advancing from C2 to 1B were Joseph Mulvey and Devin Pentony, marking an excellent step forward in their development.

Captain’s Mixed Foursomes – Club Major Friday Aug 7

The sun was shining and conditions were perfect for golf as the club hosted the Major Captain’s Mixed Foursomes competition, kindly sponsored by Lady Captain Jackie Mills and Mr Captain Stephen Lyons. A superb turnout of forty-four teams ensured fierce competition across the field, though the company and the laughs guaranteed memorable moments throughout the day. The event followed a shotgun start, with a BBQ and music afterwards adding to the atmosphere.

Paula and Patrick Jr Davitt (11) claimed an impressive victory with a net 68, while Finian and Rosemary Whelehan (14) finished close behind on net 71. The 2024 winners, Ted and Margaret Eighan (22), secured third place with net 71, followed by Mick McCarthy and Barbara Gilmartin (16) in fourth on net 72, and Mr President Frank McDonagh and Pauline O’Hara (21) in fifth with net 73.

Nearest the Pin prizes went to Miriam Finn for the ladies and Paul Whelan for the gents. The Longest Drive titles were won by Paula and Patrick Jr Davitt, completing a standout day for the mother and son duo.

The 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 School, a child-centred, evidence-based school committed to providing an optimal education for students with autism and additional complex needs. Members and guests are encouraged to begin assembling their teams for what promises to be a worthwhile and enjoyable occasion. The BRS timesheet is open for bookings and tee-times are filling quickly.

Senior Open- Monday August 24

The Senior Ladies and Gents Open Singles are on Monday, August 24, and are open to all golfers aged 55 and over. Ladies will play from the red tees, while men will play from the white tees. With the BRS timesheet now open, members and visitors are encouraged to secure their tee time promptly for what promises to be an enjoyable day of senior golf.

Club Classic- Sunday September 6

The annual Club Classic, kindly sponsored by the O’Brien Motor Group, is on Sunday, Sept 6. The event will be played as a team-of-four, with an entry fee of €260 per team. Each participant will receive a goodie bag, a burger after the 9th hole, and a main course following golf.

A wide range of prizes will be on offer, including Longest Drive (ladies and men), Nearest the Pin (ladies and men), along with several additional awards. Members and businesses seeking additional visibility are invited to sponsor a tee box for €150, which includes signage on the day. Contact the office to register your interest in tee box sponsorship.

With the BRS timesheet now open, teams are encouraged to book promptly for what promises to be one of the club’s most enjoyable and well supported annual events.

Hollow-tining and Fairway Sanding

The course will be closed on Monday and Tuesday, September 7 and 8, for hollow-tining and fairway sanding, weather permitting.

Competition Results

Men's Long Handicap

The Long Handicap competition (15 holes), sponsored by Nicholas Cooney, was played in pleasant conditions, with the course once again presented in fantastic shape. A strong field of 72 players took part, producing competitive scoring across all categories.

In Category 1, Seamus Clarke (17) topped the standings with 31 points, while Denis Shields (20) claimed Category 2 on 33 points. Category 3 was won by Des Toomey (26), who returned an excellent 34 points to secure his victory. Congratulations to all on a fine day’s golf.

Men's Competitions:

Mr Captain Stephen Lyons Prize to the Men

The final round of Mr Captain Stephen Lyons’ Prize to the Men was played in perfect conditions on Saturday, 8 August. With the course set in full Scratch Trophy condition, the stage was ideal for top-class scoring, and Alan Warde rose to the occasion. Playing off 12, he produced rounds of 68 and 61 for a superb total of 129, securing a commanding seven-shot victory.

The gross prize was claimed by Adam Smith (+2) with rounds of 76 and 64 for a total of 140. Michael Donnellan (16) finished runner-up on 136 after rounds of 69 and 67, while Mick McCarthy (15) took third place with 69 and 69 for 138. Kevin Daniels (15) followed with 72 and 69 for 141, Niall Conroy (17) posted 72 and 70 for 142, and Donald Bell (18) completed the top six with 65 and 78 for 145.

The senior prize went to Ciaran O’Keeffe (15) with rounds of 70 and 75 for 145. The Past Captain’s Prize was won by Frank Cotter (9) with 73 and 78 for 151, while the Past Captain’s Prize Winner was Alan Warde (12) with his outstanding 68 and 61 for 129. Arron Smith (14) took the First 18 with a 67, and John A. Ahern (11) secured the Second 18 with a 72. Colin Burke claimed the Longest Drive, and John Traynor took Nearest to the Pin.

Men’s 18 Hole Single Stableford Competition – Sunday August 9

The 18-Hole Singles Stableford competition, kindly sponsored by Conor Moore Sketches, was played in blustery conditions, though the testing weather did little to deter some outstanding scoring across the field. The course remained in superb condition throughout, allowing players to take advantage where they could.

Relaxed after his recent Captain’s Prize final, Mr Captain Stephen Lyons (11) produced the best score of the day with an excellent 42 points. The gross prize was secured by David Tynan (1), who returned a fine 35 gross points.

Category 1 was won by Hon Secretary Kieran McGurran (8) with 39 points, while Brian McGinley (14) topped Category 2 on 39 points. In Category 3, Brian Curran (25) also posted 39 points to claim the honours.

The Senior prize went to Dan Grehan (12) with 39 points, winning on countback, and the Junior winner was Harry Tilson (8), who returned a strong 37 points.

Men’s Senior Competition

The 9-hole Stableford, now running as a competition from Monday to Friday throughout the summer, continues to attract strong weekly participation. This week’s Seniors results will be published next week.

Ladies Competition – Mr President Frank McDonagh’s Prize to the Ladies

Despite a few rain showers and windy conditions, the ladies turned out in excellent numbers to support Mr President Frank McDonagh in his Prize to the Ladies. A total of 94 entered the 18-hole stroke competition, with Liz Mahon (27) taking first place on an impressive nett 72. Emma Earley (36) claimed second with a nett 71, while the gross prize went to Aideen Kelleghan (7) with 82 gross. Third prize was won by Emma Donoghue (43) with a nett 73, and Jill Hegarty (27) secured fourth also with a nett 73.

Category prizes were well contested, with Marion Bate (15) winning Cat 1 on 75 nett, Regina Healy (20) taking Cat 2 with 74 nett, Pauline O’Hara (23) topping Cat 3 with 77 nett, and Catherine Weir (30) winning Cat 4 with 74 nett. The Silver prize was awarded to Celine Whitelaw (28) with a 74 nett.

In the special prizes, Carmel Monaghan (40) won the Front 9 with 33 nett, while Nula Lynam (20) claimed the Back 9 with 35 nett. Karen Shaw produced the longest drive, and Dorothy O’Keeffe was nearest to the pin.

A further thirty-four ladies entered the 9-hole Stableford competition, with Mary J. McCormack (16) taking first nett on 19 points. Zita Graham (20) finished second with 18 points, while the Silver prize was won by Miriam Finn (20) with 16 points.

The men’s 9-hole competition attracted twenty-four entries, with Des Toomey (14) claiming first prize on an excellent 23 points. Frank Cotter (4) secured second place with 19 points, and John Wims (14) also finished on 19 points to take third.

Congratulations to all the winners, and to everyone who took part and helped make the day truly special for Mr President.