Clubs count the cost of the 'big freeze'

Times Sport Golf Correspondent John Breadon spoke to Portstewart Golf Club manager Michael Moss about what effect the big freeze has had on the local golf scene.

“The recent falls of snow have made the country picture perfect, pleased the kids with sleigh rides and school closures but not those who have to make journeys and especially those involved in the leisure industry,” said Michael.

“Here at Portstewart business has suffered during a prolonged spell with the courses either closed or on temporary greens. All over the Christmas period with families all itching to get out on the links the course remained closed. Societies who had booked their Christmas outings on the Riverside and Town courses were forced to cancel.

“With golfers not about both bar and catering revenues fell accordingly in what is usually a bumper period. Moreover with the weather so bad and travel difficult many opted to simply stay at home.”

Meanwhile there was a full programme at the weekend and at Portrush on Saturday, Eddie Cassells playing off fifteen was the winner of the stableford sweep with 42 points. Eddie had 23 points out which included a ding at the third hole and 19 points back. Jock Boyle (9) was runner up with 41 points from Dougie Hanna, third with 40 points. Eamon McCotter (7) was next with 39 points.

At Bushfoot on Saturday it was week three of the John Freeman Memorial, and Alwyn McAuley (12) pipped Nelson Calvin (14) also with 41 points in the low section and in the high section Ken Lyttle (21) was the winner with a fine 44 points from Ken McCausland (25) with 42 points. On Sunday it was week three of the Fleming Cup and in first place was Stevie Glass (12) with 40 points from Danny Sloan (16) with 38 points on a countback from Robert McLaughlin (14) also with 38 points.

At Castlerock, the Winter League is in week two and the early leaders are DC S Pink Fish with a total of 276 points from Walking Wounded with 270 points and the Choir Boys are currently third with 263 points. All to play for.

At Portstewart there was a stableford competition over sixteen holes ad S Gillespie (18) with a great score of 40 points was the winner from K McWilliams (13) with 38 points. On Sunday at Rathmore ninety nine played in the PGA Tankard and it was ex-Ballymena and Coleraine rugby star Derek Williamson with 41 points who pipped Chris Langford on a countback. Colin Walker was third with 39 points and Ian Kettyle won the gross with 70.

Golf Diary

RPGC – Monthly Stableford

Bushfoot – John Freeman Memorial week 4 Saturday, Fleming Cup week 4 Sunday

Portstewart – Stableford

Castlerock - Winter League week 3

Rathmore - Gerry Ramage Memorial