Solheim Cup 2011

Dear Club Member The 2011 Solheim Cup is being played at Killeen Castle in September and we have been invited by Alison Nicholas, European Team Captain to support her Team. This is going to be a truly wonderful sporting event and a great opportunity for Ireland. As members of an Irish Golf Club we have been given the opportunity to purchase tickets to the 12th staging of the tournament where the best players from America and Europe will battle it out for the coveted Solheim Cup. Please find attached details of the ticket options together with the added benefits attached to each ticket type. This exclusive offer is available to members in the months of March and April. Members looking to purchase tickets should obtain a form from the office and return the completed form to me. If you have any queries in relation to the tickets or the benefits package please feel free to contact me. Let's support Europe! Yours in golf, NAME OF THE CLUB AMBASSADOR - Mary Keane MOBILE NUMBER - 0872403720

Mens Golf Update 28/03/11

The finals of the Bianconi Spring League shall take place on Sunday next and the first Tee is reserved for the finals from 8.15 to 10.45. The timetable for the matches is as follows: 8.30am Bianconi League Final Team F [ James Long Captain] against Team G [David Marmion] 9.15am 3rd/4th place playoffs Team I [ Denis Griffen ] against Team D [Tim Collins ] 10.00am Plate Final Team E [ Chris Riordan ] against Team A [ Peter Fleming ] There is no Ladies Competition scheduled for next Sunday so for those not involved in the Bianconi Finals we are running a Sweep Stableford Competition. Members playing before 8.15 should only play in twos Prize presentation shall take place following completion of the League finals [ approx. 2.00pm] and details of the various winners are as follow 9th January singles 1st Pat O’Mahony 2nd Kieran Foley 16th January – 2 man scramble 1st David Marmion and Batty Foley 2nd Val Broderick and Peter Fleming 23rd January – Fourball 1st James McEnery and Tim Collins 13th February 2 man scramble 1st John Galvin and Tom Pickersgill 63 2nd Tim Collins and Enda Courtayne 65 26th/27th February Fourball 1st John Houlihan and Jim Yeates 44 2nd Aidan Gannon and John Noonan 44 17th-19th March – Invitational Fourball 1st John Houlihan and Brian Fitzgerald 2nd John Cahalan and JJ O’Connor 20th March Medal 1st John Griffin 2nd Donal Brosnan 3rd John Houlihan We would ask that all Prize Winners try and attend the Presentation. Please ensure that you are entered for the Club Singles and Fourball Championships as entries are closing shortly. The Entry Sheets are on the Notice Board in the Club. Payments for the Away weekend should be sent to Brian Hurley by Saturday next the 2nd of April. Practice for the Pierce Purcell team commences at 5.30 next the 31st March followed by a short meeting. Managers John Galvin and Pat O’Riordan request that all 12- 18 handicap Members interested in playing try and attend the initial practice session and meeting to be advised of the plans for the Team Panel. Best wishes The Mens Golf Committee

Ladies Golf Update 28/03/11

Dooks Golf Club Ladies Results Maeve Keane - Sunday 20th March 2011 1st - Ciara O'Sullivan (33) - 4 up 2nd - Helen Aherne (16) - 3 down (back 9) 3rd - Anna Galvin (30) - 3 down Cat A - Catherine O'Donoghue (16) - 12 down Cat B - Sheelagh Yeates (22) - 4 down Cat C - Nuala Curran(27) - 5 down ************************************************* Cahillane Meats - 27th March 2011 1st - Catherine Doyle (11) / Agnes Burns (22) / Chris O'Connor (35) - Nett 66.2 2nd - Marguerita Mulcahy (15) / Ann Mangan (22) / Betty Griffin (36) - Nett 68.7 3rd - Ogie O'Sullivan (7) / Margaret A. O'Sullivan (26) / Adrienne O'Sullivan (36) - Nett 69.1

New York Visitors

Dooks Golf Club this weekend welcomed Patrick & Billy [Pictured Right] from New York, who visited Ireland this weekend for the first time.

Local Rule Update 25/03/11

A player who finds his ball on the Fairway may;

Mark the position of the golf ball on the fairway.

Lift the golf ball.

Clean the golf ball.

Replace the golf ball within 6 inches of its original position not nearer the hole.


This rule will be in place until further notice.

Mens Golf Update - 24th of March 2011

Results from last week are as follows;

St Patricks Holiday Invitational Fourball
1st John Houlihan [6] and Brian Fitzgerald [13] 45pts
2nd John Cahalane [15] and John J O’Connor [13] 44 pts

Spring Medal
1st John Griffin [Vice-Captain][13] 66
2nd Donal Brosnan [12] 66 [ lost on back nine]
3rd John Houlihan [6] 69

This weekend we have the semi finals of the Bianconi Spring League with 24 matches scheduled to take place with the first match teeing off at 7.45.and the last at around 10.45. Best of luck to all 8 teams involved . For those not involved and wishing to play on Sunday the only times available are from 1.00 pm onwards as the 1st tee is reserved for the Ladies competition between 11.00am and 1.00 pm.

Which Golf Society in Mid Kerry has the best men’s golf team? We will hopefully find out the answer on Easter Saturday when Dooks Golf Club will host a match [ which we hope will be an annual event] between all the Golf Societies in mid Kerry for the Mid Kerry Golf Societies Shield. Each Society shall be represented by a team of 10 and the format shall be Fourball Better Ball Stableford. The best 3 scores per team shall count save in the case of a tie when the 4th team score shall also apply, The cost per team is €250 or €25 per player. If you are a member of a Society in mid Kerry please get in contact with the Societies Captain to ensure that your Society is entered, The Closing date for entry is the 11th April and Application forms can be obtained from Brian Hurley.

Good News . We are back playing on the fairways [with placing ] this weekend..
Please get your bookings and payments to Brian Hurley for the Away weekend within the next 7 days as we must have numbers finalised by then. If you have any queries please contact the Captain, John Griffin or Peter McLaughlin.

Finally please note that the Entry sheet for the Club Championship Singles is now on the Board as is the Entry sheet for the Paddy Hennessey Four ball Championships. Entries close on the 4th April.

The Men’s Golf Committee

Ladies Newsletter - March 2011

We wish Catherine Doyle our new Lady Captain and the Ladies of the Committee a very enjoyable year.

2011 got off to a flying start with the Kingston/Carry Out winter League. 36 Ladies took part with 6 teams of 6. There were some great matches and the final took place between Helen Aherne’s team and Delia Foley’s team with Helen coming to the fore. Helen’s Ladies were Elaine Loughnane, Brenda Brick, Renee Clifford, Mary Griffin and Delores Sweeney.
CRL OIL Competition was held on the 10th March - 15 hole stableford. Congratulations to Anna Galvin who was 1st with 33 points h’cap 33. 2nd was Joan Harmon h’cap 13 with 31 points and 3rd was Jane Hickie h’cap 35 with 31 points. Cat. A Catherine O’Donoghue, Cat B Kitty Scott and Cat. C Deirdre Galvin.

We had no competition on the 13th March and our next Competition is Sunday 20th March – Maeve Keane – Beauty Within which is our first 18 hole Competition 18 holes V Par and also Golfer of the Year.

On Sunday the 27th March we have a 3 person Scramble. There will be a draw for partners with High, Medium and Low handicaps playing together and each team member will take 4 drives. This is being sponsored by Cahillane Meats.

The presentations for all the above Competitions will take place on the 27th March at 5.30. If you feature in any of these Competitions do please attend.

This year our outing is to Castlemartyr Golf Club on the Saturday the 2nd April. All players travelling please have their monies in by the 21st March. This year our sponsors are Quinlan’s Fish Shop. We look forward to a lovely stay in Castlemartyr.

10th April is the Fexco Easter Hamper 18 hole stroke G.O.Y. Time sheet 11 to 12 and 1 to 2 pm/. Note split time.

Congrats to our Junior Captains Anna Galvin and John O’Shea. John and Anna enjoy
your year.

The AA Matches will be starting in a few weeks so girls do get out and start practicing and playing. The draws are up in the Ladies Locker Room


In the meantime HAPPY GOLFING.

R&A / USGA Joint Statement March 2011

R&A / USGA Joint Statement on Electronic Devices, Including Distance-Measuring DevicesIntroduction

As the governing authorities for the Rules of Golf, R&A Rules Limited (“The R&A”) and the United States Golf Association (“USGA”) issued a ‘Joint Statement of Principles’ on the Rules concerning golf equipment in May 2002. These principles continue to be relevant to the game and have proved invaluable in guiding the governing authorities’ actions since their publication seven years ago.

Since that time, the effects of advancing equipment technology on the playing of the game have spread beyond golf clubs and golf balls to electronic devices, especially distancemeasuring devices. The R&A and USGA are aware that this subject has attracted wideranging comment and a number of conflicting views. History has proved that it is difficult, if not impossible, to foresee the developments in golf-related equipment which advancing technology will deliver. It is of the greatest importance to golf’s continuing appeal that such advances are judged against clearly articulated principles that are designed to preserve the integrity of the sport.

Distance Information
In an historical context, the game has seen progressive developments in the means by which distance information is available to golfers. From the days when selecting a club was a matter of human judgement, the use of yardage books and hole location sheets and reference to oncourse markings has increased significantly. Most recently, the use of distance-measuring devices has become more widespread.

The R&A and USGA first allowed the use of distance-measuring devices in January 2006. Prior to this, while the use of yardage books was allowed, the use of distance-measuring devices was prohibited by Rule 14-3. The change introduced in 2006 permitted the committee in charge of a competition or course to introduce a Local Rule allowing distancemeasuring devices. A very important proviso of this permission is that the device must measure distance only; it must not measure other conditions such as wind speed or direction, the slope of the ground or the temperature.

The Rules and their Purpose
While accepting this development in the provision of distance information, The R&A and USGA will remain vigilant when considering the Rules on distance-measuring devices. As with the equipment Rules, the purpose of these Rules is to protect golf’s best traditions, to prevent an over-reliance on technological advances rather than skill, and to ensure that skill is the dominant element of success throughout the game. Permitting the use of a measuring device to provide the same information that can be obtained through use of a yardage book or on-course markings is not considered to diminish the skill level required to play the game.
The R&A and USGA believe that the current practice of allowing distance-measuring devices by Local Rule remains appropriate. In the current circumstances, The R&A and USGA are not advocating that this practice should be changed and neither The R&A nor USGA plan to introduce the Local Rule at any of their championships.

A Clarification of the Rules
The emergence of multi-functional devices that can provide additional information to golfers (that could, for example, further help the golfer to determine how to make his next stroke or that could otherwise affect his playing of the game) is a relatively new development. For the avoidance of doubt, the governing bodies do not believe that it is necessary or appropriate for the Rules of Golf to allow all such devices. The following points clarify how the Rules will be applied:

1. Distance-measuring devices (i.e. devices whose primary function is to measure distance) may continue to be used only if the Local Rule is in effect.

2. When the Local Rule is in effect, distance-measuring devices must be limited to measuring distance only. The use of a distance-measuring device would constitute a breach of the Rules if:
•The device has the capability of gauging or measuring other conditions that might affect play (e.g. wind speed, gradient, temperature, etc), or; •The device has some other non-conforming feature, including, but not limited to, recommendations that might assist the player in making a stroke or in his play, such as club selection, type of shot to be played (e.g. punch shot, pitch and run, etc.), or green reading (i.e. a recommended line of putt), or other advice-related matters. However, it is permissible to use such a device, during a stipulated round, to access distance information from previous rounds that has been processed prior to the commencement of the current round (e.g. a chart of all club yardages), or; •The device has the capability to assist in calculating the effective distance between two points (i.e. distance after considering gradient, wind speed and/or direction, temperature or other environmental factors). There would be a breach of the Rules even if all of the above features can be switched off or disengaged, and in fact are switched off or disengaged.

3. Multi-functional devices such as mobile phones, PDAs, etc (i.e. devices that are primarily communication devices, but which may have other potential uses) may be used as follows:
•The device may be used for any non-golfing purpose (e.g. as a communication tool to phone, text or email), subject to any club / course regulations and the Rules on accessing advice-related matters – see Decision 14-3/16. •When the Local Rule is in effect, a distance-measuring application may be used, provided the specific application is restricted to “distance only” and the device does not have any other “non-conforming” features. This is the case even if these other features are not being used. As above, the Rules on advice-related communications (including the use of the internet) still apply.

Conclusion
The R&A and USGA have no intention to permit the use of electronic devices to go beyond the current Rules and interpretations. This means that distance-measuring devices and applications will be limited to distance information only. If a device that is being used for distance-measuring purposes has any additional features, all such features must conform to the Rules of Golf.
All manufacturers of distance-measuring products are encouraged to submit their devices or applications to the appropriate governing body for a ruling.

Distance Measuring Devices, with David Rickman, Director of Rules and Equipment Standards
From the days when selecting a club was done by “eye”, we have progressed through yardage books, a development often attributed to Jack Nicklaus, distance markers at the sides of fairways and distances on sprinkler heads, to a point where electronic distance-measuring devices, have become quite common in certain areas of the world.
In November 2009, The R&A and the USGA issued a ‘Joint Statement’ on electronic devices, including distance-measuring devices, to clarify how the Rules are applied in relation to these devices. See the full Joint Statement here.
Most of the questions that we receive in connection with the Joint Statement relate to distance measuring devices, and some of the most common questions, along with the answers, are provided below.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. Can I use a distance measuring device in a competition?
A. The use of distance measuring devices during a stipulated round remains contrary to the Rules of Golf – the penalty being disqualification under Rule 14-3 (Artificial Devices, Unusual Equipment and Unusual Use of Equipment). However, since January 2006, a Committee can permit the use of some such devices via a Local Rule.

Q. What kind of distance measuring devices are allowed by Local Rule?
A. GPS, laser, any really; however, it is important that the device only measures distance. The use of a distance-measuring device that is designed to gauge or measure other conditions that might affect a player's play, like gradient, wind speed or temperature, is not permitted, regardless of whether such an additional function is used or not, and even if that function is disabled.

Q. What about multi-functional devices, such as a mobile phone, with a distance measuring application?
A. On the course, subject to any club or course regulations, a multi-functional device may be used to phone, text or email – provided the purpose is not a breach of the Rules, e.g. you are not asking for advice.
When an application that measures distance has been downloaded to the device, the application must be restricted to providing only distance information in order to conform to the Local Rule. If there are any other features or applications on the phone that gauge or measure other conditions that might affect a player’s play, such as a temperature gauge, compass or anemometer, this would render the device non-conforming regardless of whether these other features or applications are used or not.

Q. What should the Local Rule permitting distance measuring devices say?
A. The wording of the recommended Local Rule (Appendix I, Part B, 9) reads as follows:
"Distance-Measuring Devices:
[Specify as appropriate, e.g., In this competition, or For all play at this course, etc.], a player may obtain distance information by using a device that measures distance only. If, during a stipulated round, a player uses a distance-measuring device that is designed to gauge or measure other conditions that might affect his play (e.g., gradient, wind speed, temperature, etc.), the player is in breach of Rule 14-3, for which the penalty is disqualification, regardless of whether any such additional function is actually used."

Q. Why not simply allow distance measuring devices without the need for a Local Rule?
A. The advent of distance-measuring devices and their use in the game divides opinion at many levels. Many golfers are fans of these devices as they feel it puts them on a level footing with tournament professionals who have caddies providing distance information, whilst others will argue that there is no place for such technology in the game. As such, it was, and remains, appropriate to allow individual clubs and Committees to decide what is right for them, their competitions and their players.

Q. If a Club has in place the Local Rule permitting distance measuring devices and an external body, the national golf association, for example, is running an event there, does that mean that distance measuring devices are automatically allowed in that national event?
A. No. It is the responsibility of the national golf association to establish its own Local Rules for the event. Those Local Rules supersede what the Club has in place on a day to day basis.

Q. Does The R&A permit distance measuring devices at events like The Open Championship or The Amateur Championship?
A. No, it doesn’t, but ultimately it is for each individual Committee to decide whether it wants to allow the use of such devices for play on its course or in certain of its competitions. In the absence of a Local Rule, the use of such a device is contrary to the Rules of Golf, so always check the Local Rules!

Q. If the Local Rule for distance measuring devices is in place, may players share a distance measuring device?
A. Yes…although it is important that players sharing devices do not unduly delay play.

Q. Is there a List of Distance Measuring Devices telling players which products conform to the Local Rule and which do not?
A. No……but watch this space!

Mens Golf Update 21/03/11 - Spring Medal

Spring Medal

1st Place:John J Griffin (Hcp: 13) (Gross: 79) (Nett Score: 66)
2nd Place:Donal Brosnan (Hcp: 12) (Gross: 78) (Nett Score: 66)
3rd Place:John Houlihan (Hcp: 6) (Gross: 75) (Nett Score: 69) Best Gross.

ST PATRICKS WEEKEND INVITATIONAL FOURBALL

1st Place: John Houlihan (6) Brian Fitzgerald (13) 45 Points
2nd Place: John Cahillane (15) John J O'Connor (13) 44 Points
3rd Place: John Houlihan (6) Jim Yeates (21) 43 Points

Ladies Golf Update 21/03/11

ST PATRICKS DAY -18 HOLE STABLEFORD

1st Place: Ciara O Sullivan (33) 41 Points
2nd Place: Ursula Mc Sweeney (32) 37 Points
3rd Place: Bridie Fitzgerald (18) 36 Points

Mens Golf Update 17/03/11

We completed the final qualifying round of the Bianconi Spring League at the weekend and the details of the semi finals to be played on Sunday the 27th of March are as follows
First match to start at 7.45

Team I [ 1st ] Denis Griffen, Pat Riordan,Paddy Griffen,Paudie Hickey,Jimmy O’Shea and Jimmy O’Neill Play against
Team G [ 4th] David Marmion’ Peter McLaughlin,Fergus O’Connor.Pat O’Neill,Jim Guiry and Vincent Devlin.

Second match to start at 8.30
Team F [ 2nd] James Long Captain,Kieran Foley,Seamus Shaughnessy, Joe Long,Michael Shaughnessy and John Long play against
Team D [3rd] Tim Collins, Aidan O’Shea,James McEnery,John O,Shea,JohnJO’Connor and Jason Mckenna

The first match in the Plate starts at 9.15 and is between Team E Chris Riordan [5th] against Team L John Galvin [8th].The second match in the Plate starts at 10.00 and is between Team B Batty Foley [6th] and Team A Peter Fleming [7th]

There are some changes to the usual rules of the Competition If a member of a team is unavailable then he may be substituted for one match The substitute must have a handicap within 3 of the person he is replacing eg a team member witha handicap of 15 must be replaced by a substitute with a handicap between 12 and 18. Only one Substitute is allowed per Team and the Substitute can not have played on any other team in the competition. Secondly each Team decides their own order of play and the Captains of each team exchange team order sheets immediatly prior to their particular match. Finally in the event of a tie in any of the Matches the winner will be the Team that has the total greater winning margins in games won . If there is still a tie then the winner of the sixth game in the Match will be the decider.

The first of the representative Teams in action this year will be the Pierce Purcell which starts on the weekend of the 7th /8th May. John Galvin and Pat Riordan [post] have kindly agreed to act as managers this year and have many years of experiance of Pierce Purcell between them and we wish them luck and our support .If you would like to be included in the Panel and your handicap was not lower than 12 in 2010 then contact John at 0872256986. Panel practice and matches will be commencing shortly.

A decision has been made by the Committee to authorise the use of Distance Measuring Devices [ that comply with the GUI specification]in competitions. Before commencement the Course will have to be “ mapped ” which will take about 4 weeks or so . We will let you know when this has been completed and when the Devices may start to be used in competitions.
This week we have an Invitational Open Fourball running on the 17th,18th and 19th. Sunday the 2oth is a Medal stroke competition . Please note that the 1st Tee is reserved for Ladies competitions between 11.00 and 1.00

In relation to the Away Trip [15th/16th April to Monkstown & Fota] Please send in your bookings and payment [ €200] to Brian Hurley as soon as you can as we wish to confirm numbers with the Hotel and Courses.

Have a great St Patricks holiday weekend

Distance Measuring Devices

Distance Measuring Devices

Distance Measuring Devices are now permitted under local rule, in all GUI run events, including all provincial and national Championships and all Cups and Shields events, both at provincial and national level.

When a GUI event is held at a golf club - the GUI Local Rules and Tournament Conditions take precedence over the Club Local Rules.

Dooks Golf Club now wishes to permit Distance Measuring Devices in their own competitions.

A Distance Measuring Device must only measure distance. If a player uses a device that is designed to gauge or measure other conditions that might affect his play, the player is in breach of Rule 14-3, regardless of whether any such function is used. Therefore Dooks Golf Club urges every member to be careful when purchasing a Devise and asks that they ensure that their Distance Measuring Devices complies fully with the GUI specification.

Conditions for all events.

"A player may obtain distance information by using a device that measures distance only. If during a stipulated round, a player uses a distance-measuring device that is designed to gauge or measure other conditions that might affect his play (e.g. gradient, wind speed, temperature etc.) the player is in breach of Rule 14-3, for which the penalty is disqualification, regardless of whether any such additional function is actually used."


Passed by the Club Committee on the 15/03/11

Happy 65th Birthday to Denis Diggins

Last Friday on the 11th of March, Denis Diggins along with members of the course staff helped Denis to celebrate his 65th birthday. Denis Diggins has worked in Dooks Golf Club for just over 25 years. Thank you Denis for all your hard work and effort.

The "Tower"

The "Tower" in Rossbeigh has fallen after many years of being a landmark on the beach in Rossbeigh.

Ladies Golf Update 07/03/11

CRL Oil 15 Hole Competition 6th March 2011

1st – Anna Galvin (33) - 33 pts.
2nd – Joan Harmon (13) - 31 pts. (back 3)
3rd – Jane Hickie (35)- 31 pts. (back 9)
Cat A – Catherine O’Donoghue (16) - 30 pts.
Cat B – Kitty Scott (22) - 31 pts.
Cat C – Deirdre Galvin (30) - 28 pts.

Presentation: Sunday 27th March.
Fixtures: St. Patricks Day Ladies Invitation Singles 18 Hole Play anytime check with office.
Sunday 20th: Maeve Keane Singles 18 Hole V Par.