Royal County Down Golf Club V Dublin University Golf Society
Venue: Royal County Down
Date: 30th April 2022
Match Captain DUGS: Paddy McElligott
Match Captain Opposition: Jeremy Hill (Captain RCD)
Match Format: Morning Foursomes / Afternoon Fourball
Results
Morning
1. J Hill & D Wheeler 2/1 V P Myerscough & P McElligott
2. J Toner & A Sharky 2/1 V P Spicer & M Minch
3. N Moorhead & D Gomes 1up V A Hopkins & M McElligott
4. K McCaw & K Lowry V J Myerscough & N O’Connor 5/3
5. D Kearney & B Flemming 2/1 V J Osborne & S Bolger
6. R Flood & P Keane 1up V C Neill & A Bryce
Afternoon
1. J Hill & D Kearney 4/3 V M Minch & J Myerscough
2. D Wheeler & R Flood V P Spicer & M McElligott 8/6
3. K Lowry & D Gomes 5/4 V J Osborne & A Bryce
4. B Flemming & J Sharky 4/3 V A Hopkins & P Myerscough
5. J Toner & N Moorhead 3/2 V S Bolger & P McElligott
6. K McCaw & P Keane V C Neill & N O’Connor 2/1
Result: RCD 9 – 3 DUGS
Match Report
A warm welcome from the members of RCD contributed to a special atmosphere, which prevailed throughout the weekend.
Proceedings began, with the RCD Captain (Jeremy Hill) & Hon Sec (Dougie Wheeler) hosting an informal lunch for DUGS at the RCD clubhouse on Friday. Lunch was followed by a very enjoyable practice round, on what was a beautiful sunny afternoon.
DUGS convened for dinner in the Burrendale that evening, not allowing the prospect of a 36 hole match the following day to temper high spirits and revelry. An intimate and enjoyable evening was had, as the DUGS team re-bonded following the lengthy periods of lock-down.
The teams gathered Saturday morning at the RCD clubhouse, enjoying breakfast (and Bloody Marys). The Myerscoughs, to the great amusement of their team mates, disclosed in some detail a disturbed night’s sleep owing a country cousin wedding at their lodgings.
The foursomes matches commenced at 9am. The weather was fair, with light moisture, but little wind. The RCD Captain hit the opening shot, but having only made a fractional connection, was offered a “Mulligan” by his DUGS opponents Myerscough & McElligott. Despite this early hiccup, RCD meant business, and having been on the losing side for the previous 3 fixtures, took a commanding lead of the morning session.
Facing a hopeless golfing situation at the half-way stage, DUGS embraced the lunchtime hospitality with vigour, joining the Saturday “Hat” lunch for what was a memorable occasion. A special meal was had, washed down with excellent French wines.
The afternoon fourballs were somewhat better for DUGS, but the outcome was once again an RCD session victory. On the DUGS side, Niall O’Connor’s golf was a highlight, taking a point from both his matches.
A black-tie dinner at the RCD clubhouse followed. This was another magnificent occasion, with the full grandeur and generosity of RCD on display. Dinner was followed by speeches, with DUGS recalling the history behind the establishment of the fixture, noting that the match was 65 years in the running. Equally, DUGS expressed sincere gratitude for the warm welcome and kindness of the RCD members, undertaking to reciprocate at the return fixture at Portmarnock in 2024.
Retiring to the bar, both teams put the excellent RCD catering team to full occupancy until closing, which caped a fabulous weekend.
Paddy McElligott
Match Manager