President’s Prize Preview

Michael Flynn is Collinstown’s President for 2013. Michael, formerly of Lough Owel is now a member of Collinstown for many years and is labeled by most as a true club man. He is a soft spoken gentleman who pours his heart into Collinstown Pitch and Putt. For many years now Michael has taken it upon himself to sponsor all prizes for our club outing every year. He also donated the magnificent “Michael Flynn Claret Jug” to the club a number of years back and this trophy has become one of the most sought after trophies in the club in the years since. Michael also sponsors the prizes for that competition. On top of the numerous sponsorship he has given, Michael has been an active member of the Collinstown committee for a number of years now and it was no surprise when he was elected President at last year’s AGM.

So with the President’s Prize weekend arriving next weekend, it is fitting that we do a small preview of the event. No doubt Michael’s prizes will be of the highest quality and there will be numerous players in contention to win.  Top of the list of potential winners has to be last year’s winner and course specialist Liam Buckley. Liam has dominated in Collinstown in recent years and will be there or there abouts again come Sunday evening. Previous to last year, Martin Carter had won an unprecedented 3 in a row in this competition so no doubt the hunger will be there to regain his title. Rene Bloem, currently Westmeath’s highest ranked player and definitely the player in form at the moment won’t be far away either. Other senior players such as Michael Buckley, John Browne, Larry McGinn, Alan Hanlon and Peter Dolan will all have an outside shout at honours too over the weekend.

From the higher handicap players, you would have to consider Stephen Ruane as a threat as he came so close last year and eventually took the runners-up spot. Another contender will be Stewie Tarleton whose game has shot forward thanks to a change of club in mid-season last year. Clive Byrne will also be knocking on the door as he looks to kick start his season. The Middleton brothers, Garry and Maurice will be a threat too as will the hugely improved Mick Scally. Other names that could have a chance of silverware are Kevin Farrell and Mick Heffernan as well as the ever enthusiastic George Carolan. No doubt the weekend could yet spring a surprise and another name could come from the pack but I’m betting the winner will come from one of the above.

In the Ladies, Its hard to see beyond the superb Liz Bloem. Liz is back playing this year after taking a small break last year and is playing as well as ever. The rest of the Ladies will put up a battle but really if Liz plays to anywhere near her best then she won’t be beaten. Challenges to Liz will probably come from Anne Kelly and Ena Clinton who are playing the best Pitch and Putt of the rest at the moment.

Play commences at 2 pm Friday and will run to dusk. We resume at 10 am Saturday morning again through to dusk. Sunday sees a 10 am kick off again with last card being written at 5 pm Sunday evening. It promises to be a wonderful weekend of Pitch and Putt and we hope to see all our members participate at some stage over the weekend

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