There’s a great chance that Owen Nolan has created a bit of Castleisland Members’ Golf Club history.
In fact, put like that, he certainly has. This year, Owen has won both the captain’s and the president’s prizes – and, as the ‘members’ club’ has been in existence for only a few years, he has indeed done the business.
Founded in 2002
Castleisland Golf Club was founded in 2002 after the construction of the course in Tulligubeen.
In the very early days of 2015 the set-up was changed to the members’ club structure under which it operates today.
Anyway, Owen Nolan is a member of the club since 2012 and this year he’s burning up the course in earnest on his handicap of 14.
A Handful of Sundays
Only a handful of Sundays apart, Owen captured Denis O’Sullivan’s Captain’s Prize and, more recently, he did likewise on the occasion of Patsy Sweeney’s President’s Prize.
“I started playing a few rounds of golf with my brother in law Tim O’Donoghue – who now claims to be my coach – back in late 2011,” said Owen.
“Then my wife Mary got me a Christmas present of membership of Castleisland Golf Club and I’m here since.
Pitch & Putt Player
“When I was younger, going back 30 years or more, I played pitch and putt at the local club in Castleisland and really enjoyed it.
“I have represented the golf club in different competitions like the Dr. Billy O’Sullivan Shield and the Pierse Purcell Shield for the last two years.
“It’s nice to get the opportunity to represent the club in different competitions,” Owen continued.
Golfer of the Year 2017
Also a member of Castleisland Desmonds Golf Society, Owen won golfer of the year in 2017 – so his 2018 rise didn’t come so completely out of the blue.
“This year I went to the Irish Open at Ballyliffin in County Donegal and it was a great experience to see the professionals up close
Great Golf Course
“It’s good to have such a great golf course with dedicated staff and members in Castleisland. It’s very important that this course is kept open and supported by the locals going forward.
“I feel it’s a great honour to have won both the captain’s and president’s prizes this year,” said Owen in conclusion.
Marian’s Memorable Golfing Year
Patsy Sweeney’s President’s Prize was played on the Castleisland course on September 9th. And while Owen Nolan was making his bit of club history, ladies club member, Marian Kerrisk was also playing her own way to a memorable golfing year.
Marian won the ladies competition on Mr. Sweeney’s big day. This was little more than a couple of weeks after she was part of the club’s Noreen Moore Trophy winning team which defeated Ballybunion in a gripping,19th hole decider on the North Kerry links course.
Castleisland Members’ Golf Club information can be had with a click on the link here: www.castleislandgc.com
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