Irish defend Celtic Cup
The Irish travel industry golf team defended the Celtic Cup last week, defeating the UK by eight and half points to three and a half points over two days of four-ball match play.
The Victors
Played on magnificent courses overlooking Swansea Bay in South Wales, the greater skill of the men in green proved too much for an improved UK team effort.
After last year’s famous green wash in Ireland any points were going to be an improvement and so it proved, as the duck was broken on the first day at the links like Machynys Peninsula Golf Club.
The day ended with the team in white trailing by two points to four. Star of the Irish was Clem Walshe of LocalMarketing.ie, whose low ball flight trajectory and accurate putting proved far too good for his opponents.
The Machynys Club was a true test of seaside golf with high rough, hard fairways, fast greens and fierce winds. It also proved to be a real success with the competitors as they enjoyed excellent post-match cuisine, matched only by the magnificent views over a sun-kissed series of grass topped sand dunes to the surf topped sea.
The Course (Machynys)
Day two was to be no less of a challenge at Langland Bay G.C., which is set in splendid parkland edging the coast. High winds were once again present, together with a variety of elevated tees and greens.
Star of the day for the Irish was Martin Skelly, who has also represented Mexico, as he consistently outdrove and outscored his single figure handicap rivals. Special mention also must be made of Paul Verhaak and David Giles of Team UK who, after a last putt half on the eighteenth green, remained undefeated. Despite this valiant effort the mood of the UK team was only matched by the colour of their second day shirts.
The Vanquished
Celebrations of the Irish victory lasted long into the night with both teams joining in the festivities, rejoicing in two great days of golf and many years of friendship.
UK team shirts were sponsored by The Countryside of Philadelphia. UK balls ( or lack of them) were provided by GEC Ltd
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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