Junior Cup v Dundalk
Sutton off to a winning start against the reigning champions.
Having reached the Quarter Finals last year, the Sutton Junior Cup squad got their 2025 campaign up and running with a fine victory against reigning North Leinster Champions Dundalk. With a plethora of low handicap players and many returning from last year’s campaign they presented a mighty challenge, but Sutton were not found wanting in winning the match 3-2!
The entire squad had prepared meticulously and with an ever-increasing depth of talent at the lower handicap levels some tough selection calls had to be made with a number of the successful campaigners from last year missing out. What a great headache for the Team Management and testament to each of them that they either caddied in the match or came down to support in person.
Leading out at home was newly engaged Ben Logan and the good vibes continued as he took early control of his match and kept the foot down all the way, eventually winning comfortably 4up on the 15th hole. Dylan Flanagan was next out and like Ben took early command of his match reaching the turn 4up and despite a minor speed wobble on 13 and 14 finished his match 4up after 16.
Meanwhile in Dundalk, the away pair of Luke O’Reilly and Chris Loh (in his debut for the club) faced a mighty task with both of their opponents unbeaten in Dundalk’s successful run last year. They put up brave fights, but local knowledge proved key and Dundalk won both points. Conservative estimates put each of the Dundalk players under par for the holes played, an amazing standard of golf.
The anchor match at home featured experienced campaigner Paddy Lennon who started well and also took a healthy 3up lead into the back 9. However, his opponent fought back and the match was finely balanced 1up to Paddy on the 17th tee.
The substantial crowd were then treated to some classic match play drama and WhatsApp almost crashed with the level of on course reporting, much of it fake news! Paddy pushed his drive right – “on the beach” said some, others were sure he was fine – cue a stampede of supporters in search of the ball which thankfully was easily found and well in play (the culprit who caused all the panic will be reprimanded accordingly). Meanwhile the Dundalk man stopped inches from the last fairway bunker on the right but facing a tricky shot in a strong downwind left his approach short in the “not greenside but beside the 9th tee” bunker – surely it needs a name (“Dundalk’s Waterloo” perhaps?). From here he could only advance to the front edge but lagged a nice putt to 4 feet.
Meanwhile Paddy and his novice caddy (DFH Jnr) having finally agreed on a line over the 9th tee box were also just short but in only two shots …… Paddy tested 15 different wedges with practice swings before finally settling on his 60 degree and played what can only be described as a world class pitch to 3 feet. Dundalk holed for bogey before Paddy calmly rolled in his par putt to secure a famous victory.
Make no mistake, this was a significant win for Sutton against exceptionally strong opponents and augurs well for the challenges ahead. However, golf is a fickle friend and there will be no complacency ahead of the next match versus Balcarrick.
Huge thanks to all of the caddies and supporters who came down on the day and also to the bar and restaurant staff who looked after everyone so well. Our course was presented immaculately by the greenkeeping staff and rightly praised by the opposition who were very gracious in what must have been a gutting defeat.
Sutton Junior Cup Team V Dundalk