Leinster Fourball V Deerpark

On a damp and humid day on the peninsula, our Leinster Fourball team took on our near neighbours, Deer Park, on 29th May, with two teams playing on our hallowed turf and another two playing up the hill.

Our away team was comprised of Justin Ray/Martin Griffin and Mark Banahan/Jonathan Quinn.

The Deer Park team had two club veterans, whose short games were sublime. This was immediately evident, when despite hitting 2 great drives and approach shots, our first team of Justin and Martin lost the first hole, to great 'up and downs' by Deer Park. This match continued in a 'cat and mouse' fashion throughout the day, with Deer Park leading by 1 for much of it. However, holes 12-15 saw Sutton exert their superiority and close out the match with some great 'clutch putting'. All 4 players were putting for birdie on the 15th hole, a measure of the standard overall.

Mark and Jonathan led from the start, winning the first hole. And as the match progressed, so too did their lead and they led by 3 for much of the match. Despite many challenges, they didn't let Deer Park into the match, halving 5 holes with par scores - much to the frustration of their opposition! Their approach shots and putting were excellent and like their teammates in match 1, they were 'dormie' and had no need to play the final holes.

At home, our first team out was the seasoned pair of Bryan Coughlan and Dan O’Grady who we trusted to get us into an early lead. It didn’t quite work out that way and Deer Park were one ahead after two. However, on the third, we were back to level with Bryan reaching the green in two mightly blows to set up an easy win. However, the two Deer Park boys dug in again and regained the lead with some precise iron play and the odd fortunate putt. 

However, a win on the ninth by Dan saw us turn all square. A great (but oddly constructed!) par by Dan on the 10th saw us go ahead for the first time and we never relinquished that lead, moving 2 up after 16. With good news elsewhere, hands were shook on the 17th green.

The second home pair out, Johnny Lappin and Greg Creevey, saw themselves two down after 7 holes, their Deer Park opponents grinding out some good pars in the teeming rain.  However spirits remained high and we were confident they would turn things around and boy, did they do that.  A stunning patch of golf, with both Johnny and Greg contributing in equal measure saw them reel off 6 holes on the trot to establish a commanding lead coming out from Connor’s field. In particular, Greg’s wonderful 6 iron to the front of green on the 13th broke Deer Park’s resolve.

 With a tap in par on the 15th, the game was won and we headed to the comforts of the bar to celebrate.

 Thanks to all the supporters who walked with the lads - it makes a big difference to have so many there and is definitely worth a hole or two. Our thanks must go to Deer Park for their hospitality up the hill and for the spirit in which the matches were played.  We have been drawn against Baltray in the next round which will be another challenge but one that the squad is looking forward to.

A great putt by Justin to turn the tide on the back 9 in Deerpark

Home team

Away team

3 Inter-Club debutantes, with Captain Larry!