Spring has sprung so that can only mean one thing – it’s the time to get your priorities right. So in honour of the good weather, now is the occasion to close the books, leave the office, and get on the golf course.
Against the backdrop of Padraig Harrington’s recent win on the PGA tour at the Honda Classic, the MBA Golf Society picked up the mantle and kicked off this years schedule with its additional members, some of whom are seasoned golfers, as well a few novices. Nursing wounded livers from the recent MBA trip to China and South Africa, a dozen hardy souls from the current class, and recently graduated execs, gathered post-eclipse at Luttrellstown Golf Course.
After getting warmed up with Golfers Grill the foursomes headed out to try and hit some birdies. MBAs are nothing if not optimistic, but James Keane managed to live up the high expectations. He rolled in his birdie putt on the undulating green of the 15th after stitching it to claim the nearest the pin prize for Group 3.
His play made up for Andrew Bacon – a GUI member no less – who on occasion got confused with the pesky rules of golf. Red and Yellow stakes were the main source of his confusion. Meanwhile Edel’s brain was too much for the 11 men’s brawn on the long drive competition on the 9th, as she skillfully threaded the ball into the short grass to claim long drive.
Elsewhere, in preparation for the Closest to the Pin comp on the 15th hole, one group saw the Par 3 13th hole as a perfect opportunity to practice. All four – Allan Brownlee, John Halpin, Niall Randles and Alan Bermingham – attacked the pin on Hole 13 par 3 and each landed within 15 feet from the pin. A temporary halt as then called to play while John Halpin took a photo to record the momentous group endeavour. Applause rang out over the golf course – much to the confusion of all non-MBA players on the course – as the group believed great fortunes lay ahead. Sadly they peaked too soon and could dream of what might have been. Optimism wasn’t enough to carry them through and only two managed to land on the green for the actual Closest to the Pin comp on the 15th hole.
Meanwhile George Gilliland – dressed in his best borrowed clothes (thanks to Enda Power) – survived his first round of golf unscathed, despite a run-in with some swans on the 11th hole. The swans, who were minding their own business, were nearly taken out with a golf ball hit by the man from Monaghan.
In the end, as with all MBA assignments Allan Brownlee was first past the post, with a score of 36. He pipped Joe McMenamin to the title by just one point. It was all in the name of fun – although when you get a competitive bunch of MBAers together, it’s difficult not to have to some healthy debate about handicaps. Questions were raised about the dubious nature of the ratings, but diplomacy ruled and a new list of handicaps is being compiled for the next event. We all await it with bated breath.
The only disappointment of the day was the lack of alcohol at the nineteenth hole afterwards. Hadn’t they being warned that that a bunch of students would be playing on the day? And that we had a prize giving ceremony to partake in? We’ll be sure to forewarn them next time to have the bar well stocked and ready to serve.
The newly expanded committee of seven members are continuing to work on this years schedule which will culminate at Clontarf GC for Captain Steve Kelly’s day out on September 4th. But golfers – experienced and new members – are all encouraged to sign up for the earlier events, with the next outing taking place on April 18th at Portmarnock Hotel Golf Links.
http://www.ucdsmurfitgolf.ie/Schedule_2015.html
MBA Golf Society Committee