Captains' Update Easter 2020
Dear Members,
This is an Easter like never before. Every member of our club has been impacted by Covid 19. We hope that you and your families have remained well both physically and psychologically in these extraordinary times.
Like every golf club on this island, Dunfanaghy is experiencing very significant financial difficulties. Indeed, many of you will aware that some clubs in Ireland have already folded. At this Easter weekend, unfortunately only 57% of members have renewed their membership. Unless this changes, the club will risk insolvency by the end of the year. If 75% of members renew their membership, at a conservative estimate, the club will be overdrawn by approximately €70,000 by December.
We are working very hard behind the scenes to find solutions. In particular we would like to express our gratitude to David and Daphne Tease for their tireless work. To date, we have reduced staff costs to a minimum, sought government subsidies for green-keepers’ wages, we are exploring grants through a government support scheme and have approached the bank to defer loan payments for 3 months.
Unfortunately our much heralded spend on new buggies, clubhouse renovations, course development and new greens mower for Paul have had to be put on hold. However, on a more positive note the Committee has decided to relax the rules regarding the social levy. When the club reopens the levy can be used for competition entry and purchases within the shop.
To those of you who have already renewed your membership, we thank you sincerely for supporting your club. Obviously during lockdown, we can’t rely on society or green-fee revenue as we normally would and therefore our only source of income is membership subscriptions. For those who have not had an opportunity to renew, we recognise that these have been extremely difficult times financially but your club needs you. The survival of Dunfanaghy Golf Club depends on you.
Mary, who is no longer on the payroll, continues to give her services voluntarily to the club such is her dedication. She will be available in the office on Easter Tuesday from 10am to 1pm to take telephone payments. Alternatively payment can be made by internet banking as follows: IBAN: IE77AIBK93732054566043 BIC: AIBKIE2D (If you are paying over the internet please remember to add your name in the reference section so we know who has paid).
This is your club. Let’s keep it alive
Stay safe and keep well over Easter
Bill and Paula McCallion
Captain and Lady captain
This is an Easter like never before. Every member of our club has been impacted by Covid 19. We hope that you and your families have remained well both physically and psychologically in these extraordinary times.
Like every golf club on this island, Dunfanaghy is experiencing very significant financial difficulties. Indeed, many of you will aware that some clubs in Ireland have already folded. At this Easter weekend, unfortunately only 57% of members have renewed their membership. Unless this changes, the club will risk insolvency by the end of the year. If 75% of members renew their membership, at a conservative estimate, the club will be overdrawn by approximately €70,000 by December.
We are working very hard behind the scenes to find solutions. In particular we would like to express our gratitude to David and Daphne Tease for their tireless work. To date, we have reduced staff costs to a minimum, sought government subsidies for green-keepers’ wages, we are exploring grants through a government support scheme and have approached the bank to defer loan payments for 3 months.
Unfortunately our much heralded spend on new buggies, clubhouse renovations, course development and new greens mower for Paul have had to be put on hold. However, on a more positive note the Committee has decided to relax the rules regarding the social levy. When the club reopens the levy can be used for competition entry and purchases within the shop.
To those of you who have already renewed your membership, we thank you sincerely for supporting your club. Obviously during lockdown, we can’t rely on society or green-fee revenue as we normally would and therefore our only source of income is membership subscriptions. For those who have not had an opportunity to renew, we recognise that these have been extremely difficult times financially but your club needs you. The survival of Dunfanaghy Golf Club depends on you.
Mary, who is no longer on the payroll, continues to give her services voluntarily to the club such is her dedication. She will be available in the office on Easter Tuesday from 10am to 1pm to take telephone payments. Alternatively payment can be made by internet banking as follows: IBAN: IE77AIBK93732054566043 BIC: AIBKIE2D (If you are paying over the internet please remember to add your name in the reference section so we know who has paid).
This is your club. Let’s keep it alive
Stay safe and keep well over Easter
Bill and Paula McCallion
Captain and Lady captain
Captains' Update March 2020
Dear Members
We are delighted to announce that new caterers will be starting in the club next month. “Michael Angelo” have established themselves in Portnoo Golf Club 2 years ago and quickly developed a reputation for producing quality food. We look forward to welcoming Michael and Angelo to Dunfanaghy in April.
To facilitate our new caterers, some remedial works will be required to the kitchen area. This will cause some disruption to the left side of the bar area as a new hatch into the kitchen will be opened. We will also be extending the kitchen wash-up area at the rear. This will require extending into the ladies’ changing room. We would like to apologize to our lady members for the inconvenience and thank them for their understanding.
We would like to thank those members who have already paid their membership fees. This greatly enhances the Club’s financial position. We would remind those members who have not yet had an opportunity to pay that the deadline for membership subscriptions is 31st March 2020.
We continue to encourage lady members who have not yet renewed their membership to consider becoming full (or “ordinary”) members of the club. This will give ladies a much greater say in all aspects of running our club and is entirely in keeping with the ethos of “Golf Ireland”. Changes to membership categories were made at the Ordinary Members AGM in December 2019 with the addition of some new categories. This may have caused some confusion. To help clarify, we attach a table of all membership categories and subscription rates for your ease of reference. If you have any further queries in this regard, please ask Mary or either captain and we would be happy to help.
Please note that “GolfSure” insurance is mandatory at Dunfanaghy Golf Club. Your current GolfSure policy runs out on 31st March.
For those members who pay their Golfsure insurance through another club, we would be very grateful if you could provide Mary with proof of payment from your home club.
We all look forward to the start of a great golfing season at Dunfanaghy.
Yours in golf
Bill & Paula McCallion
Captains
We are delighted to announce that new caterers will be starting in the club next month. “Michael Angelo” have established themselves in Portnoo Golf Club 2 years ago and quickly developed a reputation for producing quality food. We look forward to welcoming Michael and Angelo to Dunfanaghy in April.
To facilitate our new caterers, some remedial works will be required to the kitchen area. This will cause some disruption to the left side of the bar area as a new hatch into the kitchen will be opened. We will also be extending the kitchen wash-up area at the rear. This will require extending into the ladies’ changing room. We would like to apologize to our lady members for the inconvenience and thank them for their understanding.
We would like to thank those members who have already paid their membership fees. This greatly enhances the Club’s financial position. We would remind those members who have not yet had an opportunity to pay that the deadline for membership subscriptions is 31st March 2020.
We continue to encourage lady members who have not yet renewed their membership to consider becoming full (or “ordinary”) members of the club. This will give ladies a much greater say in all aspects of running our club and is entirely in keeping with the ethos of “Golf Ireland”. Changes to membership categories were made at the Ordinary Members AGM in December 2019 with the addition of some new categories. This may have caused some confusion. To help clarify, we attach a table of all membership categories and subscription rates for your ease of reference. If you have any further queries in this regard, please ask Mary or either captain and we would be happy to help.
Please note that “GolfSure” insurance is mandatory at Dunfanaghy Golf Club. Your current GolfSure policy runs out on 31st March.
For those members who pay their Golfsure insurance through another club, we would be very grateful if you could provide Mary with proof of payment from your home club.
We all look forward to the start of a great golfing season at Dunfanaghy.
Yours in golf
Bill & Paula McCallion
Captains
Captains' Update July 2019
Dear Member,
Half of our year as Captains has slipped by already, so we thought it worthwhile to bring members up to date with Club activities.
Firstly we must thank our hardworking Committees for their skills and dedication to ensure that our Club is running so successfully. We have continued to invest in our infrastructure and we should be proud of the quality of our Course, our Clubhouse and the professionalism of all our staff. Achieving the above quality comes at a cost and the Club has for several years been running at a deficit. One priority this year is to improve our cash situation by increasing efficiencies where possible. We have modified Green fees for visitors, adjusted prizes for competitions and franchised our catering. We hope that these initiatives will have the support of members.
On a broader basis we have had exciting proposals from McGinley Golf Course Design which would enable us to increase our Course to a par 70 !! Paul's opinion is that Links Courses are in short supply so an investment now will increase visitors and Green fees (maybe not €2-300 some Clubs are getting!) Paul visited us at Easter and we got his report last week (see email) The first part of this details essential work which we must carry out on the 18th fairway and 15th tee box, in order to comply with Health and Safety regulations.
We have got planning permission for the Golf Academy. News re: our Grant application for this project is imminent. If successful, and with the generosity of the McGinley family, we can bring this fantastic asset to Dunfanaghy!
We have been looking at the merits of the recommendations of the GUI of One Club Golf. Members, of course, will have to decide on this. We have had " 9 holes" ratified by the GUI, i.e, holes 1, 3, and 12-18. We hope to introduce " 9 and dine" golf for all members perhaps 5 or 6 PM on Fridays ! New members, juniors etc will be able to play 9 holes at agreed times and qualify for a handicap. This we hope, will encourage new members!
Finally, can we congratulate our juniors, James, Luke and Darcy, for winning Ulster under 14 and under 16 titles and getting selected for representative honours! A first for the Club, we think, and great credit to their families. We would like members to consider Paul's proposals as these can only be implemented if agreed by the majority! To help with your thoughts, have a walk out past the 6th Green to where the new Green might be. It could be the signature hole in Donegal!
Regards,
John McKendry/Robyn McConnell Captains 2019
Half of our year as Captains has slipped by already, so we thought it worthwhile to bring members up to date with Club activities.
Firstly we must thank our hardworking Committees for their skills and dedication to ensure that our Club is running so successfully. We have continued to invest in our infrastructure and we should be proud of the quality of our Course, our Clubhouse and the professionalism of all our staff. Achieving the above quality comes at a cost and the Club has for several years been running at a deficit. One priority this year is to improve our cash situation by increasing efficiencies where possible. We have modified Green fees for visitors, adjusted prizes for competitions and franchised our catering. We hope that these initiatives will have the support of members.
On a broader basis we have had exciting proposals from McGinley Golf Course Design which would enable us to increase our Course to a par 70 !! Paul's opinion is that Links Courses are in short supply so an investment now will increase visitors and Green fees (maybe not €2-300 some Clubs are getting!) Paul visited us at Easter and we got his report last week (see email) The first part of this details essential work which we must carry out on the 18th fairway and 15th tee box, in order to comply with Health and Safety regulations.
We have got planning permission for the Golf Academy. News re: our Grant application for this project is imminent. If successful, and with the generosity of the McGinley family, we can bring this fantastic asset to Dunfanaghy!
We have been looking at the merits of the recommendations of the GUI of One Club Golf. Members, of course, will have to decide on this. We have had " 9 holes" ratified by the GUI, i.e, holes 1, 3, and 12-18. We hope to introduce " 9 and dine" golf for all members perhaps 5 or 6 PM on Fridays ! New members, juniors etc will be able to play 9 holes at agreed times and qualify for a handicap. This we hope, will encourage new members!
Finally, can we congratulate our juniors, James, Luke and Darcy, for winning Ulster under 14 and under 16 titles and getting selected for representative honours! A first for the Club, we think, and great credit to their families. We would like members to consider Paul's proposals as these can only be implemented if agreed by the majority! To help with your thoughts, have a walk out past the 6th Green to where the new Green might be. It could be the signature hole in Donegal!
Regards,
John McKendry/Robyn McConnell Captains 2019
Open Week 2019
Dear Member
Our open week commences on Thursday the 25th July and runs until Sunday the 4thAugust. This year we have a great mixture of competitions open to both Ladies and Gents. We also have some juvenile competitions for our young golfers to enjoy. Our open week is always well supported so hopefully this year will be no different. We would be grateful if you could spread the word to all your golfing friends and as always if any of you are in a position to sponsor a day or a tee box for the week it would be very much appreciated. Let’s hope the sun shines and we get bumper crowds to support our openweek.
Our open week commences on Thursday the 25th July and runs until Sunday the 4thAugust. This year we have a great mixture of competitions open to both Ladies and Gents. We also have some juvenile competitions for our young golfers to enjoy. Our open week is always well supported so hopefully this year will be no different. We would be grateful if you could spread the word to all your golfing friends and as always if any of you are in a position to sponsor a day or a tee box for the week it would be very much appreciated. Let’s hope the sun shines and we get bumper crowds to support our openweek.
Members' Update 15th June 2019
Dear Members
On behalf of Lady Captain Robyn and myself, we would like to thank all members who supported our very popular Pro-Am last weekend. We had 49 teams with Professionals and competitors from all over Ireland...a great profiling for our Club and for for all of the Dunfanaghy area.
It was especially pleasing that one of our own teams won the competition! Ably led by our esteemed treasurer Jim and supported by his brother Patrick, Johnny McClintock and Pro Ciaran Molloy they amassed a mighty score of 183 points!! ( I'm reliably informed this score was only achieved because of their pre tournament preparation and Jim's eagle at the 18th.!!)
Special thanks must go to Mary and her team for all their preparatory work and ensuring that the weekend ran smoothly.
There was nothing but praise for Sarah and the kitchen and bar staff...two very long days!!
Once again Paul Mcginley and his team presented a magnificent golf course! From the course being parched and burnt a few weeks ago to inclement weather right up to the weekend, they did an amazing job !!
Well done to you all !!
Regards
Captain John & Lady Captain Robyn
On behalf of Lady Captain Robyn and myself, we would like to thank all members who supported our very popular Pro-Am last weekend. We had 49 teams with Professionals and competitors from all over Ireland...a great profiling for our Club and for for all of the Dunfanaghy area.
It was especially pleasing that one of our own teams won the competition! Ably led by our esteemed treasurer Jim and supported by his brother Patrick, Johnny McClintock and Pro Ciaran Molloy they amassed a mighty score of 183 points!! ( I'm reliably informed this score was only achieved because of their pre tournament preparation and Jim's eagle at the 18th.!!)
Special thanks must go to Mary and her team for all their preparatory work and ensuring that the weekend ran smoothly.
There was nothing but praise for Sarah and the kitchen and bar staff...two very long days!!
Once again Paul Mcginley and his team presented a magnificent golf course! From the course being parched and burnt a few weeks ago to inclement weather right up to the weekend, they did an amazing job !!
Well done to you all !!
Regards
Captain John & Lady Captain Robyn
Members' Update 2nd January 2019
Dear Member
New Captains Robyn and John would like to wish you all a happy and healthy 2019.
It has certainly been a resounding start for us with a wonderful turnout for Captains Drive In on Sunday combined with fantastic weather and fantastic scoring !
Last Saturday was the AGM which again was very well attended.
Ably Chaired by Gerry McGreevy the meeting covered all topical issues. Past Captain Peter gave a very professional and detailed presentation of his year in office. All present appreciated the depth, clarity and honesty in dealing with sometimes difficult subjects.
Peter, in no uncertain terms, has presented us with positive challenges to ensure our Club development and future success.
The meeting ratified Peter's " 5 year plan" and it is hoped that all club members will endorse these objectives and enthusiastically buy in to ensure our Club's future.
We are extremely fortunate to have professionally minded dedicated committee members. We would like to thank them for their time and efforts.
We,as Captains for 2019, will endeavour to attain the very high standards set by Janice and Peter.....by no means an easy task !!!
Best regards again for 2019.
Captain John
Lady Captain Robyn
New Captains Robyn and John would like to wish you all a happy and healthy 2019.
It has certainly been a resounding start for us with a wonderful turnout for Captains Drive In on Sunday combined with fantastic weather and fantastic scoring !
Last Saturday was the AGM which again was very well attended.
Ably Chaired by Gerry McGreevy the meeting covered all topical issues. Past Captain Peter gave a very professional and detailed presentation of his year in office. All present appreciated the depth, clarity and honesty in dealing with sometimes difficult subjects.
Peter, in no uncertain terms, has presented us with positive challenges to ensure our Club development and future success.
The meeting ratified Peter's " 5 year plan" and it is hoped that all club members will endorse these objectives and enthusiastically buy in to ensure our Club's future.
We are extremely fortunate to have professionally minded dedicated committee members. We would like to thank them for their time and efforts.
We,as Captains for 2019, will endeavour to attain the very high standards set by Janice and Peter.....by no means an easy task !!!
Best regards again for 2019.
Captain John
Lady Captain Robyn
Members' Update 21st December 2018
Dear Members,
As my year as Captain comes to a close I wanted to thank you for all the support and kindness you’ve shown me over the last year.
I’ve really enjoyed my year as Captain and think that together we have achieved a lot for the Club this year.
The support throughout the year hasn’t gone unnoticed, attendance and participation at club events and important sponsorship of key events - everyone has played their part and the Club is very grateful for that.
I have a few people I want to thank for helping me this year.
To Lady Captain Janice it’s been great working alongside you this year. As we move forward with Project 2020 and the ambition to bring the Ladies and Gents membership together it’s been great to begin that collaboration and see both the mens and ladies committees begin to work together this year.
To Club Presidents Sean Ferriter and Pauline Hunter, thank you for all you’ve done for the Club this year and continued good wishes for year ahead.
To all the staff from Mary, Aine,Sarah, Ruth, all the kitchen and Bar staff the Greenkeeping staff Paul, Robert and Rory you play a phenomenal role in the Club every day. Thank you to every one of you for helping me this year and for putting up with me!
To my committee and particularly my Hon sec Cairns Witherow, thanks for all the hard work and support. You have been a dedicated committee and it’s been great to work alongside you.
Another achievement this year has to be how well the course looks. For that I’d like to thank Mick and Paul McGinley and the guidance of Joe Bedford, from McGinley Golf who has worked with our green keeper team, headed up by Paul McGinley, and helped us get the best out of our beautiful golf course.
Investment in the Club has been key this year and I hope you all agree that the Clubhouse is looking great. We are at contract stage for the sale of the land where the existing greenkeepers shed is located, and the Sub Committee Chairman will be providing a full update on this at the AGM.
As you know we have applied for a grant through the Government sports funding programme earlier this year to help fund the development of a driving bay facility and the purchase of course machinery and equipment. We won’t know the outcome of that until early in 2019 but I’d like to thank all of the sub committee for their work in putting together the various aspects of this extremely detailed application. I would also like to thank consultants Therese Hogg and Orla Leydon for their expert advice on the application.
To the incoming Club Captain John McKendry thanks for all your support this year and I wish you the best of luck in the year ahead alongside incoming Lady Captain Robin McConnell and Vice Captains Bill and Paula McCallion.
All that’s left for me to do is to wish you all a very happy Christmas. I hope you all enjoy the break and look forward to seeing you at the AGM on the 29th of December at 4:30pm and the Captains Drive In on the following day.
Best Wishes
Peter
As my year as Captain comes to a close I wanted to thank you for all the support and kindness you’ve shown me over the last year.
I’ve really enjoyed my year as Captain and think that together we have achieved a lot for the Club this year.
The support throughout the year hasn’t gone unnoticed, attendance and participation at club events and important sponsorship of key events - everyone has played their part and the Club is very grateful for that.
I have a few people I want to thank for helping me this year.
To Lady Captain Janice it’s been great working alongside you this year. As we move forward with Project 2020 and the ambition to bring the Ladies and Gents membership together it’s been great to begin that collaboration and see both the mens and ladies committees begin to work together this year.
To Club Presidents Sean Ferriter and Pauline Hunter, thank you for all you’ve done for the Club this year and continued good wishes for year ahead.
To all the staff from Mary, Aine,Sarah, Ruth, all the kitchen and Bar staff the Greenkeeping staff Paul, Robert and Rory you play a phenomenal role in the Club every day. Thank you to every one of you for helping me this year and for putting up with me!
To my committee and particularly my Hon sec Cairns Witherow, thanks for all the hard work and support. You have been a dedicated committee and it’s been great to work alongside you.
Another achievement this year has to be how well the course looks. For that I’d like to thank Mick and Paul McGinley and the guidance of Joe Bedford, from McGinley Golf who has worked with our green keeper team, headed up by Paul McGinley, and helped us get the best out of our beautiful golf course.
Investment in the Club has been key this year and I hope you all agree that the Clubhouse is looking great. We are at contract stage for the sale of the land where the existing greenkeepers shed is located, and the Sub Committee Chairman will be providing a full update on this at the AGM.
As you know we have applied for a grant through the Government sports funding programme earlier this year to help fund the development of a driving bay facility and the purchase of course machinery and equipment. We won’t know the outcome of that until early in 2019 but I’d like to thank all of the sub committee for their work in putting together the various aspects of this extremely detailed application. I would also like to thank consultants Therese Hogg and Orla Leydon for their expert advice on the application.
To the incoming Club Captain John McKendry thanks for all your support this year and I wish you the best of luck in the year ahead alongside incoming Lady Captain Robin McConnell and Vice Captains Bill and Paula McCallion.
All that’s left for me to do is to wish you all a very happy Christmas. I hope you all enjoy the break and look forward to seeing you at the AGM on the 29th of December at 4:30pm and the Captains Drive In on the following day.
Best Wishes
Peter
Members' Update 28th August
Dear Members
As the summer season comes to an end I wanted to contact you all to thank you for all the support you've shown the club the last few months.
It's been a fantastic summer and it was great to see so many people involved throughout.
I'd particularly like to thank you all for the enthusiasm showed coming out to play in my captains prize recently.
It was great to have so many people playing and to have the ladies competing on the same day I think was a great addition. The evening was a super success and it was fantastic to have everyone back for what was a great party with so many club members and visitors in attendance. Thanks to all the staff for making it happen.
A particular highlight had to be having Paul McGinley visit us on the day and I'd like to thank him for that.
Lastly a huge thank you for all the cards and gifts I received on the day - you're all very good.
Watch out for information for Jazz and Ryder Cup Weekends.
Thanks
Peter
As the summer season comes to an end I wanted to contact you all to thank you for all the support you've shown the club the last few months.
It's been a fantastic summer and it was great to see so many people involved throughout.
I'd particularly like to thank you all for the enthusiasm showed coming out to play in my captains prize recently.
It was great to have so many people playing and to have the ladies competing on the same day I think was a great addition. The evening was a super success and it was fantastic to have everyone back for what was a great party with so many club members and visitors in attendance. Thanks to all the staff for making it happen.
A particular highlight had to be having Paul McGinley visit us on the day and I'd like to thank him for that.
Lastly a huge thank you for all the cards and gifts I received on the day - you're all very good.
Watch out for information for Jazz and Ryder Cup Weekends.
Thanks
Peter
Members' Update 19th June
Dear Member,
With our golfing season well underway I wanted to write to you to give you an update on a few highlights so far.
Our first major competition of the season, The Hickey Clarke and Langen Open, was held in May. Sponsored every year by one of the clubs respected trustees Joe Langen and his wife Mary, the competition is always a huge success. I’d like to thank them both for their continued support of this event which I know everyone enjoys playing in every year.
The Dunfanaghy Golf Club Pro-Am was another great success. 52 teams took part and the winning pro of the weekend Damian Mooney took home the title with a respectable -10 over the weekend.
Speaking on the night Damian congratulated DFGC for its hospitality, the course maintenance and for generally looking after all the pros so well over the weekend. He remarked on the friendships he’s made over the years and how it’s a pro am he and other pros look forward to each year.
I think that sums it up and the feedback from everyone who took part from pro to team participant was as enthusiastic. I’d like to thank everyone from staff to members who helped over the weekend to ensure everything ran so smoothly. I’d particularly like to thank the silent sponsors of the event who’s support is invaluable to the weekends success.
Last weekend our Lady Presidents Day took place and was another successful day of golf and evening of entertainment hosted by Pauline Hunter.
This Friday a joint presidents 14 hole scramble and BBQ will be taking place. Entertainment from Hillbilly Rednecks will begin at 8pm to start the Bluegrass and Nashville Dunfanaghy Festival in the clubhouse. This should be a great club event and I hope everyone can come along and enjoy.
The golf continues into the weekend and Saturday the 23rd is President’s Day for Sean Ferriter. I hope everyone will support Sean by playing this Saturday and enjoying the hospitality in the club on the day.
I’d like to wrap up with a special word of thanks to Aidan Fox, Paul McGinley and their team on the maintenance of the course. We recently had to purchase a second hand rough mower and I know the team have been busy putting it to use and getting the course in top condition for the season.
To all the staff in the club from shop, to office to bar to kitchen - thank you - the hospitality and success of all the events so far this year benefits from all your hard work and we all appreciate it.
Looking forward to another busy few weeks ahead.
Regards
Peter Sullivan
Captain 2018
With our golfing season well underway I wanted to write to you to give you an update on a few highlights so far.
Our first major competition of the season, The Hickey Clarke and Langen Open, was held in May. Sponsored every year by one of the clubs respected trustees Joe Langen and his wife Mary, the competition is always a huge success. I’d like to thank them both for their continued support of this event which I know everyone enjoys playing in every year.
The Dunfanaghy Golf Club Pro-Am was another great success. 52 teams took part and the winning pro of the weekend Damian Mooney took home the title with a respectable -10 over the weekend.
Speaking on the night Damian congratulated DFGC for its hospitality, the course maintenance and for generally looking after all the pros so well over the weekend. He remarked on the friendships he’s made over the years and how it’s a pro am he and other pros look forward to each year.
I think that sums it up and the feedback from everyone who took part from pro to team participant was as enthusiastic. I’d like to thank everyone from staff to members who helped over the weekend to ensure everything ran so smoothly. I’d particularly like to thank the silent sponsors of the event who’s support is invaluable to the weekends success.
Last weekend our Lady Presidents Day took place and was another successful day of golf and evening of entertainment hosted by Pauline Hunter.
This Friday a joint presidents 14 hole scramble and BBQ will be taking place. Entertainment from Hillbilly Rednecks will begin at 8pm to start the Bluegrass and Nashville Dunfanaghy Festival in the clubhouse. This should be a great club event and I hope everyone can come along and enjoy.
The golf continues into the weekend and Saturday the 23rd is President’s Day for Sean Ferriter. I hope everyone will support Sean by playing this Saturday and enjoying the hospitality in the club on the day.
I’d like to wrap up with a special word of thanks to Aidan Fox, Paul McGinley and their team on the maintenance of the course. We recently had to purchase a second hand rough mower and I know the team have been busy putting it to use and getting the course in top condition for the season.
To all the staff in the club from shop, to office to bar to kitchen - thank you - the hospitality and success of all the events so far this year benefits from all your hard work and we all appreciate it.
Looking forward to another busy few weeks ahead.
Regards
Peter Sullivan
Captain 2018
Captain's Easter Update
Dear Member,
I hope this letter finds you well. I just wanted to update you with regards to a couple of activities coming up in the Club.
On Good Friday Head Greenkeeper, Paul McGinley and Greens Convenor, Aidan Fox will be meeting at 11am to undertake sanding and divoting of the course. They would appreciate the help of all members around on the day.
Our annual wine and cheese evening is on Easter Saturday and is being kindly sponsored by Bill and Paula McCallion. I would appreciate anyone who is in Dunfanaghy over Easter to show their support as it promises to be a highly enjoyable evening.
Over the Easter period The Vardon Lounge will be open for members to use. We’re delighted to let you know that renovations are nearly complete. Due to recent weather we are still waiting on our curtains to arrive but they should be fitted during the first week of April.
Finally, I am delighted to inform you that this years Pro Am is nearly sold out with 48 teams booked in so far. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support and a special thank you to the sponsors of this year’s event.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a Happy Easter and to apologise for my absence over the Easter period. Lady Captain Janice, Vice-Captain John McKendry and President Sean Ferriter will be available over this period.
Kind Regards,
Peter Sullivan
Captain 2018
I hope this letter finds you well. I just wanted to update you with regards to a couple of activities coming up in the Club.
On Good Friday Head Greenkeeper, Paul McGinley and Greens Convenor, Aidan Fox will be meeting at 11am to undertake sanding and divoting of the course. They would appreciate the help of all members around on the day.
Our annual wine and cheese evening is on Easter Saturday and is being kindly sponsored by Bill and Paula McCallion. I would appreciate anyone who is in Dunfanaghy over Easter to show their support as it promises to be a highly enjoyable evening.
Over the Easter period The Vardon Lounge will be open for members to use. We’re delighted to let you know that renovations are nearly complete. Due to recent weather we are still waiting on our curtains to arrive but they should be fitted during the first week of April.
Finally, I am delighted to inform you that this years Pro Am is nearly sold out with 48 teams booked in so far. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support and a special thank you to the sponsors of this year’s event.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a Happy Easter and to apologise for my absence over the Easter period. Lady Captain Janice, Vice-Captain John McKendry and President Sean Ferriter will be available over this period.
Kind Regards,
Peter Sullivan
Captain 2018
Captain's Letter
Dear Member
I am writing to introduce myself to you all as your Captain for 2018 a role I am honoured to take on.
I have been a member of Dunfanaghy Golf Club for over 15years but my connection with Dunfanaghy goes back the best part of 40 years having holidayed here with my family regularly.
The year has got off to a busy start. First, we had the AGM which was very well attended followed by our Captain’s Drive-In where I had the opportunity to meet and talk to many of you.
At the AGM the Committee and I presented a Five-Year Strategy plan for the Club which looked at the plans for the relocation of the Greenkeepers shed. Over 80% of Irish golf clubs are carrying out similar strategy plans. Working groups are being established to review areas including finance, governance, sponsorship, club facilities, membership, operations, course development and management.
As a committee we’ve ambitious plans for Dunfanaghy Golf Club but our main objective is to bring the club back to a position of financial consistency.
A key element of this is ensuring we’ve a club that is attractive to new members. But also, its about involving local businesses and residents of Dunfanaghy so that they realise what a valuable resource our Golf Club is for the entire Dunfanaghy community.
I have been working closely with Lady Captain Janice on all these plans and we have identified a number of members – some who have previously being involved on committees and others who have a lot to offer but did not have time previously – who have committed to leading the working groups for the Five-Year Strategy Plan and keeping the committee and members informed of their findings along the way.
We’re delighted that the Pro-Am is back again this year and confirmed in the calendar for the 9th and 10th of June. We have already over 40 teams signed up (52max) so I would encourage anyone interested to get in touch with Mary to confirm a slot quickly.
This has become a real highlight of the calendar year for the Club. A big thank you must go to the ten members who year after year have made large a contribution in sponsorship, therefore ensuring the success of the Pro-Am. I would also like to thank all the members who have entered a team or teams in the past and I am very hopeful of your continued support this year. With all these objectives in mind weekends like the Pro-Am become even more important as they increase the number of visitors to the Club who get to witness us at our best.
We want to do more of this to increase the use of the Club and particularly Vardon Lounge and provide more reasons for all of our members to bring guests to visit us and enjoy all that Dunfanaghy Golf Club has to offer. As part of plans to enhance the look of the Club last year we painted the outside and this year we’ve redecorated the inside space.
We’re planning a series of pop-up restaurant nights in the Club House and Golf and Dine evenings. We hope you’ll support these events and bring friends with you to show off your Club.
On a personal note I’m excited for the future of Dunfanaghy Golf Club. There’s a fabulous group of men and lady members on the committees this year, who are being well supported by the loyal employees of the Club, and together they all have a passion for ensuring a strong future for our Club.
I’m looking forward to a great year of golf and representing Dunfanaghy Golf Club and the membership as best I can.
Regards
Peter Sullivan
Captain 2018
Dear Member
I am writing to introduce myself to you all as your Captain for 2018 a role I am honoured to take on.
I have been a member of Dunfanaghy Golf Club for over 15years but my connection with Dunfanaghy goes back the best part of 40 years having holidayed here with my family regularly.
The year has got off to a busy start. First, we had the AGM which was very well attended followed by our Captain’s Drive-In where I had the opportunity to meet and talk to many of you.
At the AGM the Committee and I presented a Five-Year Strategy plan for the Club which looked at the plans for the relocation of the Greenkeepers shed. Over 80% of Irish golf clubs are carrying out similar strategy plans. Working groups are being established to review areas including finance, governance, sponsorship, club facilities, membership, operations, course development and management.
As a committee we’ve ambitious plans for Dunfanaghy Golf Club but our main objective is to bring the club back to a position of financial consistency.
A key element of this is ensuring we’ve a club that is attractive to new members. But also, its about involving local businesses and residents of Dunfanaghy so that they realise what a valuable resource our Golf Club is for the entire Dunfanaghy community.
I have been working closely with Lady Captain Janice on all these plans and we have identified a number of members – some who have previously being involved on committees and others who have a lot to offer but did not have time previously – who have committed to leading the working groups for the Five-Year Strategy Plan and keeping the committee and members informed of their findings along the way.
We’re delighted that the Pro-Am is back again this year and confirmed in the calendar for the 9th and 10th of June. We have already over 40 teams signed up (52max) so I would encourage anyone interested to get in touch with Mary to confirm a slot quickly.
This has become a real highlight of the calendar year for the Club. A big thank you must go to the ten members who year after year have made large a contribution in sponsorship, therefore ensuring the success of the Pro-Am. I would also like to thank all the members who have entered a team or teams in the past and I am very hopeful of your continued support this year. With all these objectives in mind weekends like the Pro-Am become even more important as they increase the number of visitors to the Club who get to witness us at our best.
We want to do more of this to increase the use of the Club and particularly Vardon Lounge and provide more reasons for all of our members to bring guests to visit us and enjoy all that Dunfanaghy Golf Club has to offer. As part of plans to enhance the look of the Club last year we painted the outside and this year we’ve redecorated the inside space.
We’re planning a series of pop-up restaurant nights in the Club House and Golf and Dine evenings. We hope you’ll support these events and bring friends with you to show off your Club.
On a personal note I’m excited for the future of Dunfanaghy Golf Club. There’s a fabulous group of men and lady members on the committees this year, who are being well supported by the loyal employees of the Club, and together they all have a passion for ensuring a strong future for our Club.
I’m looking forward to a great year of golf and representing Dunfanaghy Golf Club and the membership as best I can.
Regards
Peter Sullivan
Captain 2018
Member Update 16th February 2018
Dear Member
As some of you may have noticed over the last week, work is taking place within the lounge at the clubhouse. For quite a while the staff were unable to close of the bar due to broken shutters. I am happy to report that this has now been repaired. In 2016 a decision was made to remove the carpet in the lounge and replace it with a hard wearing vinyl called caradine flooring. Unfortunately this has increased the ambient noise level in the bar area. In order to reduce this raised noise level, coving has now been fitted below the ceiling and following that the walls will be repainted and heavy curtains will replace the old blinds. Hopefully this will significantly reduce ambient noise levels.
The front foyer has also been repainted. Hopefully today should see it completed. The lounge will open as normal over the weekend and for the Seniors' on Monday. We apologise for any inconvenience caused in the short term but are confident that these improvements will benefit both members and visitors.
Dear Member
As some of you may have noticed over the last week, work is taking place within the lounge at the clubhouse. For quite a while the staff were unable to close of the bar due to broken shutters. I am happy to report that this has now been repaired. In 2016 a decision was made to remove the carpet in the lounge and replace it with a hard wearing vinyl called caradine flooring. Unfortunately this has increased the ambient noise level in the bar area. In order to reduce this raised noise level, coving has now been fitted below the ceiling and following that the walls will be repainted and heavy curtains will replace the old blinds. Hopefully this will significantly reduce ambient noise levels.
The front foyer has also been repainted. Hopefully today should see it completed. The lounge will open as normal over the weekend and for the Seniors' on Monday. We apologise for any inconvenience caused in the short term but are confident that these improvements will benefit both members and visitors.
Member Update 5th January 2018
Dear Member,
A Happy New Year to you and your family.
At our recent AGM members raised the point that they would like to be kept better informed on updates regarding Dunfanaghy Golf Club.
With this in mind the committee has agreed to undertake this as a priority this year and today is the first of those mails to you.
Our Golfing year got off to a great start with a very impressive turnout of seventy-nine members at the AGM last Friday night.
Without doubt, the highlight of the meeting was an extremely informative power point presentation. Thanks for that must go to Peter Sullivan, Cathal Daly, Jim McLaughlin, Pat O’Neill and John Hanna.
The presentation reviewed all aspects of the Club performance over the past five years, set out an ambitious five-year strategy for the Club and provided cost projections for items of course machinery and other necessary expenditure.
The motion before the meeting relating to the proposed sale of land, was discussed in great detail before being passed with an overwhelming majority.
It was the widely held view of those present that the committee should be entrusted with the power to negotiate and conclude the property transaction without the necessity of having to call a further meeting.
The Captain gave a commitment that no final decision would be made unless it is absolutely in the best interests of the Club. He also undertook to keep members informed of developments as and when there is anything to report.
He expressed confidence in the committee for the coming year and said that their aim is to hit the ground running. One of the core ambitions for the committee is for there to be greater collaboration with the Ladies’ committee and that is something Captain Peter Sullivan and Lady Captain Janice are looking forward to achieving.
Having myself, been on committee for many years I can sense that this year is going to be different.
There is a vibrancy and a feeling of positivity around the Club with a number of different people expressing a willingness to become involved.
Upwards and onwards with exciting times ahead.
Cairns Witherow
Hon. Secretary
Dear Member,
A Happy New Year to you and your family.
At our recent AGM members raised the point that they would like to be kept better informed on updates regarding Dunfanaghy Golf Club.
With this in mind the committee has agreed to undertake this as a priority this year and today is the first of those mails to you.
Our Golfing year got off to a great start with a very impressive turnout of seventy-nine members at the AGM last Friday night.
Without doubt, the highlight of the meeting was an extremely informative power point presentation. Thanks for that must go to Peter Sullivan, Cathal Daly, Jim McLaughlin, Pat O’Neill and John Hanna.
The presentation reviewed all aspects of the Club performance over the past five years, set out an ambitious five-year strategy for the Club and provided cost projections for items of course machinery and other necessary expenditure.
The motion before the meeting relating to the proposed sale of land, was discussed in great detail before being passed with an overwhelming majority.
It was the widely held view of those present that the committee should be entrusted with the power to negotiate and conclude the property transaction without the necessity of having to call a further meeting.
The Captain gave a commitment that no final decision would be made unless it is absolutely in the best interests of the Club. He also undertook to keep members informed of developments as and when there is anything to report.
He expressed confidence in the committee for the coming year and said that their aim is to hit the ground running. One of the core ambitions for the committee is for there to be greater collaboration with the Ladies’ committee and that is something Captain Peter Sullivan and Lady Captain Janice are looking forward to achieving.
Having myself, been on committee for many years I can sense that this year is going to be different.
There is a vibrancy and a feeling of positivity around the Club with a number of different people expressing a willingness to become involved.
Upwards and onwards with exciting times ahead.
Cairns Witherow
Hon. Secretary
