Courtown Golf Club became the first team through to the Grand Final at the K Club later this year after they scooped the first Allianz Officers Challenge at Carlow Golf Club on Monday.
The three-person team of Club Chairperson Paul McDonald, Men’s Captain Gerry McGrath and Ladies Captain Mairéad Carty had a great score of 83 points with the best two scores counting at each hole and twelve teams competing.
In second place were last year’s winners Castlecomer Golf Club while Birr Golf Club also earned a podium finish in third place.
This is Courtown’s second Officers Challenge title at Carlow Golf Club and they can look forward to another appearance at the K Club Grand Final in October.
“There’s a lot of history with Courtown attending this event so we were under orders. We have a lot of history with this event we won it here a couple of years ago and qualified for the K Club. So, we were given a lot of stick to try and qualify so the pressure was on,” said McDonald.
After a superb weekend of sunshine, Carlow Golf Club was in excellent condition.
“The course was in fabulous condition and it was playing very tough. Some of those par-4s on the back nine were really testing but it was in great nick considering the weather we have had over the last couple of weeks,” McDonald continued.
“We held it together very well which was great and a testament to the three of us I suppose. I’ve always loved Carlow. Carlow is a premier course for a heathland course, it really is top drawer. Allianz put on a great show every year as do Carlow Golf Club and it’s a smashing effort. Hopefully we can carry it on into the K Club.”
Carlow Golf Club were the last team to come in and while they didn’t have a qualifying score they will progress to the Grand Final as one of the host venues.
“The course is playing tough so anyone who scored well out there deserves a well done. We are delighted to host the event in Carlow every year and we are looking forward to getting back to the K Club later this year,” said Carlow Golf Club Men’s Captain, Tony Crowe.