Members are looking forward to one of the most important golf outings in the diary of the golfing year, The Captain’s Prize. This coveted prize always provides excitement and surprises and no doubt this year will be no different. Traditionally members secretly practice for days prior to the event in the hope of being in the winners’ enclosure on the final day.
The Captain’s Prize qualifier competition takes place on Sunday 15th August and there is a full timesheet. After Sunday’s competition, a percentage of members will be listed as qualifiers and these will play for the Captain’s Prize on Saturday 21st August. Captain Ger Reilly and his committee have decided to make the two days memorable for everyone in celebration of all the club’s has achieved and in recognition of members’ resilience during the Covid crisis.
In an email to the members, before the Captain’s Prize weekend, Captain Ger thanked the members “for the huge support on Damian McDonnell Day which was a wonderful success and tribute to our late Captain Damian” He praised the organisers and in particular Richard Wheeler and his subcommittee. “The total amount of money raised was €9443 which was divided between the 2 charities chosen by Deirdre McDonnell i.e. Marie Keating Foundation and Shannon Town Vincent De Paul and is testament to the high esteem in which Damian was held by the members”, the Captain stated. Damian’s Family greatly appreciated the welcome they received in Knightsbrook.
In his pre captain’s prize email to members to members, the Captain also praised Ronan Carey and all his staff for the course which “is probably in the best condition since the complex opened in 2006″. He also thanked the PLC for ” their input and continued support”. Mr Reilly thanked the PLC for “the new advertising TV, promised earlier this year, which has been installed in the golf shop” He announced that “a new defibrillator has been ordered and will be placed in toilets on the 14th hole. This will be given as a gift to the PLC by the Men’s Club and in turn, they will manage and service it” and he thanked “Dr Larry McEntee for advice on this matter”.
Enjoy the Celebrations
The Captain’s email continues saying that “the last 18 months have been very tough and trying for all our members. At our last committee meeting a decision was made that our Captain’s Day 21st August would be a celebration of the last 2 years. There has been no Captain’s Dinner since 2019 and it looks like it will be 2022 before we have our annual social nights like that again. Both Richard Wheeler and I have secured a large amount of sponsorship for the club in the last 2 years. We have had no Captains’ Dinner expenses, no interclub expenses and the club is in a very healthy financial situation. We have decided to continue the policy of giving back as much as we can to members where possible”. He concludes the email announcing that “Captain’s Day will be a free day for all members of Knightsbrook Golf Club to enjoy and celebrate the Captaincies of the last 2 years and what we all have achieved through 18 Months of Covid”.
The following is the order of events around Captain’s prize Day 2021;
1) The Captain’s qualifier takes place this Sunday 15th August and there are a few spaces left for members. This is stroke play off the white tees. There is no fee for qualifiers’ day August 15th or the Captain’s Day 21st August. Five Day members can play for a prize on Friday 20th August in a new initiative.
2) Captain’s Prize Day is on Sat 21st August. There will be a Stableford competition for non qualifiers. Those who qualify will play in reverse order for the Captain’s Prize and there will be a Past Captains competition and prizes for nearest the pin on the 18th and nearest the Blue line on 12th. Goody bags will be presented to all and refreshments will be available at the Halfway House.
3) A Burger / Chicken Curry will be available after golf with the compliments of the Men’s Club. Tickets for food will be issued on Friday and Saturday before members tee off.
4) Under the present guidelines there will be a social evening in the clubhouse, where the Captain’s Prize will be presented along with monthly medals, hole in one winners, club championships etc. Lady Captain, Anne, will present her prize to the Men.
“I‘m looking forward to meeting everyone over the 2 Days of Golf so enjoy and keep well”.
