Endless sunshine, beautiful blue skies and gorgeous green fairways … what more could we ask for on our Lady Captain’s Day 2021! Perfect conditions for our Lady Members and Visitors on Lady Captain Henrietta’s long awaited day, following the lock-downs and uncertainty surrounding Covid19 during 2020/2021.

Visiting Lady Captains and Guests from Aughnacloy GC, Blacklion GC, Castlehume GC, Enniskillen GC and Blacklion GC were welcomed and everyone enjoyed refreshements served in Rusk’s Restaurant. A lovely way to start the day, meeting and chatting with friends, old and new.

Tee-offs commenced in very hot sunshine but everyone had anticipated the conditions and were well prepared with hats, visors, suncream etc and it was a pleasant change to see golf umbrellas being used for shade rather than shelter from the rain.

The course was in first class condition thanks to the hardwork of our green keepers, Kenny & Derek, assisted by a dedicated team of volunteers (men and women) who gave their time to make sure everywhere was clipped, strimmed, swept and weeded in preparation.

Lady Captain Henrietta provided much needed refreshments half way around – ice-lollies and cold bottles of water were just the ticket!

The dining room in Rusk’s was beautifully decorated for the evening reception with the Lady Captain and Florence Brunt creating some very striking floral arrangements from their home-grown flowers and foliage. Invited friends and family, including Captain Eugene and President Mervyn joined the golfing ladies for a delicious hot meal, wine and dessert.

Lady Captain Henrietta held a Charity Open Competition in early June 2021 and a ‘Guess the Weight of the Christmas Cake’ in December 2019. Proceeds from these fund raising events, along with donations and gifts meant that she was delighted to be able to present Maeve, from NI Chest, Heart and Stroke, with a cheque for £1,500 – a superb effort and achievement!

The Lady Captain took the opportunity to thank all those who had contributed to her successful day and supported her over her two years in the role – her husband David and daughters Melaine and Julie; Club Secretary Victor and his right-hand woman Carmel; the greens keepers Kenny & Derek; Kevin for checking and recording scores; Club Treasurer Patrick; Captain Eugene and President Mervyn; Ladies Secretary Gillian. She outlined some of the projects she had initiated and participated in during her time as Lady Captain, including the clearing and planting of the bank – especially her CV sign – as well as new Club Tee-shirts and other Club merchandise. These have proved to be very popular and a welcome addition to CVGC.

She also thanked her group of Lady Golfers who are always on hand to offer help and support at any time: from preparing the Ladies changing room with thoughtful little touches (Valerie); to all those who came out to welcome, encourage and play with our ‘beginner golfers’ on Thursday evenings; those who are always first-up for away days and those who steadfastly play in the competitions week in, week out, whatever the weather.

Prize Giving for the Charity Open Weekend got underway with prizes for the Gents given out first – including her husband David who won the back 9.

1st: Andrew Beacom
2nd: Gary Breen
3rd: Derek Brown
4th: Kenny McVitty
Front 9: David Little
Back 9: David Willis

The prize table was laden with beautiful picnic hampers, cool bags and accessories for the Lady Winners:-

1st: Linda Armstrong
2nd: Joanne Little (v)
3rd: Bernie Mohan
4th: Josie Boyle (v)
Front 9: Audrey Williamson (v)
Back 9: Bridie McCaffrey (v)

Then it was time to announce the winners of the Lady Captain’s Day Competition. Again, a fabulous array of jewellery and a Tommy Hilfiger bag were on display for the prizes. Kevin and David had kept the results under-wraps so it really was a surprise to all when the winners were announced:-

1st: Gillian Chartres
2nd: Margaret Osborne
3rd: Bernie Mohan
4th: Barbara Kingston
5th: Carmel Rooney

1st Visitor: Audrey Williamson
2nd Visitor: Doreen Primrose

Lady Captain Henrietta will have many happy memories of her day to look back on and as a thank you for all her hard work and dedication, the Ladies Golfers presented her with a voucher for Lavender Health Spa, Ballygawley – she can treat herself to some much deserved pampering!

A fabulous end to a fabulous day of golf and friendship at Clogher Valley Golf Club.