Bitter-sweet experience for England star

THERE is often no justice for low handicap golfers in club competitions. Craig Adams celebrated his call up to the England team for two events in France this month by shattering his own club record with a seven-under-par 65 in the midweek medal at Farrington.

But the plus-three handicapper's net 68 was well beaten by Nigel Denham, who plays off eight and recorded a level par 72 (net 64).

This followed Adams' fourth-place finish in the Berkshire Trophy on three-over par 290 (73, 69, 78, 70), ten shots behind the winner and two ahead of club colleague Tom Small who was ninth (71, 76, 75, 70).

Adams, pictured, was 41st in the Brabazon Trophy at Walton Heath last week. Ellis Cook (Burnham & Berrow) was the leading local player in 26th place.

The Bristol-based Irish Golf Society is marking its 25th anniversary this year with several special events, including a match against the South West Irish Golf Society in October.

Former Long Ashton member Les O'Reilly, who now competes at Weston-super-Mare Golf Club, launched the society in 1987 and remains the president. Denis Scanlan, the respected club professional at the time, was a founder member and he presented the trophy for the meeting that opens the season at Long Ashton in March. The Irish have already played at Thornbury and at The Kendleshire for the Mike Sheil trophy. The next event is captain's day at St Pierre on July on 17 followed by a charity day at Wrag Barn on August 31, a trip to this year's Open venue Royal Lytham St Annes on September 16-20 and a final meeting at Weston-super-Mare on November 16. There is usually a tour to the Algarve in November.

"We would love to hear from old members who are still around and attract some new ones," said Maurice Cowman, the secretary. "Our Society days are usually at courses where we have members and this year is no different.

"Membership is open to men and women, Irish-born or with an Irish parent or grandparent, though it is known that, in the Jack Charlton school of eligibility, one or two members have qualified by ownership of the proverbial Irish wolfhound….."