Playing Interclub

Golf Ireland run All Ireland and Regional competitions for golf clubs which caters for all levels of handicaps for men, women and mixed teams. The deadline for Interclub team applications was this weekend so I decided to chat with my fellow team mates who I played Interclub matches with last year. We played in the Challenge Cup section and our team made it all the way to the All Ireland Finals but sadly lost on the 18th hole against Portumna from Galway. Even though we walked away with the silver medal we were still incredibly proud of ourselves.

The competition followed match play format and had two teams consisting of 5 players, 3 subs and 2 managers. The winners would go through to the next stage. Our matches we played and won in North Leinster were against Balcarrick, Rathcore, The Island, Howth & Greenore. Winning all of those matches lead us to the North Leinster Final against Headford at a neutral course of Beaverstown in Donabate which we won.

Once we'd won our region we got drawn to play the All Ireland Quarter Finals against the winners of North Ulster which was Ballycastle, we played and won them a neutral course which was Ballyclare. Next stop was the All Ireland Semi Finals against Ballyneety played Knightsbrook which we won them. The Finals was against Portumna which was such a tight match with 2-2 games each, it came right down to the 18th hole on the last match and sadly we lost, but we were still incredibly proud. We had amazing support from our managers, club, caddies and lots of family members came out to support us. The whole experience was truly unforgettable and my team mates who played in the final have kindly answered some questions to share their experiences from playing on the Interclub teams and getting to an All Ireland final. .

My fellow team mates who played in the finals.

From left to right: Myself (Suzanne), Eithne, Nora, Marie, Anne

Questions and answers with Eithne: 

Q1- What did you enjoy the most about your Challenge Cup experience?

Everything was a new experience, playing with new teammates, playing with a caddy, new courses, learning how to plan to play holes. All great experience and fun. 

Q2 - Is there anything you’ve learnt from the process that will stick with you for future competitions?

My game improved by playing matches. I liked the competitive element of hole by hole match. Playing with an experienced caddy was a great for making me think about the shot to be played. Even when playing now I can hear “head down and swing through- I will watch the ball”.

Q3 - Has the experience changed you as a player? 

I didn’t want to let the girls down by playing poorly so I did more practice and my game got better. If I was just competing for myself I would not have been so determined to play well.

Q4 - Will you be joining another Interclub team this year? 

I have put my name down for several teams and hope I get onto panels with a chance to play. Leinster trophy, revive active and minor foursomes. 

Q5 - What was your favourite memory & why?

The joy of winning in all the last few rounds was memorable but the Corrstown hug I got from my teammates after I lost on the 18 hole in last match on the final will be with me forever. These girls are friends for life.

Questions and answers with Nora: 

Q1- What did you enjoy the most about your Challenge Cup experience?

I enjoyed the comradery that we had between us. 

Q2 - Is there anything you’ve learnt from the process that will stick with you for future competitions?

Not to be so nervous as its a team at the end of the day. 

Q3 - Has the experience changed you as a player?

I would say yes as it made me feel very much part of a club . 

Q4 - Will you be joining another Interclub team this year? 

I have put my name down on a few sheets but I think the minor foursomes is the one I'd like to be part of the most.

Q5 - What was your favourite memory & why?

There were lots of great memories but I think the trip up at Ballyclare was one of the best with all the supporters we had . 

Questions and answers with Marie

Q1- What did you enjoy the most about your Challenge Cup experience?

The unfolding of experiences of successes as time went on during the competition. This, as part of a team and club. It really embedded the feeling of being part of something bigger than myself.

Q2 - Is there anything you’ve learnt from the process that will stick with you for future competitions?

Yes. The importance of preparation (checking out the course you'll be playing on, hearing the advice from the coaches about how to tackle each hole, practising specific  shots and trying to optimise my best game) and practice before a competition. Plus the superb advice and steadying hand of my caddy for each and every stroke. She's in my head forever now while playing golf.

Q3 - Has the experience changed you as a player?

Yes I know my game a bit better and I have a better understanding of golf itself as a game of tactics and strategy as well as skill. I have certainly learned so much and have improved. 

Q4 - Will you be joining another Interclub team this year? (If so which one?)

Yes. The challenge cup structure has changed this year so I don't think I'm entitled to play on it next year. I've put my name down for every team I'm entitled to play in and hope I'll be picked for one of them. 

Q5 - What was your favourite memory & why?

My favourite memory (of which there are many) is the reaction of the supporters to us in our competition in Ballyclare. Meeting them at the end of the competition and being congratulated as well as being slagged about the game. The feeling of humility that these folks had travelled all this way to support us. The hugs and sheer delight and joy. A wonderful wonderful memory.

Questions and answers with Anne

Q1- What did you enjoy the most about your Challenge Cup experience?

Without doubt being part of a team. We really bonded, had great craic and we will never forget our shared experience. We practiced together. Traveled to other clubs together. And helped each other figure out the best way to play the different courses. 

Q2 - Is there anything you’ve learnt from the process that will stick with you for future competitions?

Each player was allocated an experience player as their caddy. Their advice was brilliant. Course management was my key takeaway. And managing the nerves!! 

Q3 - Has the experience changed you as a player?

The experience of playing in the challenge cup has made me more competitive. I practice more. I also try to plan my shots a bit more rather than hitting each shot as far as I can. Be a bit more strategic in my play. 

Q4 - Will you be joining another Interclub team this year? 

Yes I have put my name down for every team I qualify for.  I hope I get picked! 

Q5 - What was your favourite memory & why?

My favourite memory was seeing so many of the club come out to support the team. From our first game we knew the club was right behind us. It made me very proud to be a member of Corrstown!

Websites to reference https://www.golfireland.ie/club-hub-detail/2024-inter-club-information-pack