NOHC Golf Society in Portugal
NOHC Golfing Society go in search of the sun to get the new season underway!
After the poor weather badly affected the 2023 NOHC golf society season, thirteen members of the NOHC golfing society decided that enough was enough, and that there had to be somewhere drier to play golf.
So, after some meticulous planning by Paul McCullough and Kenny Cowan, the thirteen seasoned unprofessionals departed Newry on 9th March 2024 for the sunny shores of Cascais, Portugal, to show off their skills as the ultimate golfing experts that we have come to know in recent years.
Unfortunately, only twelve members of the squad would be playing golf due to Colin Brown’s recently acquired injury from his attempted ascent of the north face of Mount Everest. Thankfully Colin only sustained minor injuries during his climb and was well enough to travel to support the rest of the team whilst on crutches.
The golf was destined to be played at the Quinta da Marinha Golf Course, which has hosted PGA Seniors Tours, and was a superb setting for an “Auld Boys v Young Uns” Ryder Cup style tournament over the three days. The accommodation was booked for the fantastic five star Onryia Marinha Boutique Hotel.
After a brief flight to Portugal the team arrived on a dark Saturday night at the Onryia Marinha Boutique Hotel. Following a very quick check-in the team enjoyed a couple of cold Super Bock beers before an early night and dreams of four-hundred-yard drives on the first tee.
Day One
The first morning was welcomed with bright sunshine, clear heads, and fighting talk on the first tee, however all very well mannered, and looking forward to the challenge that lay ahead.
After the sunshine start, true to form, the rain made a brief appearance half-way round, and whilst Peter Graham held up the whole course for fifteen minutes trying to get his umbrella up, nothing could deter a sparkling first round performance from Brian Macleod who emerged as the Day One Winner. Of course, this victory for Brian would have to be celebrated and the town of Cascais didn’t know what had hit it on the Sunday night – but obviously, what goes on tour stays on tour!!!!
Day Two
Despite the swearing from Jeff McNeill and Ryan McIlroy on Day One, the team were allowed back to challenge the course again, however a notable number of buggies appeared on the first tee instead of the trolleys from Day One, this was of course due to the hot weather forecast and not the late Sunday night out.
Undeterred the Auld Boys set off at a blistering pace determined to show the Young Uns a clean pair of heels and to clock up some early points on the board, but it was not to be with the big hitting Young Uns staying close to the Auld Boys. After eighteen holes and a stunning performance the Day Two Winner was Kenny Cowan, but the big news was that the team event was a tie and would go down to the singles performance on the last day.
Early team tactics by the Young Uns saw Ryan McIlroy host a three-hour meeting in the hotel lobby deciding on his batting order for the next day whilst Jeff McNeill settled on sending his stalwarts Kenny Cowan and Michael McCullough out first to get the points up early and scare the Young Uns into submission.
And so, the stage was set for a sunny show down on the third and final day, and despite talk of an early night Colly Brown led the teams back to Cascais for a group talk in the restaurant and provided a prize of £20 for the nearest to the hole on the 14th – a difficult Par 3 over a ravine to a narrow green. After careful consideration of the tough task ahead on Day Three the teams decided on an early night and made their way off to bed by 9pm to ensure clear heads and fine golf would be played on Day Three.
Day Three
Paul McCullough emerged as a new man from his hotel room, ready to roar and to show the Young Uns what the Auld Boys could do. As the troops gathered on the first tee it was clear to see that battle was about to commence and despite some early speech play by both sides, the fight took to the course with more stellar golf played by all concerned.
The fine weather spurred on the performance on Day Three, and despite a golf ball entering the pool on the 10th hole and scaring a couple of sunbathers, the golfers were determined to make the most of the last day. Ryan McIlroy was closest to the hole on the 14th and the Young Uns clocked up some early points which were quickly cancelled out as the tie played out. It all went down to the last group and Brian Macleod holed the putt on the last for a draw – a fitting result for the competition.
The Day Three Winner was Ryan McIlroy, and the Overall Winner of the three-day tournament was Brian Macleod, with Corey Large in second place.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end and the teams wearily made their way home late on Tuesday night, but not before talking of a return 2025 trip to the same venue. The overall success of the whole event was down to some careful planning by Paul and Kenny and the group wish to thank them both for everything that they did to make the trip such a success.
However, the ultimate tribute must go to the thirteen wonderful people who made the trip an unforgettable success and a privilege to be part of!
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