Royal Portrush Members' Newsletter
President’s Day ‘Major’ Victory Proves A Tonic For Robert From Sick Bed
Robert Currie described his President’s Day victory as the highlight of his 60-year golfing career.
He finished on 42 points, squeezing ahead of Thompson McCullough with a better back nine, but afterwards at home, fell ill after eating a dodgy piece of fish.
He was unable to attend Tom Turner’s presentation night, but the disappointment at being confined to his sick bed failed to overshadow a marvellous victory.
Robert, 76, playing off 16, said: “It was fantastic. Captain’s Day and President’s Day are the two ‘majors’ in club golf, and I’m just so pleased to have won a ‘major’.”
Playing with Nigel Pollock, Jim Carrigy and John McNally, the turning point in his round was a birdie at the 13th, where he hit the green with a seven-wood.
He could not therefore attend the Dunluce Room to receive his prize, the hugely impressive Willie Park putter, carrying the chain of solid silver medals inscribed with the names of the previous winners. But a couple of days later he met with Dr Turner for a handover, and reflected on 18 holes well played, as well as his bout of sickness.
Robert said: “I won the Town Cup and the Norman Caldwell Cup, but this is by far the highlight. It is so special.”
The full list of winners
- Overall: Robert Currie, 42 points
- Runner-up: Thompson McCullough, 42 points
- Best gross, blue tees: Simon Lyttle, 75
- Over 65: Richard Nicholas, 39 points
- Front nine: Thompson McCullough, 42 points
- Past captains: Ashley Moore, 40 points
- Ladies’ winner: Diana Dihmis, 63
- Ladies’ best gross: Emma Cameron, 80
- Ladies’ runner-up: Heidi Simpson, 68
Robert Currie takes delivery of President Tom Turner’s winning silver medal.
Richard Nicholas - 39 points.
Simon Lyttle - best gross, 75.
Sam McGuinness - 38 points.
Emma Cameron - Ladies’ best gross, 80.
Heidi Simpson - Ladies’ runner-up, 68.
Did Walker Cup Snub Inspire Rory’s Course Record And A Selector’s Regret?
A Walker Cup selector revealed his regret at leaving Rory McIlroy off the team after the emerging Holywood star shot a course record 61 at Royal Portrush.
McIlroy was in serious contention for the 2005 squad which travelled to Chicago under the captaincy of Garth McGimpsey.
Peter McEvoy, one of the selectors, agonised before opting for Donegal’s Brian McElhinney, then the Amateur champion, as his final choice, leaving McIlroy hugely disappointed.
Just days later in a qualifying round at the North of Ireland, McIlroy, then aged 16, responded to his omission with a score which stunned the Walker Cup selector, according to a best-selling book on the two-time US Masters winner by the US journalist Alan Shipnuck.
Darren Clarke’s manager Andrew Chandler, who was advising the McIlroy family at the time, and who went on to become his first manager, claimed McIlroy was left out because he had played a couple of professional tournaments while still an amateur.
Rory McIlroy at Royal Portrush aged 16.
Shipnuck quoted Chandler as saying: “…the powers that be didn’t like it. They wanted to punish Rory for playing in those pro events. They wanted to rap him on the knuckles for breaking tradition.”
McIlroy took his omission hard, according to Shipnuck. “I was certainly peeved at the time,” he said.
It was McIlroy’s remarkable round on the Dunluce links - just days after the Walker Cup team was announced - that led McEvoy to admit it had been a mistake not to take him to the States, especially after GB&I were narrowly beaten by the Americans, 12½-11½.
According to Shipnuck’s book, McEvoy said: “If I had known he was going to shoot 61 a couple of days later we definitely would have picked him. If we had Rory on our side, we would have won. There is no question about that.”
With the benefit of hindsight, McIlroy is at peace with the snub, according to Shipnuck. He quotes Rory as saying: “Maybe if I had made the team, things would have panned out differently. If I had made the team, I might not have waited for ’07 to turn pro, and maybe I would have struggled for a couple of years on the Challenge Tour. Who knows, anything could have happened.”
McEvoy’s decision haunted him for more than two decades, according to Shipnuck. In June 2024, 10 months before his death, he said, according to the author, in a tone drier than melba toast: “There were issues of timing and circumstances, but suffice to say, leaving Rory McIlroy off the Walker Cup team was not a highlight of my selectorial career.”
The 2nd hole on the Valley Course.
The New Look Valley Course Now Ranked Among The Top 100 In GB&I
Martin Ebert’s prediction that The Valley has the potential to be one of the finest anywhere has been confirmed in a major new survey.
It is now rated 81st by Top100GolfCourses.com - considered by many as one of the game’s most authoritative grading systems.
After all the new landscaping work on the first nine, including the three new holes, and amid rave reviews by hundreds of overseas visitors, especially Americans, playing it for the first time this month, the rating proved what the course architect had always forecast.
The survey reported: “How many people have made a point of playing Royal Portrush Golf Club, and never given a thought to playing the sadly underrated Valley course - something approaching 90%, perhaps even more?”
Graeme Beatt, the course manager, said the ranking did not come as a huge surprise. He added: “The changes under Martin’s supervision have been a tremendous success, and we’re very proud of what has been achieved.”
“When playing the 16th and 17th, the views of the sea, the town and out to the Skerries rival the views at the 5th on the Dunluce. With the new tees, including the championship tee on top of the dunes, looking across to Dunluce Castle and the Giant’s Causeway are out of this world.”
The Valley now joins the GB&I rankings at 81st. The Dunluce remains in 3rd position.
‘Home From Home’ Portrush Is Launching Pad For North Of Ireland Winner Dylan’s Pro Career
New North of Ireland men’s amateur champion Dylan Keating has revealed how two huge victories at Royal Portrush helped transform his amateur career ahead of turning professional at the end of the season.
Just weeks after winning the Ian Bamford Scratch Cup, he returned to the North Coast to hold his nerve and clinch his first senior provincial title.
He went into his closing round in serious contention, but then feared he had blown his chances after hitting a tee shot into the grounds of Dunluce Lodge and walking off the 4th with a triple bogey.
He birdied the 6th, but then carded another 7 at the 7th where he was forced to hack out of the rough. However, three more birdies at 9, 11 and 12 meant he overtook Patrick Curran of Edmondstown, before then driving the green at the 17th for another 3, leaving him ahead going down 18, and finishing at -2.
Dylan Keating, North of Ireland Men’s Amateur champion.
Dylan, 23, works part time for his father’s greetings card company to fund his golf, and plays out of Seapoint. He is planning to join the paid ranks later this year.
He had previously been in America for four years on two golf scholarships at the Universities of Illinois and Louisiana before returning home, disillusioned with the game.
He said: “I really struggled in the States, but my confidence has been restored, and those wins at Portrush have had a massive impact.
“Portrush is my favourite course. I’ve been all over the place, especially America, and there is nowhere else like it on the planet. I know it well, but this is a course I’ve also played a thousand times in my head.”
“I knew I needed to finish well on 17 and 18, especially after recovering from those two horrendous 7s, and I suppose winning the Ian Bamford a couple of weeks previously gave me a nice advantage, because I knew just how to play those two closing holes.
“To win this, just after winning the Ian Bamford, is incredible. Portrush just feels like home from home. The condition of the course and the scenery is amazing.”
Ian Bamford, who won the North in 1954 and 1972, was at Royal Portrush as Dylan walked into the clubhouse for the presentation ceremony, and was also there four weeks earlier when the Co Louth golfer was handed the cup named in his honour.
Next year’s North of Ireland will be staged at Portstewart because the club is hosting The Amateur Championship. It is due to return in 2028.
Former captains joined Nigel Pollock for one of his final engagements. Back row, left to right: Simon Rankin, David Young, Ashley Moore, Robert Barry, Sir Richard McLaughlin, John Bamber, Bobby Clarke, Michael Patterson, David McMullan, John Moss. Front row, left to right: Alan Ritchie, John McNally, Nigel Pollock, Dr Tom Turner, Jim Carrigy and Eric Fulton.
Outgoing Captain Nigel Pollock’s Farewell Dinner
A warm farewell dinner for outgoing captain Nigel Pollock, marking the end of a memorable year at Royal Portrush.
Teen Kayleigh Reigns Supreme In Scratch Cup, With A Little Help From Dad
Royal Portrush’s Kayleigh Mulholland battled through the wind and rain to win the Zara Bolton Scratch Cup.
The 18-year-old final year pupil at St Patrick’s High School, Maghera, who is preparing to begin a golf scholarship in the United States, held off a challenge on her second round when conditions worsened and scores rocketed.
The previous day, Golf Ireland officials feared the players might not even be able to complete the 36 holes because of a weather warning forecasting strong gales and heavy showers.
But many of Ireland’s top amateurs, who also teed up for the Ian Bamford Scratch Cup, run at the same time over the Valley and Dunluce courses, managed to make it back to the recorders’ table and sign off.
Kayleigh leaves later this year to start her scholarship at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, which has campuses in New Brunswick, Newark and Camden.
Her father, Tony, a professional at Tobermore Golf Range, caddied for her on her triumphant two rounds. She was the only player among the women to break par on the Valley with a five-under 68, but found the Dunluce much more difficult in the wind and rain, scoring 82 to finish on +4, 150, just ahead of Lucy Grattan of Tralee and Kate Lanigan of Hermitage, both on 151.
Kayleigh Mulholland, Zara Bolton Scratch Cup winner.
Ian Bamford, former captain, with two-time winner Dylan Keating.
Kayleigh said: “It was really tough, especially on the Dunluce. I felt I played really well on the Valley, taking advantage of what are considered the easy holes, and making sure I parred the harder holes.
“I know the Valley well, and tried to keep my ball on the fairways but the weather had a big impact. My father is a great coach - he is very knowledgeable - and I was just glad to have him by my side.”
Kayleigh has already pencilled in some big dates in her diary in her quest to be part of Ireland’s under-18 girls’ Home International squad at Monifieth in Scotland. She was on the team which competed in the European championships last year.
Dylan Keating, meanwhile, finished one-under for a final score of 143 to win the Ian Bamford, just ahead of Robert Abernethy of Dun Laoghaire and Lorcan O’Connor of Edmondstown. They completed their two rounds on even-par 144.
William Beatty finished 10th at three-over to be the best of the Royal Portrush entries.
Nearly 80 members and guests celebrated all that is good in local food, craft brewing and artisan produce at a special ‘Glass to Grain’ and ‘Pasture to Plate’ night in the Dunluce Room.
They enjoyed four beautifully curated courses of charcuterie and cheese from Ispini Charcuterie, thoughtfully paired with craft beers and kombucha from the Portrush-based Lacada Brewery.
A particular highlight was hearing directly from the producers themselves - Alastair Bell of Irish Black Butter, Jonny and Sarah Cuddy of Ispini Charcuterie, and Sam Kane from Lacada.
Hazel Thompson, one of the organisers, said it proved to be a thoroughly memorable evening, bringing together members in a relaxed and sociable environment.
She said: “The feedback was excellent. The atmosphere throughout was warm, engaging and full of conversation - a wonderful reflection of club life at its best. The event was a tremendous success.”
Elleen Rodgers and Jack O’Connor, Yates Salver winners.
Lost Ball Mystery Adds Twist To Remarkable Round As Pals Elleen And Jack Land Yates Salver
Lifelong friends Elleen Rodgers and Jack O’Connor won the Yates Salver - after mysteriously losing a ball on their opening shot.
They finished with 46 points, two ahead of club captains Brian Lockhart and Angela Wilson, who scored a remarkable eagle on the 17th, chipping in just as whoops of delight were heard coming from the adjoining 13th where former assistant professional Charlene Reid had a hole-in-one.
Jack’s drive off the 4th - their starting tee - soared into the sky over the left hand side fairway bunker, never to be seen again.
Elleen explained: “We thought it was perfect, but when we walked up, we couldn’t see it. We looked everywhere. There was just no sign of it.”
“A one-legged pheasant is often seen around that landing area, and we even wondered if he or she might have made off with the ball. We were all laughing. ‘Has this one-legged pheasant stolen our ball?’ It was a complete mystery.”
Jack was then invited to hit Elleen’s down-the-middle drive for their second shot and the couple walked off the green, relieved with points on their card, before going on to complete a round which included three bogeys and one birdie at the 3rd, their finishing hole.
Elleen, who qualified from the University of Bath with a degree in international development and economics, had planned to take a year out travelling the world as an air hostess with Emirates Airlines.
But as she was preparing to leave to take up her post in Dubai, the outbreak of the US-Iranian war meant scrapping arrangements to travel to the Middle East, and instead joining the queue of caddies lined up to receive, assist and advise Royal Portrush’s overseas visitors.
The Yates Salver victory happened days after she celebrated her 24th birthday. She and Jack, who were brought up in family homes facing each other on the Ballywillan Road, have been playing golf since childhood as club juniors.
The last time they played together was about five years ago on the Valley, where they posted a score of 100-plus. But not this time, as they encouraged each other to keep focused after recovering from the ball that got away.
Elleen said: “It was pretty textbook stuff. We were due a birdie. But it got frustrating, especially on the greens where we were coming up a little bit short. We kept saying: ‘Come on, come on, we’ll get one.’
“We had to wait until the last, and he hit a great shot at the 3rd, our finishing hole, and I said I would try and get inside his ball. I went for the pin, left on the top tier. It stopped dead, and I left him to tap it in.”
Female First Timers Flock To New PGA Professional Rachel
Rachel McAuley-Hughes, who joined Gary McNeill’s staff last November, is now a fully qualified PGA professional after graduating at Birmingham University.
Her mum Annette, dad Tony, as well as her grandfather Sydney McClure, looked on as she was presented with her certificate by the PGA captain, David Llewellyn.
Rachel began her career three years ago at Massereene before joining The Warwickshire, and then taking up her position at Royal Portrush.
Rachel is heading up a new scheme at the club in a bid to get more females involved in the game. She is in charge of taster sessions on Saturdays. It is already fully booked with a waiting list, and according to Gary is being massively well received by the first-timers.
Gary said: “Rachel has settled in very well at Portrush. She is hugely popular with members. It is a terrific initiative, and an amazing incentive for those who might have retained lingering doubts about taking up the game.”
Rachel McAuley-Hughes at her PGA graduation.
Scott Herald at the 2020 Open at St Andrews.
Teaching Pro Scott Leads The Way To British PGA
Scott Herald set down an early tournament marker since his arrival at Royal Portrush by becoming the leading Irish qualifier for next month’s British PGA Championship.
He finished with a three-under 69 at Baltray, Co Louth, to top the leaderboard, two shots clear of Michael McGeady.
The first eight go through to play in the 72-hole championship at Slaley Hall, Northumbria.
Scott, 39, has qualified for this tournament three times before - at Blairgowrie, Carden Park, Cheshire, and Dundonald Links - but this win, coming just months after his arrival on the North Coast, was a bit special.
He had only ever been to the Co Louth links once before, 10 years ago, and just managed to play the first six holes because of atrocious weather.
Scott said: “I was more or less playing the course blind. The last time, umbrellas were blowing all over the place and we just had to hunker down, before eventually giving up.
“This time, I played really solid. I never really got into any trouble off the tee. I bogeyed the 2nd after catching a bunker, but from then on it was stress free, five birdies and another bogey. I was pleased with myself and delighted to make Slaley Hall.”
Scott, once a part-timer on the Pro Challenge Tour, spent 11 years coaching at St Andrews Links before taking up the job as one of Gary McNeill’s teaching professionals.
He said: “I’ve found it all very humbling. Everybody has been so welcoming and friendly. It has been fantastic to get to know everybody and I really like living in this area.”
Amy O’Donnell, sports nutritionist, and Royal Portrush member.
Sports Nutritionist Amy Fuels GB&I Curtis Cup Bid In LA
Amy O’Donnell will again be part of the Great Britain and Ireland Curtis Cup support team in next month’s match against the United States in Los Angeles.
Amy, a sports nutritionist, previously worked with Catriona Matthew, the team captain at the last Curtis Cup, as well as at the 2021 Solheim Cup.
The match takes place at Bel-Air Country Club on June 12-14, where temperatures are expected to be in the region of 24-28 degrees.
Amy, a member of the Royal Portrush Ladies Senior Cup squad, said: “With players travelling from a range of locations, managing travel fatigue and minimising the impact of jet lag will be an important part of the preparations.
“Hydration strategies will be key. Combined with the physical demands of competitive golf, ensuring the players are appropriately fuelled will also be essential to support services over the three days of play.”
A Fresh Season In The Shop
With the weather getting warmer and more members and visitors around the club, the shop has been a hive of activity. It has been a very encouraging start to the second quarter, and we are looking forward to a busy and successful season ahead.
New Arrivals - Royal Portrush CollectionWe are pleased to share one of the latest additions to the shop: our bespoke Royal Portrush Collection. Unique to the club, the range has been designed and manufactured in Italy using premium cotton.
Inspired by the club colours of navy, maroon and gold, the collection is a celebration of Royal Portrush’s identity and heritage. With classic styling throughout, it includes a range of polo shirts and midlayers that we hope members will enjoy.
Supplier Spotlight - Peter MillarFounded in North Carolina, USA, Peter Millar has built a strong reputation for quality, craftsmanship and innovation across its fabrics and designs. This year, Peter Millar has collaborated with Royal Portrush Golf Club to create a bespoke polo shirt featuring icons from Portrush and the surrounding area, exclusively available in the shop.
With the days becoming longer and temperatures on the rise, there are a few essentials every golfer should have on hand to stay comfortable and perform at their best on the course this summer.
Protect Yourself From The SunSpending several hours on the course in warm conditions makes sun protection especially important. Lightweight golf attire with built-in UPF 50+ protection can help shield your skin, while a breathable cap or visor offers valuable protection for your face and head during play.
Stay HydratedMaintaining hydration is key to both comfort and concentration during a round. Be sure to always carry water with you on the course. Our Royal Portrush lightweight reusable water bottle fits perfectly into your golf bag and is an ideal companion for summer golf.
Dress For Performance In Warm WeatherThe right summer golf attire can make a noticeable difference to your comfort and performance. Breathable moisture-wicking apparel, lightweight socks and quality sunglasses can help you stay focused and comfortable throughout your round, even on the warmest days.
We have a wide range of items available in store to help prepare you for summer golf. We encourage members to visit soon to explore the latest range while stock is at its best. As always, thank you for your continued support - we look forward to welcoming you into the shop soon.