INTERNATIONAL GOLFCHAMPIONSHIP OF THE SHOE, LEATHER AND ALLIED TRADES JUNE 17th, 18th, 19th, 2015 at Druids Glen, County Wicklow.
The 70th Championship took place at the luxurious and beautiful Druids Glen Resort in Ireland, about 30 miles south of Dublin. Glorious sunny weather was a very welcome relief after the cold start to June. More than 100 golfers competed for the Championship Trophies and the numerous Regional Trophies, the Men’s Champion taking the prestigious “News Bowl” and the Ladies Champion the impressive “Shoe & Leather News” Trophy.
The Trade Banquet on the Thursday night in the Ballroom was attended by 120 people, and on the night the Auction and Raffle produced almost £6000 for the Trade Charities. David Lockyer, Chairman of Footwear Friends, and Richard Brown, President of the LHTBI received cheques from President Gordon A Wilson. The total donations to the Charities will be £16,500 in the past year. The President expressed his sincere thanks to all the Sponsors who make a substantial contribution to the funds raised for the Charities, and those kind enough to donate prizes for the raffle and the auction.
There was a special award at the Banquet to Derek P Marlow, Chairman of UKD Distributors (Footwear) Ltd, as Derek has played in 60 of the 70 Championships since 1946, a remarkable achievement, duly commended by the President.
The beautiful courses at Druids Glen proved a tough test of golf, with the average Stableford score over 36 holes being 42 points. The new Champion is Pat Connolly from Dublin, with 62 points, Pat being a former Lotus man. Last year it was the Men’s champion who successfully defended his title, setting a new record, but at Druids Glen it was the Ladies Champion Kate James of Euroleathers that successfully defended her title from the Belfry, and in doing so became the first Lady Champion to retain the Trophy.
The Runner up was Gerard Hall from Edenderry with 59 points and Kenny Stirling of Brevitt Rieker was third, on a count back, also with 59 points.
The Hugh Denton Trophy for the Under 50’s was won by Christian Castle, The Turner Bowl for the Over 50’s was won by Andrew Chanter, and the Mawer Marlow Bowl for the Over 70’s was won by Pat MacCarthy.
In the International Match for The Bridge of Weir Trophy, sponsored by Micro-Pak Ltd., the
Match was tied for the first time in many years, with Ireland & Scotland, Captained by John McHugh, being the holders they retain the Trophy. Andrew James of Euroleathers Captained the England & Wales team.
In 2016 the Championship returns to the UK and will be played at Woodhall Spa in Lincolnshire, the last visit being in 2006. Anyone not on the mailing list who would like to play as a member of the Trades or as a Visitor please contact rodney@leicesteruk.co.uk
