Tavey Menswear Competition

The course has certainly taken on a different character this week. After such a dry summer, the arrival of some proper autumn weather has softened things up, and it was noticeable in the scoring.

The softer conditions certainly seemed to change the complexion of the scoring, with a few more of the lower handicaps making their presence felt at the sharp end

Barry O’Reilly — 42 pts

David Eakin — 41 pts

Patrick Tavey — 40 pts (valiant effort to keep it in the family!)

Three excellent scores, with Barry taking the honours on 42 points.

Gross Prize: Another superb 70 (-2) from Padraic Conlon.

That’s two 70s in a week, on the back of his great score in the Weds Open last week.

Nothing else to add really. Just irritatingly good golf.

Golfer of the Year

And now things are getting interesting.

With just one counting competition remaining, Frank McDonnell still leads the way on 365 points, but Jamie McCann Smyth and Patrick Tavey are both on 361, with Gavan McEneaney just seven points further back on 358.

So, four players remain in contention for the title of Concra Champion Golfer of the Year 2026.

Frank has been holding onto that lead for some time, but he hasn’t quite managed to shake off the chasing pack. Jamie has been remarkably consistent, while Patrick and Gavan have both shown they can produce a big score when it matters.

And now it all comes down to the storied and venerable Blayney Cup; the final Golfer of the Year counting competition.

One competition. Four contenders. Sunday evening will tell us who gets their hands on the crown.

Who’s your money on?

Best of luck to the runners and riders. May the best golfer win!