Family golfers team up to put the K Club on the road to victory
Daily Mail
14 Apr 2009
THE K Club kept it in the family as they swept to an impressive victory in the first round of the Irish Mail All-Ireland Fourball Trophy.
Kathy Smurfit, the wife of Michael Smurfit, and Karena O’Connor, Michael’s cousin, teamed up for the K Club in a powerful 7&6 win over Castlewarden’s Annette Walsh and Anne Kirwan.
The K Club, which was the vision of Michael Smurfit’s father, the celebrated businessman Dr. Michael Smurfit, opened as a resort in July 1991 and famously staged the Ryder Cup in 2006.
Kathy and Karena won their place in the team through a qualifying competition at the K Club. ‘We didn’t use our family connections,’ joked Karena. ‘Though we always try to make the most of home advantage when we play. I think other teams enjoy coming to play at the K Club, but it can be a bit overwhelming.
‘We played Castlewarden on the Ryder Cup course which obviously helps us. But it won’t be so easy in the next round when we are away to Kilcock.’
In 2004 and 2005 the K Club reached the Irish Final of The Mail on Sunday Classic and lost on both occasions, to Northern Ireland teams City of Derry then Belvoir Park, and that memory is driving the club on this year.
‘We were devastated. Both matches were so close. We couldn’t believe it had happened to us two years running, so this is an important competition for us to do well in,’ said Karena.
‘I think this is an excellent competition. For me fourball is so much fun. You can really have a go knowing that two of you are playing every hole.’ |
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