Happy New Year.....

Happy New Year!

Many thanks for all the feedback and support during the past twelve months from The Irish Golf Club Gazette, in what has been a memorable year for Irish golf, led by the achievements of Rory McIlroy no doubt in winning a second major title, the Race to Dubai and numerous player of the year honours 

But also let us not forget others like Graeme McDowell's win at the World Golf Challenge, Michael Hoey at the Trophee Hassan II and Shane Lowry at the Portugal Masters. Then there was also Peter Lawrie's fine fourth place at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth in May.

At Medinah Ryder Cup Vice-captains Paul McGinley and Darren Clarke played vital roles in securing a historic  win for Captain Jose-Maria Olazabal in circumstances that  saw McIlroy and McDowell outshone by the performances from some of their European team-mates. An incredible win by any standard and one that places both Irish golfers in the frame for the 2014 captaincy

It was all some recompense for Clarke who found the defence of his Open Championship title at Royal Lytham St Anne's in the summer a tough and unmemorable experience.

For three time major winner, Padraig Harrington, it was another season of transition but with a fourth place finish at the US Open Championship, along with a few record rounds during the season that show much promise ahead.

If there was to be one special moment it must be the return to the European Tour by David Higgins, who regained his rights after a few years absence earlier in December at Tour School in PGA Catalunya, also wining the Irish PGA Championship  a title once held by his Father Liam - and a tenth place finish at the BMW PGA Championship.

The success of the Irish Open at Royal Portrush was best measured by the record ticket sales last July, all of which bodes well for the tournament in 2013 at Carton House in Maynooth - where all Ireland's top golfers will be on show.

So roll on 2013!

The Editor