The ladies thought that they would all suffer great cuts in handicaps but time has shown that the ILGU girls know their stuff as, with few exceptions, scoring does not approach the 40-points anymore.

One such exception was Maeve O'Donnell who had a terrific 43 in last week's competition.

All 19 greens at Blainroe have been rebuilt, reshaped and based on sand. The most talked-of change has seen the green on the par-three 15th slide down the slope closer to the lake and stretch to about 190 yards. A teaser if ever there was one.

A new practice ground with sophisticated targets has been established and an underpass has been built under the road to facilitate the passage of machines and golfers from one section of the course to the other. An already fine course is now better than ever and 1999 club captain Don Feeley, who plays off six, has begun to show a happy smile these days now that the work he and his friends put in has paid off.

New club manager Patrick Bradshaw, whose previous post was at Charlesland, has found himself in the middle of a dynamic situation at Blainroe and he loves it. He pauses for breath before continuing with the litany of improvements at this fine club. . ." the clubhouse has been improved with refurbished locker-rooms and a new restaurant; and this winter will see the bar redesigned."

When home from the Olympics, the Masters and all the other great world sporting events, RTE broadcasting wizard Greg Allen calls this his golfing home and he finds that he has to play well to single figures to have any chance against such divot demons as rugger heroes Paul Dean, Denis Hickie, Tom Grace and Johnny Quirke.

Any golfer whose path leads through Wicklow should plan a visit to this excellent and most welcoming venue. But be careful that they don't slip you an oval golf ball!