Tom Reid hosts final President’s Prize before Glasson retirement
The President’s Prize was played in glorious sunshine at the gorgeous Glasson Golf Course on Sunday, September 10.
Players arrived bright and early to register for the 9.30am shotgun start. The anticipation was high, with the President's Prize at Glasson being played as one competition where both men and ladies compete for the overall prize.
Tom Reid, former owner and founder of the Glasson resort, has been President since the inception of the club in 1993. Club history was made on the day as this was Tom's last President's Prize; he will retire as President of the club at the end of this year.
President Tom hosted a reception for the players as they came in after 18 holes. There was a great buzz and atmosphere around the cabin as golfers enjoyed their food and drinks in the sun, compliments of the president.
More than 100 golfers competed, with 21 players making it to the play-off later in the afternoon. A total of 16 men and 5 ladies qualified for the play off and battled it out over the last nine holes, with everything still to play for. The result saw only one point between the winner and the runner up.
Fred Kelleher, playing off a handicap of 7 and scoring 62 points, was the overall winner of the coveted prize for 2023, a beautiful antique writing desk. The men’s runner up with 61 points was Brian Campbell.
Marian Diffley was the ladies' winner on the day with a fantastic score of 53 points over the 27 holes.
The President's Dinner was served in the beautiful Reid Room at Glasson overlooking Killinure Bay. Head Chef Deirdre Adamson presented a mouthwatering meal.
After the prizes had been presented, Tom thanked the membership of Glasson and said that being their President had been both a pleasure and a privilege for him. Coincidentally the 2023 Lady Captain of Glasson, is Fidelma Reid, who just happens to be Tom's daughter. Fidelma, managed Glasson alongside her parents Tom and Breda for more than 25 years.
On behalf of the membership the Lady Captain thanked Honorary Secretaries Brian Gorey and Hilary Duffy, for the monumental amount of work they had to put in to make the President's Day at Glasson such an enjoyable one.
Director of Golf at Glasson, Lynn McCool was thanked for her help throughout the day and complimented on all the improvements that have been made to the golf course at Glasson.
The membership recognised Breda Reid, Tom's wife, for her contribution to both the business and the club at Glasson and presented her with a beautiful Dubarry handbag. Fidelma said Tom would be “a hard act to follow” and thanked him for his generosity and dedication in his role as President over the years.
2023 Captain David Walsh later presented Tom and Breda with a stunning photograph of the last six holes, which had been signed by members throughout the day. The inscription below the picture said it all : "To Tom and Breda, “Where you made your home ours - Thank you.”
Captain David then raised a toast to Tom and Breda, marking the end of an era and exciting new beginnings at Glasson Lakehouse, which is going from strength to strength.