A Derry golfer has celebrated this week’s re-opening of courses after the easing of coronavirus lockdown restrictions with her first ever hole-in-one.
Health worker, Jennie Flanagan was among the first members of City of Derry Golf Club to tee-off when the course re-opened on Wednesday.
A keen golfer of 22 years, Mr Flanagan was playing a three-ball with friends, Karen Jackson and Marie Clifford. Following a two-month lay-off from the sport, Mrs Flanagan was playing the 12th hole at Prehen when the unthinkable happened and she achieved every golfer’s dream.
Mrs Flanagan said she used a “rescue club” for the shot and watched as the ball rolled towards the hole. She fully expected to find it had rolled right across the green.
“I expected to see it at the back of the green but low and behold, it was in the hole. My first ever hole-in-one,” she said.
Due to continuing Covid-19 restrictions, the Derry woman was unable to celebrate her remarkable success in the traditional way by buying a round of drink for all members at the club bar.
City of Derry congratulated Mrs Flanagan yesterday, noting: “With the bar closed, Jennie couldn’t even buy playing partners, Marie Clifford and Karen Jackson a celebratory pint.”
A spokesman for City of Derry said everyone was delighted for Mrs Flanagan who he described as one of the most popular members of the Prehen club.
“Jennie and all her family are club members and have been for a long time. It was a great achievement and we’ll remind her about it and the traditions when the clubhouse is allowed to re-open,” the spokesman said.
