100 years of the Cork Scratch Cup
Cork Golf Club
The period in Ireland when the Cork Scratch Cup was launched was a very divisive time following the War of Independence, Civil War and not forgetting the Burning of Cork City in December 1920.
Cork Golf Club, at the time was very well led by long established Cork brewers, Arthur Frederick Sharman Crawford President and Albert Murphy Captain.
An entry in the Minute Book dated 23 January 1923 states "A Perpetual Challenge Cup to be purchased by Cork Golf Club at a price not exceeding £25.00 and that the Cup become the property of the Club with guarantors”.
This was proposed by Fitzjames Murphy and seconded by WJ Madden. The Cup was named "The Cork Scratch Cup" and to date it is the oldest Scratch Cup still played in Ireland.
The inaugural Cup winner in March 1923 was James F Nicholson of Cork Golf Club beating TS Coppinger of Midleton Golf Club 8/7 over a 36 Hole final. A total of 34 players entered a Matchplay format with the winner receiving £5.00 plus the Cup.
A similar format took place in 1924 with William Dwyer beating the holder James F Nicholson 3/1 in a 36 Hole final.
During its 100 years, three individuals have won the trophy 5 times, Redmond Simcox, George Crosbie and Denis O Sullivan.
An aerial view of the fifth hole at Cork Golf Club
The winners on four occasions are James Bruen Jr, Cork Golf Club 1938/39/40/41, John Dillon MacCormack (Portmarnock Golf Club) played under a pseudonym, being a Medical Inspector with the Local Government Dept who refused him time off for playing golf.
Tom Cleary from Fermoy and Cork Golf Clubs joined these famous golfers also with four wins.
The 1941 victory by Bruen against Harry F Cronin was the largest margin 13/11 over the 36 Hole final. Two former GUI Presidents have won the Cup, Commander George Crosbie and Redmond Simcox.
Cork Golf Club members lead the winners with 37 titles and 25 Clubs are represented in the order of merit.
The event has always attracted local, national and overseas entrants with an English winner in 1974, Bruce G Streather (Little Ashton GC) while on his honeymoon in Ireland.
Bruce later became Captain of Sunningdale GC in 1996.
The only two Father and Son competitors to achieve success were George Crosbie Snr and his son George and Loyal Goulding and his son Niall who is presently Captain of Portmarnock GC.
With the onset of WWII playing of the competition 1943/46 inclusive was curtailed, hence a total of 96 winners over the 100 years.
The Carr/Bruen Trophy was introduced to the competition in 1972 in order to recognise the best under-25-year-old player and the first winner was Robin Turnbull.
This trophy is still played for today.
Many local Cork companies have generously supported the Cup since the late 1970s which is greatly appreciated.
The format of the event has changed on numerous occasions - from the 70s it was 72 Hole Stroke, then Matchplay and back to Stroke play.
This year's sponsored event, which has been renamed the Munster Amateur Open Champonship, takes place this weekend and will have a 36 Hole Stroke qualifier with 16 to contest Matchplay in recognition of the original 1923 concept.
