Pat Foley will assume one of the most powerful positions in golf when he becomes the first Irishman to hold the presidency of the European Golf Association next month. Indeed, the Corkman - who takes up office on October 18th - should ensure that the number seven features in his weekly Lotto slip given the role it has played in his career as an official. Foley was captain of Muskerry Golf Club in 1967, was president of the GUI in 1977 and, in four weeks' time, will have the honour of taking over as president of the EGA.

The Lausanne-based EGA is the umbrella organisation for the continent's 29 affiliated golfing federations and is responsible for organising all European men's and women's team and individual championships, as well as the matches between Great Britain and Ireland and the continent of Europe.

One of Foley's last functions before taking on the presidency will actually be to act as an observer of a match at the Ryder Cup next week in Valderrama.

"It is a tremendous honour, not only for me, but for Irish golf," admitted Foley, who will serve as president for a two-year term. "These are exciting but also challenging times for golf in Europe and a couple of issues - namely the environment and handicapping - are particularly important at this time."

Fittingly, perhaps, there was a strong Cork influence on the finals of the Ford Women's Strokeplay Championship which took place at Druids Glen last Sunday.

Maureen Creedon, a 12-handicapper from Berehaven, had a nett 76 to edge out Marie Walsh (Nairn and Portnoo) on a superior back nine in the low-handicap category, while Muskerry's Joan Turner, playing off 24, won the high-handicap category with a nett 74.

However, the lowest score came in the mid-handicap category where Breda Sugrue, a 23-handicapper from Finnstown in Lucan, had a nett 68.

Contrary to the impression given in our survey last week, Enniscrone Golf Club has offered Equal Status to women since March 21st, 1991. A small number of women took up the option and one woman attended the a.g.m.s of the club. The majority reverted back to associate membership as there was no apparent advantage to paying the higher subscription. The club emphasises that women have played a very active role and are members of various sub-committees and have always had playing facilities at weekends.