With a little over three weeks remaining until the second staging of the Women’s Irish Open at Dromoland Castle from August 31 – September 03, the heavy rainfall that made July the wettest on record has not been without its benefits and the course has never looked better.
“It’s a little softer than we’d usually see at this time of year,” said Dromoland Director of Golf Eamonn O’Donnell, “but on the other hand, it’s incredibly lush which is great for us from a presentation point of view. Out superintendent Paul Coleman and his team are putting in some incredible work in advance – it’s now within four weeks of the tournament date – and we opened a number of new tee boxes that were built for the tournament this year.
“They were first put in play last weekend for the President’s Prize and our members got to experience them last week for the first time and the feedback was incredibly positive and we’re looking forward to showcasing the improvements on the course at the Women’s Irish Open.”
With a membership that have thrown their support behind the event from the start, few reminders were needed that the date was drawing near but signage being erected at the gates has only heightened the sense of anticipation.
“With the success of the event last year and it coming back this year, when you get the billboards outside the front gate the everybody realises it’s just around the corner,” O’Donnell explained. “We’re very lucky that we’ve a membership who are fully behind the event. A large majority of them have already signed up as volunteers for the week which is a testament to their support.”
And local girls to support doesn’t hurt. Amateurs Aine Donegan and Aideen Walsh, both members at Dromoland Castle, are among the 126 players set to tee it up and Donegan in particular, following her rise to fame during the U.S. Women’s Open at Pebble Beach, is likely to draw large galleries from throughout the nation.
“They’ve added to the excitement for the members and for the Clare region itself,” said O’Donnell. “We’re working with Clare County Council to promote the region as well as the event so there’s a lot of positivity and nervous energy already in store. Now that we’re in August, the excitement has built to the stage where, for us, it can’t come quick enough.”
Tickets to see the stars of the Ladies European Tour at the KPMG Women’s Irish Open are now on sale HERE with under-16s gaining free entry.
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