Kinsale Golf Club is set to welcome 150 of Ireland’s top senior amateur golfers this week as the West Cork club hosts both the Irish Senior Women’s Amateur Open Championship and the Irish Senior Men’s Amateur Close Championship.
Among those aiming for glory is local member Shane Kenneally, the reigning men’s champion, who returns confident and ready to defend his title on his home course.
Kenneally’s win in 2024 marked the 54-year-old’s first national championship victory and highlighted an impressive season that also included a second-place finish at the Irish Senior Men’s Amateur Open Championship and a debut call up to the Irish Senior Men’s International squad.
“I feel delighted at the win. That’s probably what stands up more than anything. I got my name on a national title, and I showed I belong up there,” said Kenneally.
“I’d love to do it again so that’s my target, to try and do it again.”
Having spent the past seven months working in Saudi Arabia, Kenneally returned to Ireland last Friday and quickly reacquainted himself with the course which has seen some significant changes during his time abroad.
“They have made changes to the green on 9, the green on 18, and around the green on 10 so I’ve got just have a look at those and try and get used to that,” said Kenneally.
“They’ve recontoured quite a bit and they’ve really changed those greens so they’re quite a bit different from what I would be used to.”
Although his local knowledge could provide an advantage, Kenneally admits it also brings some added pressure.
“It can be a double-edged sword. I found out when the Munster was here that you’re hoping everyone feels welcome and the course is presented well and you’re kind of putting more pressure on yourself,” said Kenneally.
“I’m trying to learn from that and hoping that I can play my golf just one hole at a time. I’m hoping that it’ll be to my advantage, but a lot of that is mental.”
The Irish Senior Women’s Amateur Open Championship will tee off first, with the 58 strong field beginning at 8.30am on Wednesday as Shelly Stouffer (Morningstar GC) and Gigi Higgins (Lauren Oaks CC) begin on the first tee, while Michele Rossi (Rosedale) and Sarah Baker (Nenagh) start from the 10th.
Kenneally will have the honour of leading the field out in the Men’s championship at 10.10am, teeing off alongside former Munster Men’s Amateur Open Champion Jason Law (East Cork) and fellow Irish Senior International David Mulholland (Castlerock). From the 10th, Brian Healy (Carlow), Jim Carvill (Banbridge), and reigning Irish Senior Men’s Close Champion Joe Lyons (Galway) will also begin their campaigns.
While Kenneally is keeping his feet on the ground when it comes to expectations this week, there is no doubt about his desire to retain the crown he battled to earn at Lough Erne last year.
“I would be absolutely delighted if I can do it. Obviously, that’s my target for the week, that’s what I want to do, but more than anything, I want to play well and hopefully be up there,” said Kenneally.
“I’d love to be in the last one or two groups on Friday, but if I do it, I’ll be delighted. I certainly would be very, very proud to have done it here.”
View tee times and scoring here
Leave a comment