The historic Husbands and Wives Open Championship Returns During Newlands Golf Club Centenary Year Newlands Golf Club is proud to announce the 55th staging of its renowned Husbands and Wives Open Championship, taking place on Saturday, 11 July 2026.
First played in 1969, the championship is widely recognised as Ireland’s longest- running family golf event and remains one of the most prestigious and enduring competitions in Irish amateur golf. The 2026 championship holds special significance as it coincides with the centenary of Newlands Golf Club at its present home in Newlands Demesne, making this year's event a celebration of both sporting tradition and a remarkable milestone in the club’s history.
Over the past 55 years, the championship has earned a reputation for excellence, attracting many of Ireland’s leading amateur golfers while maintaining its unique focus on family participation and sporting camaraderie. For much of its history, the event was contested over a full week, featuring weekend qualifying rounds followed by match-play stages before evolving into its current one-day championship format in 2006.
The tournament's roll of honour reflects the quality of players it has attracted throughout its history. Past competitors have included distinguished international and interprovincial golfers such as Tony Hayes and Tony Heverin of Hermitage Golf Club, along with Maurice Fives of Elm Park Golf Club. Outside of Newlands, Hermitage Golf Club has enjoyed the greatest success in the championship’s history, highlighting the event’s standing among Ireland’s leading golf clubs.
Among the championship’s most remarkable achievements, Yvonne Yendole and Ian Harrbourne remain the only pairing to have won the title on three occasions, claiming victory twice during the match-play era and once under the current format. Liam and Anne O’Hagan of Hermitage are the only couple to have secured the championship twice, underlining the prestige and competitiveness associated with the title.
This year’s field promises another high-quality contest. Among the notable entrants are former Irish International and South of Ireland Champion Mark Campbell and his wife Leonie, who will be hoping to emulate the success of Leonie’s parents, Aiden and Sheilagh Keogh, former champions of the event. Also competing will be former Leinster Interprovincial player Paddy Butler and Irish Senior International Hugh Donnelly, adding further strength to an already impressive
field.
Representing the host club will be Newlands’ rising star Esme Murphy, who recently performed with distinction in the FloGas Irish Women’s Amateur Open Championship. Murphy will partner with her wife, Leonie Colgan, as they seek to make their mark on one of Irish golf’s most cherished championships. The annual Husbands and Wives Championship remains a highlight of the Newlands Golf Club calendar, combining competitive golf with the warmth, hospitality, and
community spirit for which the club is renowned. Competitors will have the option of shotgun starts at 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., with entry including a three-course lunch or dinner.
Visitors and participants alike can look forward to experiencing the course’s outstanding condition and the unique atmosphere that has made this event a favourite for generations.
Newlands Golf Club also wishes to acknowledge and thank Stephen and Sinead Johnson of Tucker Reilly’s and The Docker for their continued and generous sponsorship of the championship. Their support has played an important role in
helping the event maintain its reputation as one of Ireland’s premier family golf competitions.
With strong demand already evident, the last few remaining times on the timesheet are still open.
Entry details and booking links are available below.
Morning:
https://www.newlandsgolfclub.com/competition2.php?tab=details&compid=5299&go=signup
Afternoon:
https://www.newlandsgolfclub.com/competition2.php?tab=details&compid=5312&go=signup
Leave a comment