Sponsors Bryan Quille of Monami Construction, Deirdre O’Connell of Carr Golf, Dromoland’s Head Golf Professional Ian Kearney launching the PGA Club Professional
The Club Professional Tournament returns to the IGTOA’s Parkland of the Year, Dromoland Castle this May with a changed format to accommodate modern schedules.
The PGA in Ireland and Dromoland Castle, together with sponsors Monami Construction and Carr Golf, have agreed a deal to bring the Irish Club Professional Tournament back to the five-star Castle Resort this May.
For the third year in succession, the Ron Kirby & J.B. Carr designed course in Co. Clare, awarded Irish Parkland of the Year by the Irish Golf Tour Operator Association, will host the event which was won in some style last year by Old Conna’s Neil O’Briain.
And this year, the event comes with a twist as the tournament reverts to its traditional 18-hole format in order to accommodate working PGA Professionals. It’s a move that will be welcomed by busy club pros across the country who will look to battle it out on May 22nd for a share of the €13,000 prize-fund.
A Corporate Pro-Am Tournament will precede the event on May 21st, with support going to Dromoland’s 2019 charity partner, Novas, providing shelter and respite services.
By reducing the tournament to 18-holes, PGA in Ireland Tournament Director, Yvonne Cassidy believes the event should attract a stellar field.
“The change in format this year recognises the current environment and working practices of the modern PGA professional,” said Cassidy. “We engaged Dromoland Castle with a view to attracting more professionals to play this year.
“By opting to stage a traditional 18-hole strokeplay event, we feel we are striking the right balance, one that pleases all the stakeholders. We once again thank Dromoland Castle, Monami Construction and Carr Golf for agreeing to the change which will hopefully encourage more entries.”
Speaking on behalf of Dromoland Castle, Managing Director Mark Nolan said; “We are very happy to host a third year of the tournament as an opportunity to engage with Professionals from all over Ireland, welcomed by our own new PGA Head Professional, Ian Kearney. We look forward to the day, and indeed our brand-new golf shop will be open so we can showcase our continued investment in golf at Dromoland Castle.”
The tournament is sponsored by Monami Construction, one of Ireland’s leading builders and Carr Golf, Ireland’s largest golf management business, providing management, marketing or maintenance services to 20 clubs.
The Irish Club Professional tournament was launched in 1993. Former winners include David Higgins, Simon Thornton and Damian Mooney. Last year, O’Briain eagled the opening hole of a play-off to edge out Eamonn Brady (Clontarf) after they both finished the 36-hole event on four-under par.
The Old Conna man started the final day a full six shots behind round one leader Simon Thornton (Tulfarris Resort) but charged through the field on the back of a six-under par 66 – the lowest score of the week.
Teams of three will be invited to play the one-day Corporate Pro-Am tournament on Tuesday 21 May which will include a morning PGA Coaching Clinic, shotgun start at 12pm, prize giving, and dinner and entertainment in Dromoland Castle.
Parties interested in taking part should contact 061 368 444 or email golf@dromoland.ie.
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