Irish Golf News

On the ropes. Graeme McDowell during off-season training in Orlando this week. Darren Clarke and Graeme McDowell are especially determined to come out looking lean and hungry for their assault on 2014.

Paul McGinley receiving the PGA Recognition Award from PGA captain Neil Selwyn-Smith. Picture courtesy Tom Dulat/Getty Images

Paul McGinley has followed in the footsteps of some illustrious past Ryder Cup captains by receiving the PGA Recognition Award for his outstanding contribution to golf.

Clint Eastwood.

On the face of it, WB Yeats, Tiger Woods and The Man With No Name would appear to have little in common. But that’s before you speak to Francis Reynolds, who has seen some of world’s most famous faces pass by in the 22 years he’s been golf manager at stunning Mount Juliet in Thomastown, Co Kilkenny.

The Island. Picture © theislandgolfclub.com There’s something indescribably romantic about The Island, one of the jewels in Ireland’s links crown, bordered on three sides by water, its massive dunes the only protection from the winds that appear to blow almost incessantly.

Brian Casey following his five-shot win in the Alps Tour Q-School at La Cala Resort. Picture © Agathe Séron / AlpsTourGolf.com

Headfort’s Brian Casey closed with a super 67 to cruise to an impressive, wire-to-wire, five-shot victory at the Alps Tour Q-School in Spain.

An aerial view of the 18th at Dromland Castle, home of the Mid West Alliance.

When it was founded in 1964, the Mid West Alliance had a very modest objective; to provide low handicappers in North Munster and South Connacht with an opportunity to remain ‘competitively sharp’ during the winter months.

Brian Casey remains in front at the Alps Tour Q-School. Picture Thos Caffrey/ www.golffile.ie

Brian Casey hailed his girlfriend for her course knowledge as he took a one-stroke lead into the final round of the Alps Tour Q-School in Spain.

Rory McIlroy recovers from the rough in the 3 Irish Open at Co Louth in 2009. Picture Jenny Matthews/ www.golffile.ie

The Irish Open could have a title sponsor again next season after three years in survival mode. Sources close to the European Tour confirmed that they are in negotiations with a backer that could boost the prize fund beyond €2m.

Headfort’s Brian Casey. Picture © Agathe Séron AlpsTourGolf.com

Headfort’s Brian Casey fired eight birdies and an eagle in a seven under 65 to take a two-stroke lead after the opening round of the Alps Tour Q-School in Spain.

Tiger Woods and Graeme McDowell clocked up a lot of world ranking points in 2013 despite disappointing years in the Majors. Photo: Kenneth E.Dennis / kendennisphoto.com

Graeme McDowell and Simon Thornton were Irish golf’s big winners in the world rankings in 2013 but it was a disappointing year for the other six players who ended the season inside the Top-300 - Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry, Pádraig Harrington, Michael Hoey, Darren Clarke and Peter Lawrie.

New Ross Golf Club.

Castlecomer’s Michael Buggy defied gale force wins to win the gross prize in the South East Alliance outing at New Ross on Sunday.

Paula Grant in action this season. Picture © Pat Cashman

Lisburn’s Paul Grant finished a fine 18th in the Argentinian Women’s Open at the Hurlingham Club in Buenos Aires.

Tara Delaney in action. Picture © LadiesEuropeanTour.com

Just a few days after Danielle McVeigh announced that she was looking for a new challenge after two tough years in the professional ranks, Carlow’s Tara Delaney faces another hard year in the lower echelons of the professional game.

Denis O’Sullivan continues to perform well at the age of 65.

Denis O’Sullivan might not have won for eight years but he is now the eighth biggest earner in the history of the European Senior Tour.

Tara Delaney shot a six over 78 on the first day of the Ladies European Tour Q-School in Marrakech.

Tara Delaney has her work cut out after opening with a six over 78 in the first round of the Ladies European Tour’s Lalla Aicha Tour School Final Qualifying in Morocco.

David Higgins finished 11th in the Nelson Mandela Championship. Picture: David Lloyd / www.golffile.ie

David Higgins finished tied for 11th in the Nelson Mandela Championship presented by ISPS for a confidence-boosting start to the 2014 European Tour campaign.

Rory McIlroy and Roger Federer at an ATP event in Cincinnati last year.

Roger Federer has set up his own management firm with longtime agent Tony Godsick. According to The New York Times, the Swiss star is “particularly interested in signing a leading golfer in the near term.” Could he be chasing Rory McIlroy?

Headfort professional Brendan McGovern was disturbed by a mobile phone at a crucial moment in the final round of the PGAs of Europe International Team Championship in Portugal. Pictured at the 2013 Irish Open by Thos Caffrey / www.golffile.ie

Ireland crashed to a disappointing joint third in the PGAs of Europe International Team Championship after a controversial finish marred by a mobile phone.

Matthew McAlpin in action in the 2012 East of Ireland at Co Louth. Photo Jenny Matthews/www.golffile.ie

Matt McAlpin led the quintet of Irishmen who will join Alan Dunbar at next week’s final stage of the Alps Tour Qualifying School in Spain.