Irish Golf News

SAN MARTIN, CA - SEPTEMBER 16:  Captain Jon Bevan poses with his Great Britain & Ireland team prior to the start of the 27th PGA Cup at CordeValle on September 16, 2015 in San Martin, California.  (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)

Royal Dublin's Niall Kearney was impressed by the venue as the Great Britain & Ireland’s PGA Cup team put CordeValle’s Robert Trent Jones Jnr layout under the microscope ahead of their bid to regain the Llandudno Trophy, writes the PGA.

Jon Bevan’s side walked the back nine of the California course en masse to plot strategies ahead of the contest, paying particular attention to the greens.

At 7,252 yards, CordeValle might be generous off the tees but failure to put the ball in the right place on the greens can leave virtually impossible putts.

Kearney for one has been impressed with the track which next year will host the US Women’s Open.

“It’s very generous off the tee but the greens are sloping and it’s really tough to make birdies out there, it really is,” he said.

“I think it is going to be solid shooting that is going to win matches out there, guys that can be consistent, really goring it out. It’s tough to shoot fireworks out there.”

Enmore Park’s David Dixon echoed Kearney’s sentiments with the European Tour winner placing a premium on strategy.

“The greens are crucial. You’ve got to have the ball in the right spot. If you don’t think smart you’ll end up losing holes,” he said.

Team spirit in the GB&I camp has been high all week with Dixon’s steady stream of one liners and laid-back approach complementing his easy, big-hitting style.

“I’m not really one of those guys who gets revved up, I am on the inside because I want to win but I don’t show too much emotion and keep things level. Playing for nine other guys, every shot counts. I love it.

“I used to let emotions get the better of me but you learn as you get older that the percentage of bad to good shots normally outweighs the good so you have to work smart. It’s about making a score, not hitting a glory shot.”

One man enjoying the week is Jason Levermore after an inauspicious start to his PGA Cup career when paramedics met him off the plane at San Francisco after he’d been laid low by a bout of food poisoning.

The Channels head pro is showing no ill effects and remains his upbeat self with total confidence in his own ability.

“I think all the players do have a belief, me personally, I do think if we play well we’ve got every chance of a win. I don’t think anyone in our team thinks they are any better than us. We know what we are capable of.”

For team captain, Bevan, the looming Friday fourballs mark the end of months of pain-staking preparations.

His stress levels and caffeine intake have rocketed since arriving in America but the Rhos on Sea Golf Club pro wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Everything is where we want it to be,” he said.

“There are a few great sayings but ‘winners truly believe’ suggests that if you approach anything with the right attitude, whatever is facing you, you can get the better of.

“The team know what is coming, from tee to green they’ve been very impressive and around the greens have got better each day. 

“The pressure and stress has built but I love it, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Since we’ve been here I’ve had so little sleep but there is plenty of coffee to keep me going and I’m very proud to be in this position.”

The 2015 GB&I PGA Cup team

• Cameron Clark (Moor Hall) 
• Lee Clarke (Beeston Fields) 
• David Dixon (Enmore Park), 
• Graham Fox (Clydeway Golf), 
• Paul Hendriksen (Ivybridge), 
• Niall Kearney (Royal Dublin), 
• Jason Levermore (Channels), 
• Michael Watson (Wessex Golf Centre), 
• Gareth Wright (West Linton) 
• Alex Wrigley (Hartlepool).

The US team

• Michael Block (Arroyo Trabuco), 
• Jamie Broce (University of Toledo), 
• Stuart Deane (University of Texas), 
• Matt Dobyns (Fresh Meadow), 
• Sean Dougherty (Oakwood Country Club), 
• Alan Morin (The Falls Country Club), 
• Ben Polland (Deepdale), 
• Bob Sowards (New Albany), 
• Grant Sturgeon (Winged Foot)
• Omar Uresti (PGA Life Member).

Scotland

Scotland retained the Senior Men’s Home International title after the tournament ended in a three-way tie at Crowborough Beacon in Sussex, writes England Golf.

Scotland, England and Ireland had each won two of their three matches, but Scotland, as holders, kept the trophy. 

Scores

Ireland closed with a 6.5-2.5 win over Wales with Denis Deasy and Tom Cleary halving their foursomes as Nigel Duke and John Mitchell and Adrian Morrow and Maurice Kelly won theirs to gib Ireland a 2.5 to 0.5 lead.

Ireland then won the first four singles through Kelly, Duke, Morrow and Cleary before defeats for Deasy and Mitchell. 

“It was quite a surprise,” said playing captain David Gardner, whose team defeated England 5-4 in the final match. “We didn’t think we would win the tournament because we thought it was decided on goal difference. But it turned out that the holders retain.”

The team’s main aim on the last day was simply to beat England. “That was the big driving force. We played a few weeks ago and won and they would have wanted to get their revenge – they’ll have to wait till next year!” said Gardner.

His team lost the morning foursomes 2-1 and quickly lost the top singles to English senior champion Ian Attoe and another point to David Niven.

But Gardner led a determined charge by the Scots. He defeated Stephen East – last year’s Engish senior champion – and more points were added by Graham Bell, Ian Brotherston and, crucially, Lindsay Blair.

The Scot was all square with European senior champion Clive Jones as the pair played by 18th, but Blair managed to win the hole and his game. “That was a big, big result, it was the turning point that gave us a chance,” said Gardner.

Dunmurry Springs

Waterville's David Higgins has a two shot lead heading into Friday's final round of the JustGolf.ie PGA Irish Club Professional Tournament at Dunmurry Springs.

The current PGA in Ireland Order of Merit leader fired a four under par 67 at the Co Kildare venue, going to the turn in three under 33 with birdies at the fourth, seventh and eighth.

He added further birdies at the 10th and 15th before dropping his only shot of the day at the par four 16th as he came home in one under 34.

Headfort's Joe Dillon, Kilkenny's Jimmy Bolger and Massereene's Noel Murray are two shots back after carding opening 69s.

Defending champion Hazel Kavanagh from Carr Golf Services opened her campaign with a four over par 75. The leaders tee off at 11.50am on Friday morning.

JustGolf.ie PGA Irish Club Professional Tournament, Dunmurry Springs GC (Par 71)

Detailed scores

1 D Higgins (Waterville) 67

T2 J Dillon (Headfort GC); J Bolger (Kilkenny GC); N Murray (Massereene GC) 69

T5 D Beattie (Deer Park Hotel); C Moriarty (Drive Golf Performance) 70

T7 T Rice (Limerick GC); D Mooney (Ballyliffin); D Ryan (Cahir Park); C Curley (Royal Tara GC); M Staunton (Delgany GC); J Quinlivan (Mullingar GC) 71.

Jeff Hopkins (Royal Dublin) lining up his putt on the 13th green during the AIG Barton Shield semi final  at Carton House. Picture by Pat Cashman

It was a tough day for Munster golf as Muskerry and Douglas crashed out in their respective semi-finals of the AIG Cups and Shields National Finals at Carton House.

While Douglas were pipped on the 19th in the decisive match in the Junior Cup, losing 3-2 to combative Ulster champions Greenisland, Barton Shield holders Muskerry were soundly beaten by seven holes by an impressive Royal Dublin.

The men from the Dollymount links, winners of the title for the last time in 1968 but beaten in the semi-finals last year, go on now to face Galway in the final after the Connacht champions edged past North West by two holes.

Shaun Carter (Royal Dublin) reacts to a missed putt on the 16th green during the AIG Barton Shield semi final  at Carton House. Picture by Pat Cashman

“They were very good,” said Muskerry’s Niall Gorey, who partnered Dave O’Donovan but ended up on the wrong end of a four-hole defeat to senior interprovincials Shaun Carter and Jeff Hopkins. 

“They did to us what me and Davey did to everyone last year. We just didn’t create enough chances and they didn’t make mistakes.”

Carter and Hopkins were never behind and took a stranglehold on the match around the turn with a win at the ninth putting them two up before they claimed the 10th and 11th to open up a four hole lead

Colm Hughes (Galway) holes his putt on the 13th green during the AIG Barton Shield semi final  at Carton House. Picture by Pat Cashman

“Those holes were key,” Gorey said. “They made a great up and down on the eighth for birdie to stay one up and I missed from five feet on nine for a half. Then we bogeyed 10 and 11 and were four down in the blink of an eye. 

“We birdied the 12th to get one back and felt we had to birdie 13 as well to get the momentum on our side but we didn’t. Then we made a mess of 14.”

He added: “They are very good, I don’t think they made a bogey, and we weren’t as sharp as normally would be and that cost us. You need to be under par to have a chance at this level.”

Hopkins confessed that they were aggressive from the start, adding: “We kept the foot on the gas and kept them under pressure. We are always ahead, always first on the green, or closest to the hole, so they were on the back foot.”

Joe Lyons and Stephen Brady (Galway) lining up their putt on the 12th green during the AIG Barton Shield semi final  at Carton House. Picture by Pat Cashman

Galway’s Joe Lyons and Stephen Brady beat Ryan Gribben and Kealan Quigg by three holes and Ronan Mullarney holed two great birdie putts late in the day alongside Colm Hughes to lose by just one hole to Kyle McCarron and Garrett Mallon, as they Connacht champions saw off North West by two holes.

“Royal Dublin look very strong and we’ll have to play above ourselves to beat them,” said Lyons. who believes Galway's regular appearances at Cups and Shields finals will help their chances. “We will be big underdogs to beat them but that’s the way it is. 

“We got up early and never relinquished the lead and while Ronan and Colm were down early, we knew they were gradually coming back and that gave us a bit of an extra boost to keep going.

“We won three up playing reasonable golf - level for 18 or so. It was going to take very good golf to beat it.”

Fergus Rothwell (Westport) bunkered at the 17th green during the AIG Junior Cup semi final. Picture by Pat Cashman

The Junior Cup semi-finals were both thrillers with Connacht champions Westport hanging on to beat Dundalk 3-2 with anchor man Fergus Rothwell, four up with four to go, surviving a late comeback by Aaron King to win by one hole.

Sadly for Munster golf, the coin fell the other way for a young Douglas team, who were up in four of the five matches at one stage but eventually fell to minnows Greenisland 3-2 with the decisive match going to the 19th.

It turned out to be the first of the five matches that went to the 19th with Greenisland’s Andrew Ervine emerging triumphant when he got up and down from short of the green, chipping close to set up a winning par-five as Darren Hourihan found sand in three and couldn't get up and down.

Ryan Gribben (North West) driving at the 14th tee during the AIG Barton Shield semi final. Picture by Pat Cashman

Hourihan was two up after 12, lost the next three holes to go one down but then won the 17th to square the match before falling in sudden-death.

“It’s an unbelievable achievement for us,” said Greenisland captain Johnny Greer, who at 21 is easily the youngest team leader at Carton House this week. 

“We have won Ulster pennants but never an All Ireland . We were in the All Ireland Jimmy Bruen final in 2003 but lost to Castle but we have never got this far in Junior Cup so we are excited about tomorrow.”

Kealan Quigg (North West) pitching to the 12th green during the AIG Barton Shield semi final. Picture by Pat Cashman

Douglas were disappointed by captain Derek Byrne was philosophical in defeat.

“We had our chances and didn’t thank them and we have to suffer the consequences,” he said. “Greenisland had their chances and took them, so their victory is well deserved and congratulations to them

“That’s sport. Sport is a journey and it is about a journey. Sadly, we’ll remember this defeat more than the Munster title this year but these lads have won three Munster titles in two years which is a big success. 

“Six of the eight on here are under 19. They all played in the Fred Daly national finals last year and four played today. So they are young guns and they will be back.”

AIG Cups and Shields Finals, Carton House (O’Meara Course)AIG Barton Shield Semi FinalsGalway bt North West 2 holes

1. Joe Lyons & Stephen Brady bt Kealan Quigg & Ryan Gribben 3 holes
2. Ronan Mullarney & Colm Hughes lost to Garrett Mallon & Kyle McCarron 1 hole.

Royal Dublin bt Muskerry 7 holes

1. Shaun Carter & Jeff Hopkins bt Niall Gorey & Dave O'Donovan 4 holes
2. Ian O'Rourke & Barry Anderson bt Daniel Hallisey & Shane Whooley 3 holes.

AIG Junior Cup Semi FinalsWestport 3 Dundalk 2

1. Tony Bree bt Ciaran Sheridan 2/1
2. Anto Browne lost to Eoin Murphy 19th
3. David Scott lost to Ricky Newell 3/2
4. Sam Gillivan bt Josh Mackin 4/3
5. Fergus Rothwell bt Aaron King 1 hole.

Greenisland 3 Douglas 2

1. Andrew Ervine bt Darren Hourihan 19th
2. Jamie Campbell bt Adam McSweeney 4/3
3. John Armstrong lost to Philip Quinn 4/3
4. David Winning lost to John Boylan 6/5
5. Michael Hayes bt Barry O'Sullivan Geaney 1 hole

Today - Thursday 17 SeptemberAIG Pierce Purcell Shield Semi Finals(8.0) Grange v Thurles: 

1. Mark Darmody & Dean Costello v Paddy Dwan & John Dwan
2. Darach Connolly & Brian Tuite v Martin Fahy & Gerard Ryan
3. William O'Dwyer & Niall Barry v John  McGrath & Tommy Quigley
4. Michael Cronin Jnr & Robin Benn v Ciaran Clohessy v Jack Looby
5. John Nolan & Brendan P Lehane v Shane Quigley & Stephen Quigley 

(8.45) Nuremore v Gort

1. Shane Cassidy & Noel McNally v Pat Curtis & Michael O’Dell
2. James McGeown & Jason Hughes v Gerard Connors & David O'Dell
3. Seamus Finnegan & Ken Murray v Brendan McHugh & Matthew O'Halloran
4. Cormac Lane & Brian Busby v David Daly & Michael Ryan
5. Stephen Quigley & Pat Sheridan v John Moylan & John Tierney

(10.45) AIG Junior Cup Final: Westport v Greenisland

1. Tony Bree v Andrew Ervine
2. Anto Browne v Jamie Campbell
3. David Scott v John Armstrong
4. Sam Gillivan v David Winning
5. Fergus Rothwell v Michael Hayes

(11.30) AIG Barton Shield Final: Galway v Royal Dublin

1. Joe Lyons & Stephen Brady v Jeff Hopkins & Shaun Carter
2. Ronan Mullarney  & Colm Hughes v Barry Anderson & Ian O’Rourke.

A nationwide drive - coinciding with the build-up to the Solheim Cup – is underway to get more women and girls playing golf in Great Britain and Ireland.
 
As the top women professionals of Europe and the USA prepare to do battle this weekend, golf’s governing bodies in Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales, have announced a joint commitment to increase participation.
 
The four countries together had just over 171,000 female golf club members last year, compared to 952,000 men. But evidence from England Golf’s ‘Get into golf’ campaign shows significant interest from women who want to play the game.
 
The joined-up approach will see each country take a lead in one aspect of growing the game and they will all share ideas and good practice.
 
Ireland will look at participation programmes; England will focus on marketing; Scotland will consider governance and equality; and Wales will explore shorter, fun formats and competitive opportunities.
 
The combined efforts of the Home Unions will build on the success of the #ThisGirlGolfs video campaign. It was produced and funded by Sports Publications Ltd, England Golf and Scottish Golf and challenges the perception that golf is an exclusive, expensive game for men. Instead it shows women and girls from all backgrounds, fitting golf into their everyday lives and enjoying the game.
 
David Joy, Chief Executive of England Golf, commented: “The huge interest around the Solheim Cup helps us to further spread the message that golf really is a great game for women and girls - it’s healthy, sociable, fun and competitive. By working together we can do this very effectively across Great Britain and Ireland and we all feel that our collaborative approach will be critical to the success of growing women and girls’ golf.
 
“We’ve all got a great deal to share, for example England Golf has promotional materials and factsheets to help clubs recruit and retain women members. We’ve also invested heavily in digital advertising to promote our Get into golf campaign and this had led to almost 50% of online bookings being made by women.”
 
Sinead Heraty, Chief Executive of the Irish Ladies Golf Union, added: “There is no doubt that the profile of women’s sports had improved significantly in recent years and that is creating an opportunity for golf to attract women and girls to the sport. 
 
“In addition the image of golf is changing to reflect a modern society and the golf organisations are embracing this change.  There is a great appetite for women and girls to take up golf as a sport for life and by the national organisations working together we will meet the demand that is clearly visible.”   
 
Eleanor Cannon, incoming Chair of Scottish Golf added, “Our message is simple. Clubs need to segment their customers by their consumer preferences and not by their gender. Our Model Constitution shows clubs how this can be achieved so that committees consider the needs of all customers. Golf is a unique family sport that can be played by and with all generations.  

"Women are at the heart of family life and therefore are key to a healthy golfing membership. We are encouraged by the way in which clubs are embracing this message and this can be seen from the very positive trends in women’s and girl’s membership in Scotland.”
 
Wales runs New2Golf coaching and membership schemes which encourage groups to take up and learn golf together, through fun, sociable coaching and trial memberships. It’s supported by their women and girls’ ambassador Amy Boulden, who was the LET’s 2014 Rookie of the Year. Richard Dixon, Chief Executive of the Golf Union of Wales, commented: “Over 50% of our New2Golf members are female, however females represent only 13% of full golf club members in Wales.
 
“By collaborating we will strengthen our drive to increase the number of women and girls taking up the sport.”
 
Europe will defend the Solheim Cup at St Leon Rot in Germany, from 18-20 September. The European team includes two English players, Charley Hull and Melissa Reid, and Scotland’s Catriona Matthew. Visit www.solheimcup.com for more information.

Click here to view #GirlsGolfRocks and here to visit Get into golf

Alan Dunbar hit a second successive 69 to lead the Irish bid to come through the First Stage of the European Tour Qualifying School at Section A venue The Roxburghe.

The 2012 British Amateur champion, 25, is three stroke behind Welsh leader Rhys Enoch, tied for third on six under after making made an eagle, three birdies and two bogeys at the Scottish resort where the Top-18 and ties after four rounds will progress to the Second Stage at four Spanish venues in November. 

• Scores The Roxburghe 
• Scores Fleesensee

And so far it’s good news for five irish players with Jonny Caldwell (71-69) tied eighth on five under, Rory McNamara (70-72) tied 11th on two under, and Warrenpoint amateur Colm Campbell (71-72) tied 15th on one-under with rookie pro Gary Hurley (71-72) on one under.

Fresh from his heroics in last weekend’s Walker Cup win at Royal Lytham and St Annes, Hurley had three birdies and three bogeys in a level par round while Campbell birdied the par-five seventh and 14th in a two-bogey round.

Banbridge’s Richard Kilpatrick (73-71) is just one stroke outside the top 18 and ties on level par while Headfort’s Brian Casey (75-70) made a tremendous comeback to haul himself back into contention.

The Europro Tour regular made an early birdie at the 11th, his second, but after going bogey, double bogey at the 13th and 14th to slip to five over, he stormed home in 32 thanks to birdies at the fourth and fifth and an eagle three at the seventh.

Lucan’s Richie O’Donovan (72-75) is tied 40th on three over  with Stackstown’s Richard Bridges (74-75) tied 52nd.

Ballymena amateur Dermot McElroy crashed to eight over after a 78, racking up a quintuple bogey nine at his third hole of the day.

Simon Ward also had a nine, at the par five 14th, in a 79 that left him 75th in the field on 12 over.

There is just one Irish player in action at Fleesensee in north east Germany, where the top 23 players and ties will qualify.

However, Mount Juliet’s Stephen Grant improved just one spot to tied 57th on three over despite a  one under 71.

Dunmurry Springs GC

After a recent lull in tournament victories, Eamonn Brady found that winning feeling once again at the JustGolf.ie PGA Irish Club Professional Pro-Am at Dunmurry Springs GC on Wednesday.

Brady made a stunning start to the 2015 season, racking up four tournament victories in June alone to deservedly lead the Order of Merit. However, victory eluded him in July and August allowing David Higgins (Waterville) to usurp him at the head of affairs.

The 41-year-old returned to something like his best form on Wednesday at the Co Kildare venue carding a four under par 67 to beat Colm Moriarty (Drive Golf Performance) and Tim Rice (Limerick GC) by a shot.

Rice also finished as runner-up in the team event, ending the day one shot behind Liam Bowler (Wexford GC) who amassed 90 points.

The opening round of the 36 hole, two day JustGolf.ie Irish Club Professional tournament gets underway on Thursday with Hazel Kavanagh (Carr Golf Services) back to defend the title she won in stunning style last year.

The former Ladies European Tour competitor carded a five under par 64 at Arklow Golf Club to edge out Michael McDermott (Pure Golf Leopardstown) by a shot.

Round one tee times

JustGolf.ie PGA Irish Club Professional Pro-Am, Dunmurry Springs GC (Par 71)

Leading scores

1 E Brady (Clontarf GC) 67

T2 C Moriarty (Drive Golf Performance Ltd); T Rice (Limerick GC) 68

4 D Mooney (Ballyliffin) 70

T5 H Kavanagh (Carr Golf Services); D Beattie (Deer Park Hotel) 71

T7 D Gleeson (Old Conna GC); M Murphy (Rosslare GC) 72

9 D Higgins (Waterville GC) 73

10 G Robinson 74

Team Results

1 L Bowler 90

2 T Rice 89

3 K Goodwin 88

Dave O'Donovan (Muskerry) celebrate their win on the 18th green to clinch victory in the final of the AIG Barton Shield at Carton House today (18/09/2014). Picture by Pat Cashman

It’s like the Champions League of golf but unlike the continent’s premier football tournament which has yet to be retained by any club, Muskerry’s Niall Gorey is hopeful the Cork club can become the first back-to-back winners of the AIG Barton Shield for 18 years.

The AIG Cups and Shields National Finals tees off at Carton House’s pristine O’Meara Course today with Muskerry facing what Gorey describes as the competition’s “superstar” team in Royal Dublin as Galway take on Ulster champions North West in the first of the semi-finals.

“With the golf we played last year, there wasn’t anything anyone could do about it,” Gorey said. “But All Irelands are hard to win and foursomes golf is even harder, especially against good players.

“Everything seemed to go our way last year and everything went in. And as we are four good friends and that’s worth a couple of shot a round in my opinion.”

Niall Gorey and Dave O'Donovan (Muskerry) celebrate their win on the 18th green to clinch victory in the final of the AIG Barton Shield at Carton House in 2014. Picture by Pat Cashman

Gorey and his close pal Dave O’Donovan take on senior interprovincials Shaun Carter and Jeff Hopkins today as Daniel Hallissey and new team member Shane Whooley face Cork man Ian O’Rourke and Sligo native Barry Anderson.

Many believe it’s the tie that will decide the title but not Gorey, who heard the same talk about Royal Dublin’s clash with Warrenpoint last year.

“I don’t think Galway or North West would like to hear that,” Gorey said, recalling how Muskerry upset Warrenpoint in the final 12 months ago.

“Royal Dublin are red hot favourites so hopefully we can just give them a good game. The pressure is on them. They are the superstar team and we are just there to do our best.

“You need some luck but we had the friendship factor on our side last year - we are four very good friends and the wives and girlfriends are good friends. Playing with your buddies is different that playing on a team that has just been put together. 

“We are in good shape and playing well but we have a massive task against Royal Dublin. They are probably the best team we have played in the whole two years. And that’s no exaggeration. 

“Warrenpoint were excellent in the final last year and like us, they were all good friends. But from a playing talent point of view, Royal Dublin are miles ahead of everybody. They have four senior interprovincials in their team.”

As for Galway, former West of Ireland winner Joe Lyons teams up with Sligo native Stephen Brady against Kealan Quigg and Ryan Gribben, who was a member of that losing Warrenpoint quartet last year.

Then there are the silky short game skills of Ronan Mullarney and partner Colm Hughes against Garrett Mallon and Kyle McCarron, who is one of Mullarney’s Maynooth University team mates during the academic year.

Today also brings the AIG Junior Cup semis with favourites Westport, beaten finalists two years ago, taking on Dundalk and Ulster champions Greenisland facing Munster kingpins Douglas for a place in tomorrow’s final.

There’s a lot of excitement at Douglas as the club bids to end a 16-year wait for the club’s fifth All Ireland title with a young team featuring six of last year’s Munster winning Fred Daly team. 

AIG Cups and Shields National Finals, Carton House (O’Meara)AIG Barton Shield, Semi Finals(1030) Galway v North West (Galway names first)

1. Joe Lyons & Stephen Brady v Kealan Quigg & Ryan Gribben;
2. Ronan Mullarney & Colm Hughes v Garrett Mallon & Kyle McCarron

(1048) Muskerry v Royal Dublin (Muskerry first)

1. Niall Gorey & Dave O'Donovan v Shaun Carter & Jeff Hopkins
2. Daniel Hallissey & Shane Whooley v Ian O'Rourke & Barry Anderson

AIG Junior Cup, Semi Finals(1106) Dundalk v Westport (Dundalk first)

1. Ciaran Sheridan v Tony Bree;
2. Eoin Murphy v Anto Browne;
3. Ricky Newell v David Scott;
4. Josh Mackin v Sam Gillivan;
5. Aaron King v Fergus Rothwell

(1151) Greenisland v Douglas (Greenisland first)

1. Andrew Ervine v Darren Hourihan;
2. Jamie Campbell v Adam McSweeney;
3. John Armstrong v Philip Quinn;
4. David Winning v John Boylan;
5. Michael Hayes v Barry O'Sullivan Geaney

Killorglin Golf Club Captain, Joe Kennedy celebrates victory in the AIG Jimmy Bruen Shield ;last year. Picture by Pat Cashman

For many sports fans golf conjures up images of millionaires dashing off to their private jets, Padraig Harrington’s mad eyes and Ian Poulter’s pea-cocking.

But real people play it for fun too and after some refreshing Walker Cup action over the weekend, real amateur golf will be at the top of the domestic agenda at this week’s AIG Cups and Shields finals over the stunning O’Meara Course at Carton House in Co Kildare.

The event used to rotate around the provinces but since last year, and for the next few years at least, it is being held at the GUI’s splendid HQ to give the teams a sense of occasion and cut back on the considerable costs the host clubs faced in catering for 20 teams and their supporters.

The jury is still out on Carton House as a venue but just as the women’s game has its Senior Cup finals, its Miele Fourballs and ILGU Cups and Shields, the AIG sponsored, five-event finale is a treat and well worth a visit.

The golf might be more Hulk Hogan than Ben Hogan at times but more often that not, the excitement levels are right up there with the best the Ryder Cup, Walker Cup or even this week’s Solheim Cup can offer in terms of excitement.

Not only are the top players the same ones who regularly contend for South of Irelands and Irish Amateur Close titles, but the average Joes that tee it up in the Pierce Purcell and Jimmy Bruen Shield can generate more drama than any Open championship finale and as many tears, bromances and man hugs.

Three putts from six feet for the win can easily result in four putts and some wobbly bottom lips.

Let’s face it. Not only are the chokes of epic proportions, the heroic moments belong in the “woman lifts car with one hand” category as 18 handicappers produce putting displays that make Jordan Spieth look like Bernhard Langer at his lowest ebb.

Of course, the St John’s Ambulance Brigade are on call to take care of those who stand to close to the danger zone — 60 yards up on the left handed is snap hook territory — as clubs seek those precious green pennants that festoon the walls of the biggest clubs in the country.

Having witnessed one such incident at Newlands in 2001 — seeing a grown man struck full on the elbow by a low screaming, Big Bertha is not for the squeamish — standing behind trees is recommended when tee shots are being hit.

We’re kidding of course, as most of the golf is incredibly impressive and the highpoint of a year’s preparation.

For many of the modest clubs, the blue riband titles such as the Irish Senior Cup or the Barton Shield will always be pipe dream. 

But for others, and some of the better players who may never win an Irish championship, the AIG Cups and Shields is their big moment.

Stephen Coulter (Warrenpoint) reacts to a missed putt on the 16th green in the final of the AIG Barton Shield at Carton House in 2014. Picture by Pat Cashman

The event that is both top class but also a defining moment for players who may never win an amateur “major” is arguably the Barton Shield

Clubs are represented by two foursomes pairings playing off scratch and there could be a new name on the trophy this year with North West, that historic club in Co Donegal, taking on Galway (winners in 1999, 2007) with Royal Dublin (winners in 1924, 1925 and 1968) hoping to oust defending champions Muskerry before bidding to ended their long drought.

Royal Dublin lost to Warrenpoint in the All-Ireland semi-final on the second extra hole last year and they return hungry for success after edging past Laytown and Bettystown in Leinster with a team comprising Shaun Carter and Jeff Hopkins and Co Sligo’s Barry Anderson and Cork’s Ian O’Rourke.

“You go into the club and there’s pennants everywhere but before last year, it was 1968 since we won one,” says Connacht interprovincial Carter, who captured the Cork Stroke Play championship in May. “The team is there now and we just have to keep everybody going.”

Apart from the four who played in the Leinster final, Royal Dublin have a squad of considerable depth including Sean Ryan, Gary McGrane, Richard Knightly, Bryan McSweeney, Liam Hutchinson, Kelan McDonagh and Chris Drumm.

Muskerry ended a 61-year wait for the title last year so they know Royal Dublin will be hungry when they meet in tomorrow’s (Wed) semi-finals.

There is just one change from last year’s Muskerry squad with Shane Whooley coming in for John Waldron. 

The partnership of Dave O’Donovan and Kildare man Niall Gorey appears certain with Whooley partnering Daniel Hallissey, a player who won the Junior Cup and Jimmy Bruen double with Muskerry at Shandon Park in 2007.

AIG Barton Shield, Semi-finals, Tomorrow (Wednesday) (10:30) Galway v North West; (10:48) Muskerry v Royal Dublin

Niall Gorey and Dave O'Donovan (Muskerry) celebrate their win on the 18th green to clinch victory in the final of the AIG Barton Shield at Carton House today (17/09/2014). Picture by Pat Cashman

AIG Jimmy Bruen Shield

It’s been a big year for Greystones Golf Club with Paul Dunne’s exploits in The Open, the US Amateur and the Walker Cup putting the Co Wicklow club on the map.

Now it’s the turn of the Jimmy Bruen Shield team to bring home a green pennant from the AIG Cups and Shields finals, where they face Connacht champions Castlebar in Friday’s semi-finals.

The team features the usual blend of youth and experience with 14-year old Ben Hynes, the grandson of team manager Sean Hynes, lining out in the Leinster final.

The side also features Pete Murray, father of Dunne’s former college coach (and Open caddie) Alan Murray.

“We paired several young lads with our more senior, experienced guys and they have knitted together very well,” said team captain Hynes. “We pride ourselves on the strength of our youth academy. You’ve seen Paul Dunne come through our ranks and these are the next generation coming through.”

Ballybunion won the Munster title at East Clare Golf Club, beating Tipperary’s Ballykisteen in the final to desire their first Jimmy Bruen for decade. The Kerry club, who first won the All Ireland title at Royal Portrush in 1979, face Fortwilliam in the semi-finals.

AIG Jimmy Bruen Shield Semi-Finals, Friday: (11:45) Castlebar v Greystones; (12:30) Ballybunion v Fortwilliam. Final: Saturday (9:00).

Picture by Pat Cashman

AIG Pierce Purcell Shield

Five foursome pairings represent each club, comprised of minimum individual handicaps of 12 and a minimum combined of 27. In short, this is the battle for the minnows and arguably the most entertaining of all the trophies for the neutrals to watch.

Leinster champions Grange will be tapping into the Ryder Cup spirit of their most famous member, Paul McGinley, with the side lead by one of McGinley’s old GAA chums in Plunkett Walsh.

While the club has produced championship winners in Leslie Walker, Paul and his brother Michael McGinley and David Sheahan, to name just a few, its last All Ireland success in the five Cups and Shields events came in the 1946 Junior Cup.

A first Leinster title since 1976, secured when Brendan Lehane and John Nolan won on the 19th against Royal Tara in the Leinster final at Portarlington, has sparked Cups and Shields fever in the foothills of Kilmashogue in Rathfarnham

The Dubliner’s face Thurles in the semi-finals on Thursday with the Tipperary club looking to repeat their All Ireland success of 1997 at Dundalk.

Beaten bt Spanish Point, who went on to retain the All Ireland title, in las year’s Munster final, Thurles ended a 12-year Pierce Purcell wait with victory over Newcastlewest.

The winners of the Grange-Thurles clash will take on Co Monaghan’s Nuremore or Connacht champions Gort, who won the All Ireland title at Lisburn in 2003. 

AIG Pierce Purcell Shield Semi-Finals, Thursday: (8:00) Grange v Thurles; (8:45) Nuremore v Gort. Final: Friday (10:30).

Castletroy member Liam Martin (President, Golfing Union of Ireland) presenting the AIG Junior Cup to John McDonnell (Team Captain) after Castletroy's victory at Carton House in 2014. Also in the picture are (clockwise) Keith Bermigham, Michael Murphy, Colm Geary, David Charlton, Brendan Reidy, John Kavanagh, Cillian O'Muineachain, Diarmuid Leonard, Simon Russell (AIG) and Jonathan McDonnell. Picture by Pat Cashman

AIG Junior Cup

There’s a lot of excitement at Douglas as the club bids to end a 16-year wait and bring home the fifth All Ireland title in its 106-year history.

Greenisland stand in the way in tomorrow’s AIG Junior Cup semi-finals but having come through a tough qualification examination in Munster — four matches in the South Munster qualifiers before the Munster semi-final and final — they are clearly going to be tough to beat.

Six of the eight strong panel are under 19 and veterans of last year’s Munster winning Fred Daly team. 

Add to that the fact that team captain, Derek Byrne knows what it takes to win the green pennant having played in the side that won the club’s third Junior Cup in 1999 and you have all the ingredients a winning team might need.

Byrne’s assistants include former international Eavan Higgins and the club professional Stephen Hayes. And with a side comprising John Boylan, Adam McSweeney, Barry O’Sullivan Geaney, Darren Hourihan, Pierce Dorney and Philip Quinn, they will be hard to stop.

In the other half of the draw, Dundalk face Westport having bridged a 21-year gap with victory in Leinster. 

The decisive match against Clontarf went to the 19th with Richard Newell emerging as the hero for the Louth men. It was his third win of the weekend as Dundalk came through against Hermitage and Woodbrook in the earlier rounds.

It is now more than 10 years since a Leinster club captured the All-Ireland but it’s been even longer for Westport, who won their Junior cup title at Lahinch in 1980. 

That said, the competition has been good to Connacht clubs in recent years with Ballina winning in 2008 and Portumna in 2010. 

— AIG Junior Cup Semi-Finals, Wednesday (11:06) Dundalk v Westport; (11:51) Greenisland v Douglas. Final: Thursday (10:45).

County Sligo Senior Cup winner.......Terry Brady (Captain, Co Sligo Golf Club) and Tom Ford (Team Manager) pictured with the Co Sligo Senior Cup team after their victory at the GUI All Ireland AIG sponsored Cups & Shield National Finals in 2013. Also in the picture are Garth McManus, Gary McDermott, Declan Reidy, Shane Underwood, Mark Morrissey, Steffan O'Hara, Sean Flanagan, David Brady and Steven Brady. Picture by Pat Cashman

AIG Senior Cup

It’s almost like going from the frying pan into the fire if you are a member of Limerick Golf Club’s Senior Cup team. 

The Munster champions play the Ulster champions Knock, led by recent South of Ireland finalist and new Irish cap Colin Fairweather, in second of Friday’s semi-finals at Carton’s O’Meara Course on Friday.

Even if they see off Fairweather and his lieutenants in the shape of the highly experience former international and championship winner Michael Sinclair, James McVicker, Simon Miskelly, James Patterson and James Rodgers, they will face an even bigger task in the final.

Athlone’s Tom O’Connor, Niall Carroll, Colm Fitzgerald, Kevin Sheehy and Conor Rice will be tough opponents if they pull off a shock and beat whatever side Maynooth University decides to field.

The Limerick line up is not exactly lacking in talent with Mike Reddan, Pat Murray, Mike O’Kelly, Darragh Fitzgerald and former Challenge Tour professional Justin Kehoe, winning the Munster title against Monkstown at Dungarvan.

With Mark MacGrath’s departing recently to the University of New Mexico on a golf scholarship, it remains to be seen if 17 year old Ciaran Vaughan travels to Co Kildare.

However, it’s Maynooth who are regarded as the hot favourites and while recent graduate and Walker Cup player Gary Hurley will be at the first stage of the European Tour Q-School, it remains to be seen who tees it up given that they also have to send a team to the European University Games in Switzerland.

Even if East and South of Ireland champion Stuart Grehan, international Robin Dawson or the likes of Sean Flanagan or Mullingar Scratch Cup winner Alan Lowry are unavailable, Maynooth can still call on other top players such as Kyle McCarron, Jack Walsh, Stephen Kinch or Ronan Mullarney.

It’s Limerick’s 16th trip to the All Ireland finals since 1967 but have won just four times with the first win only coming at the fourth attempt in 1976 and the others in 1980, 1982 and 2002.

Maynooth won their first Senior Cup in the Leinster final with Dawson, Grehan, Lowry, Mullarney and Flanagan seeing off Portmarnock.

“Through nine holes we were dead and buried,” Lowry said. “We had one match up and I was all square and the other matches were down. We showed great character.”

AIG Senior Cup Semi-finals, Friday (08:00) Athlone v Maynooth University; (8:45) Knock v Limerick. Final: Saturday (10:30).

Gary Hurley, pictured during last week's Walker Cup, made a positive start in his first professional event at the Qualifying School. Picture: © USGA/John Mummert

Two days after lifting the Walker Cup in spectacular fashion, West Waterford's Gary Hurley made his professional debut at the First Stage of the European Tour Qualifying School and broke par after a truly rollercoaster round.

With approximately 20 players to progress from each of the eight First Stage venues over the next four weeks, Hurley's one under 71 left him tied for 13th at The Roxburghe Hotel & Golf Course in Scotland and just three strokes off the lead.

The 22-year old wasn't best of the Irish as 2011 Walker Cup hero and former Amateur champion Alan Dunbar posted a three under 69 to share fifth while Headfort's Rory McNamara is tied eighth after a fine 70. Scores

Hurley shares 13th with 2007 Walker Cup player Jonny Caldwell and current Irish international Colm Campbell from Warrenpoint, who has entered as an amateur and won't turn professional unless he goes all the way to the Final Stage and wins at least a Challenge Tour card.

Campbell's 71 was a tale of two halves — three bogeys in an outward 39 followers by four birdies in a homeward 32 — but Hurley was very much up and down.

Starting on the front nine alongside Lucan's Richie O'Donovan (72) and Headfort's Brian Casey (75), he sandwiched an eagle three at the 520-yard seventh between birdies at the sixth and eighth to get to four under par.

He then followed a bogey at the ninth with birdies at the 10th and 11th but he finished untidily, which was no surprise given the exertions of the Walker Cup, which Great Britain and Ireland won with a record score.

After a double bogey six at the 12th, he dropped further shots at the 15th and 16th to finish the day in the red.

Despite his finish, he's perfectly placed behind a quartet of leaders in Welshman Rhys Enoch, England's Reece Philips and Scottish pair Neil Henderson and Neil Fenwick, who shot four under 68s.

O'Donovan (72) shares 22nd spot with Banbridge's Richard Kilpatrick tied 31st after a one over 73.

The rest of the Irish brigade have work to do to get back into contention with Irish international amateur Dermot McElroy from Ballymena shooting 74 to match rookie pro and former Irish team mate Richard Bridges from Stackstown.

Casey, who has been playing well on the EuroPro Tour and recently finished 42nd on his European Tour debut in the M2M Russian Open, shot 75 with Monaghan native Simon Ward back on five over after a 77.

In the other First Stage, Section A qualifier taking place at Golf Club Fleesensee in north east Germany (Scores), Mount Juliet's Stephen Grant got the tough side of the draw and shot a four over 76 in afternoon showers and winds gusting up to 30 mph.

The former professional footballer is tied 58th, five shots outside the Top 20.

Faraway fields are always greener, unless you really appreciate how lucky you are to live and play golf in Ireland.

Rory Ryan, who works as a tour planner for golf tour operator Links Golf Ireland, came back from a golfing trip to South Africa recently and was blown away by the beauty of The Links Fancourt.

The trip also got him thinking of other stunning courses round the world and while there is just one Irish course on the story-map he created to show off some of the world's best destinations, we're sure you can recommend a few equally stunning Irish venues for our overseas readers must play the next time they're over.

The Montgomerie Maxx Royal

Turkish Airlines Open — Rory McIlroy's worrying left ankle injury won't prevent him going to Turkey next month for the $7 million Turkish Airlines Open.

Having been advised where possible to avoid playing back-to-back events and had the rules bent so he doesn't have to play the required 13 events to qualify for the European Tour's Race to Dubai Final Series, the world No 1 is reportedly "tussling" for world number 1 with Jordan Spieth and "determined to make up for time lost through injury."

Despite the concerns expressed recently by the European Tour's Chief Medical Officer about the wisdom of McIlroy playing even one of the four events running up to Turkey that would allow him to fulfil his minimum commitment to the European Tour, the Race to Dubai leader has been given special treatment.

He is now allowed to take his place in the field for the third instalment of the showpiece tournament, now a key part of the European Tour’s Final Series, eve though he;s not going to play the 13 even minimum.

There was no mention of a financial incentive for his participation.

McIlroy is expected to play three successive events in the US over the next three weeks with this week's BMW Championship and next week's Tour Championship deciding the FedEx Cup, followed by a trip with Tiger Woods to the Frys.com Open at Silverado Country Club in Napa.

 

Perhaps forcing McIlroy to do his bit for the PGA Tour and play the Frys is Tim Finchem's way of punishing the European Tour for dropping the Bridgestone next season.

McIlroy appears to have argued with the European Tour can now only play three more events in Europe in late October, the first two Final Series events and the DP World Tour Championship.
 
“I didn’t perform my best here in 2012, so had the weekend off to relax," McIlroy said of his play in the eight-man, Turkish Airlines World Golf Final in Antalya in 2012, which required a special release form the PGA Tour.

"It’s a really great holiday destination with a wonderful atmosphere but this time I’m hoping to be right in the running come Sunday as this it’s a tournament I would really love to win.

Turkish Golf Federation President Ahmet Ağaoğlu said: “It is an honour to have Rory McIlroy competing in Turkey once again. “This is part of my vision to grow the great sport of golf in Turkey.  

"We had Tiger Woods at the first tournament in 2013, Sergio Garcia last year and now Rory in the third edition. Golf in Turkey continues to have a bigger and bigger influence on the global stage.”
 
Victor Dubuisson and Brooks Koepka are the previous winners of a tournament that has been brought forward this season as Antalya hosts the G20 summit from November 15-16.
 
The Turkish Airlines Open takes place between October 29 and November 1, with 78 players competing for a prize fund of $7 million.

PING Junior Solheim Cup — Olivia Mehaffey won both here matches but PING Junior Solheim Cup will start again on Tuesday with the result of the foursomes still to be decided after bad weather disrupted play at St Leon-Rot.Europe and the USA tied the morning fourballs 3-3 with Mehaffey and Austria's Emma Spitz beating Mikka Liu and Haley Moore 1 up.Thunder and lightning caused play to be suspended for an hour and a half during the afternoon and that in turn meant bad light brought play to a halt with three games left out on the course.This year’s match goes into the final day with the visiting American team holding a slender one point lead at 5-4 and lead the three foursomes that remain incomplete.Americans Mariel Galdiano and Haley Moore scored a decisive 6 & 5 victory over Sweden’s Elin Esborn and Norway’s Sandra Nordaas.Then Nelly Korda and Megan Khang followed that up with a 2 & 1 win over Swizerland’s Albane Valenzuela and France’s Mathilda Cappeliez before Mehaffey and Spitz beat Liu and Hailee Cooper 3 and 2 to narrow the game.

 

Luttrellstown Golf Club

The high-powered trio of Ballyliffin's Damian Mooney, Drive Golf Performance Ltd's Colm Moriarty and Kilkenny's Jimmy Bolger shared first prize at the Luttrellstown Pro-Am on Monday.

All three returned scores of five under par 67 to finish two shots ahead of Headfort's Brendan McGovern, Ashbourne's John Dwyer and Old Conna's Neil O'Briain.

The leading trio amassed a total of 21 birdies on a day of low scoring at the Castleknock venue.

Brendan McGovern, who fired a course record round of 62 to win the PGA Tankard at Royal Tara last week, recorded an albatross at the par five 12th.

Jimmy Bolger and amateur partners claimed the team prize with 93 points.

Luttrellstown Pro-Am, Luttrellstown GC (Par 72)

Detailed scores

T1 D Mooney (Ballyliffin GC); C Moriarty (Drive Golf Performance Ltd); J Bolger (Kilkenny GC)  67

T4 B McGovern (Headfort GC); J Dwyer (Ashbourne GC); N O'Briain (Old Conna GC) 69

T7 M McDermott (Pure Golf Leopardstown);  N Murray (Massereene GC) 70

T9 H Kavanagh (Carr Golf Services); D Gleeson (Old Conna GC); M Staunton (Delgany GC); E Brady (Clontarf GC) 71

Team scores

J Bolger 93 N Murray 91 D Gleeson 88

We wrote earlier this month about Bobby Browne's retirement after 48 years of loyal service to the members of Laytown and Bettystown. Last weekend, many of his fellow professionals including Ryder Cup player Des Smyth and multiple European Tour winner Michael Hoey turned out to pay homage to the great PGA professional and teacher.

RJ Browne with Michael Hoey

RJ, as he is known, has taught countless players and it is wonderful to see a player like Hoey, who went to Bobby during his amateur days, as well as former tour player Gary Murphy and many other younger players turning up to pay their respects to one of Irish golf's living legends.

As for the golf, Hoey shot a six under 64 to win by three shots from Ciaran Molloy while Des Smyth, who grew up playing the links with Bobby and the likes of Declan Branigan, was tied sixth with a 71.

Contemporaries and close friends of RJ's, such as Paddy McGuirk from Co Louth, Royal Dublin's Leonard Owens and former Donabate pro Hugh Jackson were also there for the big day.

Click here to  learn more about Bobby Browne's career and his life in golf at Laytown and Bettystown.

Bobby Browne Testimonial Pro-Am

Detailed scores

1 Michael Hoey -6 F 64
2 Ciaran Molloy Blackwood Golf Centre -3 F 67
3 Brendan McGovern Headfort Golf Club -1 F 69
T4 Mark O'Sullivan Piltown Driving Range E F 70
T4 Peter Morgan Elm Park Golf Club E F 70
T6 Damian Mooney Ballyliffin Golf Club +1 F 71
T6 Michael McDermott Pure Golf Leopardstown +1 F 71
T6 Desmond Smyth +1 F 71
T6 Melvyn Flanagan Athlone Golf Academy +1 F 71
T6 Scott Wilson Co. Louth Golf Club +1 F 71
T11 Jimmy Bolger Kilkenny Golf Club +2 F 72
T11 James Quinlivan Mullingar Golf Club +2 F 72
T11 Liam Bowler Wexford Golf Club +2 F 72
T14 Ian St.John Rush Golf Club +3 F 73
T14 Gerry Burke Royal Curragh Golf Club +3 F 73
T14 Barrie Trainor Cairndhu Golf Club +3 F 73
17 Krishna Padayachee Hollywood Lakes Golf Club +4 F 74
T18 Brian Kerley Green Life Golf Centre +5 F 75
T18 John Langan Pure Golf Leopardstown +5 F 75
T18 Stephen Hoey +5 F 75
T18 William Noble County Cavan Golf Club +5 F 75
T22 Karl O'Donnell Newlands Golf Club +6 F 76
T22 Hugh O'Neill Connemara Golf Club +6 F 76
T22 Philip Duff Black Bush Golf Club +6 F 76
T22 Mark O'Mahony Titleist National Fitting Cent +6 F 76
T22 John Dignam Slade Valley Golf Club +6 F 76
T22 James McBride Lucan Golf Club +6 F 76
T28 David Carroll Seapoint Golf Club +7 F 77
T28 Peter O'Hagan Luttrellstown Castle Golf Club +7 F 77
T28 Ciaran Carroll Bray Golf Club +7 F 77
T31 Zak Rouiller Beech Park Golf Club +8 F 78
T31 Gerard Hall Edenderry Golf Academy +8 F 78
33 Alan Staunton Hollywood Lakes Golf Club +11 F 81
34 Mark Peat Bray Golf Club +12 F 82
T35 Victoria Bradshaw Malahide Golf Club +15 F 85
T35 Adam Whiston +15 F 85 

DID NOT FINISH
WD David Hughes Massereene Golf Club
WD Ed Martin Beaverstown Golf Club
RTD Peter Hanna Lurgan Golf Club +1
RTD Gary Murphy
RTD Tim Rice Limerick Golf Club
RTD Anthony Judd Forrest Little Golf Club
RTD Michael O'Shea Rathsallagh Golf Club
RTD John Kelly St Margaret's Golf & Country C
RTD Hugh Jackson
RTD Paddy McGuirk Co. Louth Golf Club
RTD Emmet Staunton Castleknock Golf Club
RTD Dermot O'Neill
RTD Leonard Owens Royal Dublin Golf Club
RTD Peter Hickey Cork Golf Club

Jack Hume (IRL), Cormac Sharvin (IRL), Gavin Moynihan (IRL), Paul Dunne (IRL), Gary Hurley (IRL) with the Walker Cup after winning the afternoon singles for the Walker Cup, Royal Lytham St Annes, Lytham St Annes, Lancashire, England. 13/09/2015 Picture Golffile | Fran Caffrey

Ireland's Walker Cup stars are rapidly being snapped up by agents with Gavin Moynihan going to ISM and Gary Hurley and Paul Dunne also lined up with boutique management groups.

While Moynihan will make his debut in this week's Italian Open thanks to an ISM generated invitation, Hurley has signed up with US owned Hambric Sports Group, who look after a host of PGA Tour stars such as Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka as well as Europeans Tommy Fleetwood, Thorbjorn Olesen and Gonzalo Fernandez Castaño.

We understand that Dunne will soon be announced as a 4SPORTS client — a multi-sports company which has offices in Switzerland, the UK, Sweden, Florida, Germany and Canada.

They manage ice hockey, skiing and tennis clients and recently acquired the Florida based golf talent agency, Professional Advisory Group Inc.

They have also been expanding their golf interests in Europe.

According to the company's website, the Professional Advisory Group Inc. acquisition in the North American market "will complement 4SPORTS’s strong golf client division and golf event management team in Europe."

"The Professional Advisory Group was founded and operated by Thomas Parker and has grown into one of the most respected boutique golf agencies in the United States."Parker’s clients include notable PGA TOUR players Webb Simpson, Jimmy Walker, Russell Henley, Charles Howell, Tim Clark, Bo Van Pelt, Brendon Todd, Morgan Hoffmann and Max Homa."

Hurley may well make his European Tour debut in the Alfred Dunhill Links, where Dunne would also be keen to return following his exploits in The Open.

With events running out on the European Tour before the Final Series, both are likely to be chasing starts in the British Masters at Woburn and the Portugal Masters in Vilamoura.

Hurley has already committed to joining Hume, who is remaining amateur as he heads through Q-School, in the Volopa Irish Challenge at Mount Wolseley in Co Carlow next month.

As for Sharvin, the Ardglass man was being looked at as a superstar in the making long before he won three points out of three at Royal Lytham and St Annes.

The Arfglass talent will remain at the University of Stirling for the next academic year.

Gary Hurley and Jack Hume

Walker Cup stars Gary Hurley and Jack Hume will be teeing up in the Challenge Tour's Volopa Irish Challenge at Mount Wolseley in Co Carlow next month.

Hurley has enjoyed a superb final season as an amateur, finishing runner-up in both the Spanish Amateur Championship and the European Amateur Championship, culminating in Walker Cup selection.

Hume has had a similarly eye-catching year, with four top ten finishes on the European amateur circuit earning him a spot in the Great Britain and Ireland Walker Cup team along with Hurley, Paul Dunne, Gavin Moynihan and Cormac Sharvin.

After a memorable weekend on the links of Royal Lytham and St Annes, Hurley is excited to be leaving the amateur ranks behind on a high as he ventures into the professional game with a trip to the First Qualifying Stage Section of the Q-School in Scotland this week.

“I cannot wait to play on home soil so soon after turning professional,” 22 year old Hurley said. “I know we’re going to have a great week at Mount Wolseley.

“It’s been a great year for us Irish players, with five of us getting selected for the Walker Cup, so it feels fitting to be coming to the Volopa Irish Challenge so soon after that.

“The Irish public are always so passionate in their support of Irish golf and Irish events so it is great that the Challenge Tour is returning to Ireland. Hopefully I can have a memorable week.”

Hume is going to Q-School as an amateur and it's unlikely he will  turn professional unless he wins a strong Challenge Tour card.

Along with a healthy sprinkling of native talent, headed by Ruaidrhi McGee, currently just outside the top 15 in the Road to Oman Rankings who earn graduation to The European Tour for next season, a strong field is expected at Mount Wolseley, with just two events on the Challenge Tour calendar after the Volopa Irish Challenge.

All eyes inevitably fall on the NBO Golf Classic Grand Final in Muscat, Oman at the start of November, so the Volopa Irish Challenge is one of the last chances for valuable Rankings points and as such none of the leading players will want to miss it.

It also marks the return of the Challenge Tour to the Republic of Ireland after a six year absence and will be the only men’s professional golf tournament taking place in Ireland this year.

The Challenge Tour will be visiting Mount Wolseley Hotel, Golf and Spa for the first time and it promises to be a venue offering both world class hospitality and a genuine top class challenge for all the players.

The course, designed by Christy O’Connor Jnr, who is also a tournament ambassador, will provide a stern but enjoyable test for both the Challenge Tour’s finest and the fine array of Irish golfers hoping to join them in the near future.

The absence, so far, of Dunne and Moynihan from the field for Mount Wolseley might indicate that they are going to be invited to play in the clashing British Masters presented by Sky Sports at Woburn.

Moynihan's management group, ISM, is heavily involved in the event.

Gavin Moynihan, pictured with ISM CEO Chubby Chandler and player representative Nick Mullen

Walker Cup star Gavin Moynihan has joined ISM and will play his first event as a professional at this week’s 72° OPEN D'ITALIA presented by DAMIANI.

A two-time Irish Amateur champion, winner of the Peter McEvoy Trophy and the Carrick Neill Scottish Open Championship, Irishman Gavin, 20, took part in his second Walker Cup, at Royal Lytham & St Annes, at the weekend.

GAVIN MOYNIHAN IN LYTHAM ST ANNES, LANCASHIRE ON FRIDAY, SEPT. 11, 2015.  (COPYRIGHT USGA/JOHN MUMMERT)

Gavin, a former student of the University of Alabama, contributed two points in Great Britain and Ireland’s dominant 16.5-9.5 win, the same number he posted in the defeat by the United States in 2013.

After a stellar amateur career, he is now looking forward to taking his game to another level and joining the professional ranks.

Gavin said: “It’s a very exciting time for me and I just can’t wait to get started in Italy. I’ve known for some time that I would turn professional after the Walker Cup.

“I’ve loved my time learning the game as an amateur but I feel I’m ready to go professional. I still have a lot of work ahead of me but I want to test myself against the best in the sport.

“I think that ISM is the best management company to help me develop and I’m looking forward to working with them.”

Gavin Moynihan

ISM has guided the careers of former world number one Lee Westwood, 2010 Open champion Louis Oosthuizen and Europe’s Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke, as well as a host of the sport’s other top players.

Chief Executive Officer Chubby Chandler said: “We’ve followed Gavin’s development for a long time and we’re sure we can help him go on to have a great career.

“ISM has a really good crop of young players full of potential and Gavin will only add to that. I’m looking forward to seeing him progress.”

Naas' Jack Hume, Ardglass' Cormac Sharvin, The Island's Gavin Moynihan, Greystones' Paul Dunne and West Waterford's Gary Hurley pose with the Walker Cup at Royal Lytham St Annes, Lytham St Annes, Lancashire, England. 13/09/2015 Picture Golffile | Fran Caffrey

 

In truth, the evidence was there from the moment he ran through his team the Monday after the US Amateur. Nigel Edwards, the most successful GB&I Walker Cup captain in the game alongside Peter McEvoy, knew what he wanted and got it

In picking five Irish players to go with the English pair of Ashley Chester and Jimmy Mullen, the two outstanding players of the week alongside Ardglass' Cormac Sharvin, he had a band of brothers who would fight for each other. 

By adding Scots Jack McDonald (the perfect foil for room mate Sharvin) and the versatility of Grant Forrest and then bringing in Ewen Ferguson for late withdrawal Sam Horsfield, he had 10 players who knew each other so well and were so well versed in team play that they were never going to be easy to beat on a track as tough as Royal Lytham and St Annes. That was the theory. Pulling it off so perfectly was a masterstroke of planning, intuition, intelligence and a little luck

A focussed Jack Hume during Sunday morning's foursomes matches. Picture: Golffile | David Lloyd 

On paper, the USA had its usual collection of future superstars and while their brace of 3-1 defeats in foursomes put them under far too much pressure in the singles each day, they were outplayed in the mano a mano combat too, winning just five of those 18 matches.

As Gavin Moynihan—cruelly beaten 6 and 5 by the charismatic Bryson DeChambeau in the anchor match deposit playing those 13 holes in level fours— had pointed out in these columns and at the venue, Royal Lytham and St Annes was a course that played into the home side's hands.

Watch: The moment Paul Dunne's half point secured the #WalkerCup for Team GB&I. https://t.co/ww6ayXHDeh

— The Walker Cup (@WalkerCup) September 13, 2015

Watch: Brilliant pitch and celebration from GB&I's Ewen Ferguson. What a shot @EwboF! #WalkerCup https://t.co/GXEPxXAilF

— The Walker Cup (@WalkerCup) September 13, 2015

There may be calls for a USGA task force to be set now to try and work out why the USA lost so soundly but while the gulf was not as big as the scoreline might suggest, lack of knowledge of foursomes play against a talented GB&I side did not help.

Time will tell how good Edwards' side really is and just as the 2007 US team turned out to be a collection of superstars, the likes of Chesters, Mullen and Sharvin may well go on to become world beaters, just as Moynihan, Hurley, Hume and Dunne are expected to be.

The USA also lost in 2011 on a tough away track with the likes of Jordan Spieth in another American Dream Team and while US captain John "Spider" Miller was a gracious loser and a thorough gentleman, his decisions will inevitably be questioned.

Cormac Sharvin sprays other GB&I players with champagne after winning x during an afternoon singles match at the 2015 Walker Cup at Royal Lytham & St. Annes G.C. in Lytham St Annes, Lancashire on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015.  (Copyright USGA/John Mummert)

That's inevitable and something we should have suspected when he said 12 days ago that the players would decide the pairings themselves. 

"I’m not going to try and analyse each person’s game," he said.

Whatever about resting US Amateur and NCAA Div I Individual champion Dechambeau on the first morning because of a neck injury, playing him last on Sunday as he requested was not clever. Inevitably, the Walker Cup was already lost as he rounded the turn with GB&I getting three and a half points they needed from the first four matches, having crushed the US in the key foursomes in the morning as Dunne and Hurley came from behind to avenge the loss of their unbeaten record. As it stands, the have now won 9 1/2 point out of 11 matches as a foursome in all competitions. Not bad.

Fortunately for the US, not every GB&I player performed at 100 percent while too many US stars were well below par.

Gary Hurley reacts to sinking his crucial birdie putt on the 16th green during a morning foursomes match at the 2015 Walker Cup at Royal Lytham & St. Annes G.C. in Lytham St Annes, Lancashire on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015.  (Copyright USGA/John Mummert)

Paul Dunne waves after his putt on the 11th hole during an afternoon singles match at the 2015 Walker Cup at Royal Lytham & St. Annes G.C. in Lytham St Annes, Lancashire on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015.  (Copyright USGA/John Mummert)

Paul Dunne plays his second shot on the 18th hole during a morning foursomes match at the 2015 Walker Cup at Royal Lytham & St. Annes G.C. in Lytham St Annes, Lancashire on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015.  (Copyright USGA/John Mummert)

Cormac Sharvin, right, fist bumps with Jack McDonald, right, after winning the sixth hole during a morning foursomes match at the 2015 Walker Cup at Royal Lytham & St. Annes G.C. in Lytham St Annes, Lancashire on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015.  (Copyright USGA/Chris Keane)

Cormac Sharvin watches his second shot on the fourth hole during a morning foursomes match at the 2015 Walker Cup at Royal Lytham & St. Annes G.C. in Lytham St Annes, Lancashire on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015.  (Copyright USGA/Chris Keane)

Bryson DeChambeau puts his arm around captain Spider Miller at the closing ceremony.

The perceived handicap of choosing two mid-Amateurs by default is a philosophical debate over the spirit of the matches and the greater good of the game. Whatever you may think, there's no question that it adulterates the competition.

Golf Channel's Ryan Lavner, a close student of the US team and its selection policy, tweeted some thoughts about this and other matters in the immediate aftermath. The idea that all US players should play three matches, irrespective of form, is cleary not the tactic of a team that's serious about winning.

Bryson DeChambeau––best US player––missed first session because of sore neck. Then posts 1-0-1 mark. Then sent off LAST in singles? Huh?

— Ryan Lavner (@RyanLavnerGC) September 13, 2015

Mid-ams Harvey & McCoy combine to post 1-5 record. Mid-ams now 3-8 overall since USGA required 2 guys make team. Time to end that experiment

— Ryan Lavner (@RyanLavnerGC) September 13, 2015

US insisted everyone––even those who were struggling––play at least 3 matches. This isn’t peewee football. The goal is to win.

— Ryan Lavner (@RyanLavnerGC) September 13, 2015

Whatever about the captain, the suggestion that the US players somehow underestimated the opposition is also plainly wrong as most of them were clearly big admirers of the top GB&I stars, having played against them in college or events like the Palmer Cup, the US Amateur or The Open, where Chesters and Dunne (and Jordan Niebrugge) were outstanding.

From an Irish perspective it was a huge week with a record five-man participation in a record 16.5 to 9.5 win. 

All bar Sharvin are heading for the Q-School — Hurley, Moynihan and Dunne are turning professional with Hume going as an amateur — but it would be a mistake to pile all the pressure on their shoulders and forget about those who didn't make the team or who have already turned professional, such as Dermot McElroy or Chris Selfridge respectively.

Professional golf is a famously fickle beast that frowns on some and smiles on others without much apparent logic.

As Paul McGinley said on Twitter, the should enjoy their achievement and be proud.

As part of a GREAT history making team you did yourselves, families, home clubs and Ireland proud boys #keepclimbing pic.twitter.com/g6vFrkitPp

— Paul McGinley (@mcginleygolf) September 13, 2015

They certainly appeared to enjoy every moment of a special experience and captain Edwards was clearly expecting the Irish to do the business, even opting for green shirts on Sunday

The Welshman may not want the job but he's clearly deserving of another term, if willing. After that, another former player still connected to the amateur game should be asked to play their part in a drama that showcases so much that is good about the game.

Paul Dunne plays the fourth shot on the seventh hole hole during a morning foursomes match at the 2015 Walker Cup at Royal Lytham & St. Annes G.C. in Lytham St Annes, Lancashire on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015.  (Copyright USGA/John Mummert)

Paul Dunne reacts to his made putt on the 18th hole during a morning foursomes match at the 2015 Walker Cup at Royal Lytham & St. Annes G.C. in Lytham St Annes, Lancashire on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015.  (Copyright USGA/John Mummert)

Cormac Sharvin plays his tee shot on the seventh hole during a morning foursomes match at the 2015 Walker Cup at Royal Lytham & St. Annes G.C. in Lytham St Annes, Lancashire on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015.  (Copyright USGA/Chris Keane)

The GB&I players pose with the trophy during an afternoon singles match at the 2015 Walker Cup at Royal Lytham & St. Annes G.C. in Lytham St Annes, Lancashire on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015.  (Copyright USGA/John Mummert)

LYTHAM ST. ANNES, England (Sept. 13) -- Great Britain and Ireland defeated the United States of America, 16½-9½, Sunday in the 45th Walker Cup Match at Royal Lytham & St. Annes Golf Club, write the USGA and R&A.

“I’m delighted with the victory,” said GB&I captain Nigel Edwards. “We had a very strong front and we have strength throughout the team.

"I said last night to the team that as long as the lads keep doing what they have been doing all week, playing their own games, their short games are fantastic, which is probably what has given us the edge. Some of the bunker shots have been exceptional but also the standard of play here has been fantastic.”

Edwards, captain in 2011, 2013 and 2015, has two Match victories to his credit in addition to his play on two Match-winning teams in four appearances.

England’s Jimmy Mullen, who paced GB&I with a perfect 4-0 mark, led the team’s afternoon domination of singles matches in which they won five, halved three and lost just two. England’s Ashley Chesters, 26, the oldest GB&I player (3½) and Cormac Sharvin of Ireland (3) were the other GB&I point leaders.

“It doesn’t matter if I won all of my games as long as the team won was the main thing,” said Mullen, who made the cut at the 2013 Open Championship at Muirfield and the Round of 16 at the 2014 U.S. Amateur at Atlanta Athletic Club. “To win all of my games was just the icing on the cake.”

Bryson DeChambeau reacts to his missed birdie putt on the third hole during an afternoon singles match at the 2015 Walker Cup at Royal Lytham & St. Annes G.C. in Lytham St Annes, Lancashire on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015.  (Copyright USGA/John Mummert)

Chesters said: "Nigel obviously put me there to get some points early and I have managed to do that for him. I have done it most of the year for England, I did it last year in the St Andrews Trophy for GB&I and I did it for Europe in the Bonallack Trophy so it is the same as that. I have got no problem going out first at all. We have won and it’s great to get the trophy back.”

Ardglass man Sharvin, who had an outstanding match, winning two foursomes with Jack McDonald and his singles yesterday for a 100 percent, 3-0 record added;  “It feels great. It has just been an unbelievable experience.

"My golf game has been pretty good as well and it has been nice to get three out of three but as I said before it is a team effort and I’m just glad I could contribute to the win.”

Paul Casey and Luke Donald are among the small group of GB&I players who have posted 4-0 records in a single Match.

GB&I Captain Nigel Edwards and USA Captain Spider Miller on the 18th hole during a morning foursomes match at the 2015 Walker Cup at Royal Lytham & St. Annes G.C. in Lytham St Annes, Lancashire on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015.  (Copyright USGA/John Mummert)

College All-Americans Bryson DeChambeau, of Clovis, Calif., the 2015 U.S. Amateur and NCAA Division I men’s individual champion, and Beau Hossler, of Mission Viejo, Calif., were the only USA players to score victories in the Sunday singles matches.

Hossler (3), DeChambeau (2½) and Robby Shelton (2), of Wilmer, Ala., were the top point-scorers for the USA.

“I don’t think we handed them anything. I think they went out and played well, very well, and they won it,” said USA captain John “Spider” Miller. “I’d feel bad if we were three-putting and giving them holes. I think our guys played well. They just played very well. They outplayed us and earned it.”

In the morning foursomes, GB&I extended its overnight lead from 7-5 to 10-6 by winning three of the four matches for the second consecutive day.

Gary Hurley plays from a greenside bunker on the sixth hole during a morning foursomes match at the 2015 Walker Cup at Royal Lytham & St. Annes G.C. in Lytham St Annes, Lancashire on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015.  (Copyright USGA/John Mummert)

GB&I has now won five of the last six Matches contested on its ‘home’ soil, dating back to 1999. The only U.S. win in that stretch was 2007 at Royal County Down in Northern Ireland. With the GB&I victory, the two teams have now split the 14 Matches since 1989, 7-7. Before 1987, the USA dominated the series with 28-2-1 mark.

The winning margin is the largest for GB&I since the Walker Cup began in 1922.

The Walker Cup Match is a biennial 10-man amateur team competition between a team composed of players from Great Britain and Ireland and the USA. It is played over two days with 18 singles matches and eight foursomes matches. The USA leads the overall series 35-9-1.

The 2017 Walker Cup Match will be played Sept. 9-10 at Los Angeles (Calif.) Country Club.

LYTHAM ST. ANNES, England – Results from the second day of the 2015 Walker Cup Match at Royal Lytham and St. Annes Golf Club:Great Britain and Ireland defeats United States of America, 16½-9½Foursomes

1. Ashley Chesters/Jimmy Mullen (GB&I) def. Beau Hossler/Denny McCarthy (USA), 3 and 2
2. Paul Dunne/Gary Hurley (GB&I) def. Mike McCoy/Scott Harvey (USA), 1 up
3. Cormac Sharvin/Jack McDonald (GB&I) def. Hunter Stewart/Lee McCoy (USA), 2 up
4. Bryson DeChambeau/Robby Shelton (USA) def. Jack Hume/Gavin Moynihan (GB&I), 3 and 2

Singles

1. Ashley Chesters (GB&I) def. Jordan Niebrugge (USA), 3 and 1
2. Maverick McNealy (USA) halved with Paul Dunne (GB&I)
3. Jimmy Mullen (GB&I) def. Denny McCarthy (USA), 3 and 2
4. Cormac Sharvin (GB&I) def. Mike McCoy (USA), 4 and 3
5. Beau Hossler (USA) def. Ewen Ferguson (GB&I), 1 up
6. Grant Forrest (GB&I) def. Scott Harvey (USA), 2 and 1
7. Gary Hurley (GB&I) def. Hunter Stewart (USA), 1 up
8. Lee McCoy (USA) halved with Jack McDonald (GB&I)
9. Robby Shelton (USA) halved with Jack Hume (GB&I)
10. Bryson DeChambeau (USA) def. Gavin Moynihan (GB&I), 6 and 5

Henrik Norlander's recent #WebTour finishes ... - T77 - CUT - T72 - CUT - CUT - Win