Ireland chasing Eisenhower glory

Shane Lowry will spearhead Ireland's bid for an amazing amateur golfing hat-trick at the Eisenhower Trophy.

The world No 7 will team up with Clandeboye's Jonny Caldwell and Portstewart’s Paul Cutler in the Men's World Amateur Team Championship in Adelaide.

And after claiming the European Team Championships and the Home Internationals already this season, Ireland has never had a better chance of lifting the biggest team trophy in amateur golf.

A record 72 countries will compete in this biennial event where New Zealand, Australia and the United States are favourites.

Ireland has only been sending a team to the Eisenhower Trophy since 2004, finishing tied 17th that year and joint 12th in 2006.

Until then, Irish players had to battle for their places on a Great Britain and Ireland side.