Lowry launches Lee Valley Senior Scratch Cup

Shane Lowry receives the 2009 Lee Valley Senior Scratch Cup from Captain Tony HurleyEuropean Tour star Shane Lowry returned to his amateur roots today when he launched the 11th edition of the prestigious Lee Valley Scratch Cup.

The 2009 champion, who went on to win that year’s Irish Open as an amateur at Baltray, was on hand to promote the 54-hole event, which takes place on Saturday and Sunday April 16th and 17th.  

The event is seen as a strong test before the first amateur “major” of the season, the West of Ireland championship which will be held at Rosses Point over the Easter weekend.

Banbridge’s Rory Leonard will return to defend the title at the challening 6,819 yard Christy O’Connor Jnr design.

Leoonard shot rounds of 70, 65 and 72 to win by three strokes on nine under par 207 from Greystones’ Paul Dunne.

Patsy Ryan of sponsors Mardyke Arena said: “I am delighted to be associated with the ongoing success of the Lee Valley Scratch Cup and wishes all of the players success in the upcoming event.”

Mr Robert Kearney, Captain of Lee Valley Golf Club said: “The speed with which the timesheet filled up this year reflects the enormous popularity of our Senior Scratch Cup among the country’s top golfers. We look forward to the opportunity to extend a warm Lee Valley welcome to all our players and visitors on April 16th and 17th, 2011.”