A view of the approach to the fourth at The European Club. Picture courtesy Pat RuddyRathsallagh’s Jack Hume heads a high quality field for the Sigma Wireless Leinster Youths’ Championship at The European Club from March 25-27.

The plus three handicapper - who followed in the footsteps of Raymie Burns (1989) by winning all four provincial Boys titles in 2010 - is just one a host of talented players who will do battle with the Co. Wicklow links.

As a correspondent put it today:

“The rapidly rising standard of play amongst Ireland’s young golfers is highlighted by the fact that twenty-one players of three handicap failed to gain entry.

“The attraction of the venue was such that 187 entries were received for this event for players aged under-21 with ten of these boasting handicaps of plus-1 or better.  Jack Hume (Rathsallagh) is the lowest handicap at plus-3 and Daniel Brennan (Shannon) is plus-2.

“The importance of this championship as an indicator of the future stars of Irish golf is borne out by the fact that past winners include Philip Walton, Paul McGinley, Padraig Harrington and Graeme McDowell.  All of these went on to win the Irish Amateur Close championship as did Dara Lernihan who won the Leinster Youths’ at The European Club in 2007.”

Leinster Youths Amateur Open 2013 - Draw