There has been much weeping and gnashing of teeth in recent years over the South of Ireland Championship.

Few members of the international panel participate due to the date and there have even been rumblings from the rank and file, especially in Munster, about the make up for the first round draw.

Few would dispute the quality of the venue but while the Championship will almost certainly start earlier next year — a Wednesday start has been discussed —  the field is likely to be similar to recent years.

What needs to happen? Should a 36-hole strokeplay qualifier be reintroduced following the unsuccessful effort of 2011, when fog forced officials to reduce it from 36 to 27 holes?