GUI sending eight to South Africa; Connacht Strokeplay Championship created
Captain Nigel Edwards, right, and Jack Hume, left, walk down the 18th hole during an afternoon singles match at the 2015 Walker Cup at Royal Lytham & St. Annes G.C. in Lytham St Annes, Lancashire on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2015. (Copyright USGA/Chris Keane)
GUI — Walker Cup player Jack Hume might have missed out at Q-School but he won't be idle over the winter as he heads an eight-strong Golfing Union of Ireland selection on a two-week trip to South Africa early next year.
Accompanied by national coach Neil Manchip and team captain Tony Goode, the 22-year old Naas player will be joined by Home International winning team mates Colm Campbell (Warrenpoint), Robin Dawson (Faithlegg/MU), John Ross Galbraith (Whitehead), Alex Gleeson (Castle/UCD), Stuart Grehan (Tullamore/MU), Rowan Lester (Hermitage) and Dermot McElroy (Ballymena) for the Gauteng North Amateur Stroke Play (21-24 January) at Irene Country Club and the South African Stroke Play (2-5 February) at Blue Valley.
Connacht Strokeplay Championship created
Athlone Golf Club will host the inaugural Connacht Strokeplay Championship from June 11-12 next year.
CONNACHT — Players calling for more strokeplay competition have had their wish granted. The Connacht Branch has decided to stage the inaugural, 72-hole Connacht Strokeplay Championship at Athlone Golf Club from June 11-12 next year.
According to the Branch, the aim is to "provide more Championship golf opportunities prior to the Inter Pros, which are played in early July." In other words, it's a great chance to impress the selectors, even if the Interprovincial Matches is a matchplay event.
There will be a cut after 36 holes, followed by an additional 36 holes on Sunday, which is in line with the format for the Munster Strokeplay Championship at Cork Golf Club.
According to Golfnet: "Entry shall be Online only and entry shall open on February 1, 2016. As with all Championships Entry shall be based on handicap order with the field size to be established by the Championship Committee in due course."