Michael Hoey has joined up with the Ulster Branch of the Golfing Union of Ireland to launch the Cathedral Eye Clinic 2015 North of Ireland Amateur Open Championship.

Played every July over the Dunluce and Valley Links at Royal Portrush Golf Club, the tournament has gone from strength to strength since its launch as the Ulster Scratch Singles in 1937.

Michael Hoey, winner of the Championship in 2000, is now calling on amateur golfers across Northern Ireland (and presumably the whole of Ireland) to enter the tournament which will be played in Portrush from July 13-17.

Commenting on the launch of the Cathedral Eye Clinic North of Ireland Championship, launch, Michael Hoey said: “Growing up, the North of Ireland was always a big thing. We had a caravan at Castlerock golf club so I grew up playing in the area.

"Winning the tournament in 2000 was a huge boost to my career. I’d strongly encourage all amateur players to enter the Championship – getting the opportunity to play in a tournament of this calibre at Royal Portrush is such a boost to any amateur’s game.”

Golfers can enter the Cathedral Eye Clinic North of Ireland Championship at www.golfnet.ie - entries close at 00.30 on Saturday 20 June 2015, with the draw for rounds 1 & 2 due to be issued on Tuesday 23 June.

This is the third year that Cathedral Eye Clinic will sponsor the North of Ireland Amateur Open Championship.

There’s a natural synergy to the partnership, as Cathedral Eye Clinic has helped many elite athletes and sportspeople to rediscover amazing vision, with bespoke eye care solutions, including the very latest technology in laser eye surgery.

Golfers in particular can see a big benefit from these procedures, helping them to get back on the fairways within days of a procedure.

Kevin Stevens, General Secretary of the Golfing Union of Ireland (Ulster Branch) recently had treatment with Cathedral Eye Clinic with great success.

Speaking about his treatment, Kevin said: “My eye surgery with Cathedral Eye Clinic has changed my life. I no longer have to worry about my glasses steaming up or being rained on. Now my golf game stays uninterrupted and has improved – I can keep my eye on the ball the whole way through the game.

“Cathedral Eye Clinic provided me with a tailored service. Professor Johnny Moore met with me from the start; he oversaw my preparations, eye procedure and aftercare personally, making the whole process as smooth as possible. I just wish I had done it sooner.”

Later this summer, Cathedral Eye Clinic will expand into a new state-of-the-art clinic and research centre on Academy Street in Belfast.  

The brand new clinic will be the first in Ireland to offer third generation laser treatment with the Zeiss VisuMax SMILE procedure. This key-hole style laser eye treatment is pain-free and has a rapid recovery time. It is the newest, most accurate and safest laser treatment available. The Zeiss Smile laser is the premier eye solution for people wanting to get freedom from glasses and contact lenses and it is now available in Belfast.

As part of the partnership, Cathedral Eye Clinic will provide preferential rates to Golfing Union of Ireland members. For further information, or to enquire about bespoke eye care solutions, contact Cathedral Eye Clinic on 028 9032 2020 or by email to info@cathedraleye.com