The PGA in Ireland has announced a new three-year title sponsorship and host venue agreement with Moyvalley Hotel and Golf Resort.

The 2016 Irish PGA Championship will be hosted on the Twin Oaks Championship Course from September 22-25 with the event to be staged at the Co Kildare venue for three years to 2018.

As a mark of respect to the late Christy O’Connor Jnr, the PGA in Ireland will host the inaugural 'Christy O’Connor Jnr Memorial Irish PGA Championship Pro-Am' on Wednesday, 21st Septemberon the Twin Oaks Championship Course.

The Shabra Charity Foundation, which was founded by the late Oliver Brady and Rita Shah will be the official event charity.

Michael McCumiskey, Secretary PGA in Ireland said: “We have witnessed many great and exciting Irish Championships over the years and I have no doubt that the Twin Oaks Championship Course will provide a testing examination for the players.

"We are pleased that this year’s event will not only be staged at Moyvalley Hotel & Golf Resort but also sponsored by the venue and we thank the Directors for their generous support of the tournament. The commitment is for three years and the Directors of Moyvalley Hotel & Golf Resort have given their clear intention to support and host this historic tournament until 2018.”

He added: “Following the sad passing of Christy O’Connor Jnr it is fitting that, in agreement with his family and the directors at Moyvalley Hotel & Golf Resort, the Championship Pro-Am will bear his name and be titled - 'The Christy O’Connor Jnr Memorial Irish Championship PGA Pro-Am'.

“We are also pleased to announce that this year Shabra Charity is the 'Official Charity' of the 2016 Irish PGA Championship who will be promoting the work of their charity during the week of the Championship. We will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to work with everyone at Moyvalley Hotel & Golf Resort to stage an Irish PGA Championship that will live in the memory.”

Ms Rita Shah, Director of title sponsor and host venue Moyvalley Hotel & Golf Resort, said she was delighted to show the resort's commitment and support for Irish professional golf and the PGA in Ireland with this announcement.

She said: “On behalf of the Directors of Moyvalley Hotel & Golf Resort and the Twin Oaks Championship Course we are honoured and delighted to announce our support for the 2016 Irish PGA Championship. We recognise and value the important role that the PGA in Ireland play in supporting the development of Irish PGA professionals and Irish tournament golf.

“The Twin Oaks Championship Course will prove a serious and challenging test of golf for all who compete in this prestigious national event and we look forward to welcoming Ireland’s leading PGA professionals from across the country to play at Moyvalley Hotel & Golf Resort later this year.”

The family of the late Christy O’Connor Jnr welcomed the announcement.

"On behalf of our family we are touched by this kind gesture from the PGA in Ireland to pay tribute to Christy’s untimely and unexpected passing by hosting the 'Christy O’Connor Jnr Memorial Irish PGA Pro-Am' in his name," a statement read.

"Christy was a proud member of the PGA in Ireland during his career as a professional golfer and this is a very fitting mark of respect which we hope will help to continue his legacy and commitment to the game of golf.”

The Irish PGA Championship has been staged since 1907 and has been won by golfing luminaries such as Fred Daly, Harry Bradshaw, Paul McGinley and Padraig Harrington. Last year, Niall Kearney made it back-to-back victories with an emphatic 14-shot victory at Dundalk GC.

For further information on the Twin Oaks Championship Course and Moyvalley Hotel & Golf Resort please visit www.moyvalley.com

EDITORS NOTES

SHABRA CHARITY

To date Shabra Charity has raised over €600,000 and donated to St Luke’s, Tallaght and Mater Hospitals to purchase vital equipment and support research for cardio, cancer and eye care.

Shabra Charity also support international projects in in Nigeria and Kenya to build schools and further children’s education. For further information please visit www.shabracharity.com

MOYVALLEY HOTEL & GOLF RESORT

Moyvalley Hotel & Golf Resort and is set amidst 550 acres of historic North Kildare countryside, one of Ireland’s leading luxurious resorts. The Twin Oaks Championship Course forms the centrepiece of the Balyna Estate for what is one of the most impressive venues for golf in Ireland.

The course presents a fair challenge for all levels of golfers and is flushed out with large greens, lakes and bunkers. The par 72 course requires a studied and accurate approach. The course takes on the features of a traditional Irish links golf course with tall fescue grass, quick and true greens with heavy contouring, run offs and firm surfaces.

The modern and luxuriously appointed clubhouse boasts extensive locker room facilities together with a spacious bar and restaurant offering panoramic views of the course and estate. The clubhouse has a fully stocked Pro Shop with all the latest equipment and apparel also compliment this great facility.

The venue also boasts some of the best practice facilities in Ireland including a driving range with both outdoor and covered driving bays, a short game academy which includes two large chipping greens, three large bunkers and one large practice putting green, all of which are built to a USGA specification.

For further information on the Twin Oaks Championship Course and Moyvalley Hotel & Golf Resort please visit www.moyvalley.com