It only seems like yesterday that Stuart Grehan captured the 114th South of Ireland title but there is now less than a fortnight to go before entries close for the 115th staging of the great matchplay classic at wonderful Lahinch.

The championship begins with the first of two stroke play qualifying rounds on Wednesday July 20 with the final taking place over the famed County Clare links the following Sunday,  July 24.

This year’s Championship is sponsored by Pierse Motors Volkswagen, based in Tipperary town and it's a fitting partnership given that the Pierse name is synonymous with amateur golf in Ireland.

Not only did Arthur Pierse represent Great Britain and Ireland in the 1983  Walker Cup at Hoylake, and the 1982 Eisenhower Trophy in Lausanne, his twin brother Gerry is captain at Lahinch this year.

"The South of Ireland is the last major opportunity for our leading amateur golfers to impress selectors before the Home Internationals which will be held at The Nairn Golf Club, Scotland in mid-August," Gerry Pierse said.

"Last year, six of the victorious Irish Men’s team played in the South of Ireland.

"Lahinch Golf Club is appreciative of the support of the Golfing Union of Ireland in ensuring that our leading golfers have the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of previous winners such as John Burke, JB Carr, Paul McGinley, Darren Clarke and Graeme McDowell.

"Played mid-summer at peak holiday time in Lahinch, The South is generally regarded as the most enjoyable of the amateur ‘majors’ with large crowds guaranteed while golf is the talk of the village throughout the week.

"Lahinch and the surrounding area is gearing up for another memorable five days of golf and all visitors are welcome to come along and join in the festivities on the west coast of Clare.”

Gary Pierse, Managing Director of Pierse Motors, commented: “We are delighted to sponsor the South of Ireland Championship this year. Lahinch boasts one of the finest golf courses in the country and I have no doubt that the event will be a huge success once again.”

• Closing date for entries is midnight on Wednesday 22nd June 2016.
• Lahinch Golf Club, in association with ClubApp Live, will provide up-to-date live scoring on mobile devices and through the Club’s website www.lahinchgolf.com
• The FREE ClubApp is available to download at https://clubapplive.com/lahinchgc