Dual venues for Walled City of Derry Pro-Am
(Left to right) Michael Mc Cumiskey, PGA in Ireland; Simon Thornton, PGA Professional Golfer and Lady Mayor Alderman Hilary McClintock, Mayor of Derry City & Strabane District Council.
The €15,000 Walled City of Derry Pro-Am will take place in Derry City Golf Club and Foyle International Golf Centre from August 26-27 — the first time it will be hosted by two venues.
Launching what will be one of Ireland's biggest Pro-Ams in 2017, Ordhan Dunne, General Manager of Visit Derry, said: “Ireland’s North West region is currently at the forefront of golf tourism on the island and whilst this tournament will be an excellent opportunity to promote the quality of the city’s parkland golf, it will further enhance our reputation as a central hub for golfers to enjoy a premier golf and tourism experience.”
Visit Derry in partnership with Derry City and Strabane Council are sponsoring the tournament which will be one of the top attractions in the North West social and sporting calendar this summer.
In 2013, Derry-Londonderry was awarded City of Culture status and hosted a raft of events including the City of Culture 2013 Pro-Am, which saw Simon Thornton card rounds of 68 and 65 to win by four shots at City of Derry Golf Club.
Local businesses such as Bishop’s Gate Hotel, Diageo NI, Total Golf, Nuprint, Desmond Motors, Partridge Peartree and Mint Bet have been instrumental in attracting Irish PGA professionals back to the city.
The tournament will showcase local and international talent and make a significant contribution to the local economy.
Back row L-R: Christine Mitchell, Lady Captain, City of Derry Golf Club; Mike Carroll, Captain, City of Derry Golf Club; Michael Mc Cumiskey, PGA in Ireland; Lady Mayor Alderman Hilary Mc Clintock, Mayor of Derry City & Strabane District Council; Simon Thornton; Martin Campbell, Captain, Foyle Golf Centre and Florence Rankin, Lady Captain, Foyle Golf Centre. Front row L-R: Odhran Dunne, Visit Derry and Ciaran O Neill, Bishop’s Gate Hotel
Michael McCumiskey, secretary of the PGA in Ireland, said: “This event will attract the top PGA professionals from all over Ireland. They will be competing against each other for the title and guaranteed prize pot of €15000 while teams of three amateurs will compete alongside the professional for the coveted team prize. The event will have both ladies and gents sections.
“On Friday, a junior event will take place, which is kindly supported by Irish PGA professionals. Undoubtedly, golf enthusiasts from across the North West and further afield will be keen to see PGA professionals play and I'm sure there will be high demand for spaces on teams. It will be a very busy weekend for the city.”
To obtain an entry form contact Sammy at City of Derry Golf Club on 028 7131 1496 or Conor at Foyle International Golf Centre on 028 7135 2222.
