South of Ireland entries close on 27 June
(L-R): Kevin O’Keeffe (Captain, Lahinch Golf Club), Gary Pierse (Managing Director, Pierse Motors) and Jim Long (Chairman Munster Branch GUI) with the South of Ireland trophy and Lahinch's famous goat.
The Dubai Duty Free Irish Open might be just over 12 months away but there's an opportunity to see some top class action at Lahinch next month when the classic Co Clare links hosts the 117th South of Ireland Amateur Open Championship.
Scheduled for 25-29 July, 150 of Ireland’s leading amateurs will play in the 36-hole strokeplay qualifier with the top 64 qualifying for the matchplay stages from Friday 27 July.
The semi-finals and final are scheduled for Sunday, 29 July with Tipperary town based Pierse Motors Volkswagen sponsoring what is Ireland's oldest provincial championship for the third year running.
Gary Pierse, Managing Director of Pierse Motors, commented: “We are delighted to continue with our sponsorship of the South of Ireland Championship for the third consecutive year.
"Lahinch boasts one of the finest links golf courses in the country, and I have no doubt that the tournament will be a huge success once again.”
It promises to be a busy few years for Lahinch which not only hosts its first Dubai Duty Free Irish Open next summer but also the Home Internationals in September 2019 and the Arnold Palmer Cup in July 2020.
The par-three 11th on the Old Course at Lahinch Golf Club
Kevin O’Keeffe, Captain Lahinch Golf Club, said: "The South of Ireland continues to be one of the most popular championships amongst our leading amateurs.
"Last year, ten 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."
Jim Long, Chairman of the Munster Branch, said: "The Munster Branch of the Golfing Union of Ireland is delighted to continue its long association with Lahinch Golf Club.
"The South of Ireland Championship is one of the oldest and most prestigious championships in the world, and we wish all the competitors well when the tournament commences in a few weeks.
"The roll of honour of past winners truly reflects the high esteem in which the South of Ireland is held by both the players and supporters of amateur golf."
The closing date for entries is midnight on Wednesday, 27 June 2018.
