Sugrue replaces Brazill in Mullingar Scratch Trophy field

James Sugrue (Mallow). Picture by Pat Cashman

Reigning Bridgestone Order of Merit champion Robert Brazill will miss out the return to golf for Ireland’s top amateurs in this weekend’s Mullingar Scratch Trophy.

The Naas international (23) will be unable to travel to the event due to the current public health travel restrictions on residents of Kildare, Offaly and Laois. 

The Kildare man was pipped to the AIG Irish Close title by Ronan Mullarney last year and was hoping to get his delayed season off to a flying start in Mullingar.

However, a stellar field will still assemble for a Leinster Golf event sponsored by Sherry Fitzgerald Davitt & Davitt and Pinergy. Entries

While the holder, Kinsale’s John Murphy, has returned to college in the US, there’s no shortage of contenders amongst Ireland’s amateur elite looking to etch their name on the historic trophy.

Caolan Rafferty (Dundalk) Picture by Pat Cashman

Reigning Amateur champion James Sugrue and his Walker Cup teammate Caolan Rafferty top the list.

Sugrue will be unable to defend the Amateur at Royal Birkdale due to travel restrictions but he at least has a chance to capture another prestigious title on home soil.

World number 18 Rafferty will also be hungry to add to his growing list of Irish titles as well as his list of scratch cup successes following three wins in Dundalk in the past four years,

First played in 1963 when Joe Carr triumphed, the list of past winners in Mullingar a who’s who of Irish golf with the likes of Tom Craddock, Des Smyth, Philip Walton, Paul McGinley, Darren Clarke, Pádraig Harrington, Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry all getting their names on the famous silver cup.

One thing this year’s champion will have to go without, however, is the adoration of the crowds upon victory. The ongoing threat of Covid-19 means that for the first time in its history, the event will be played behind closed doors. Still, players can expect a typically warm Mullingar welcome from those fortunate enough to be able to attend the event.

"We're looking forward to welcoming all the players to the 58th consecutive staging of the Mullingar Scratch Trophy and very grateful to Sherry Fitzgerald Davitt & Davitt and Pinergy for coming on board as sponsors again this year," said John Plunkett, captain of Mullingar Golf Club.