Changed times but Cork remains a classic test for Munster Strokeplay

The par-five fifth hole at Cork Golf Club

Far removed from its fixed position of the May bank holiday weekend, the Munster Strokeplay Championship got underway on the first weekend of September at Cork Golf Club. The prestigious trophy will be played over 72 holes in a new normal for players and event organisers alike. 

The Little Island venue still remains as the second stop on the Bridgestone Order of Merit circuit but this year follows the Mullingar Scratch Trophy rather than the usual West of Ireland Championship season opener. 

Although off course proceedings may differ, the prestigious parkland course is still proving a popular event for the players and the minor works that have been carried out are receiving praise from the players. The bushes that surrounded the third green have since been cleared away to provide a more open look of Cork Harbour. 

Before players can ever think about heading to the first tee, the tournament directors have provided clear and concise information regarding social distancing, sanitising and online scoring. Players now fill in their own scorecard as well as posting their scores directly to the GUI’s live scoring webpage, which can be found here.

Upon completion of the round, players recite scores in the marker’s area allowing for official approval of each competitors score and without the need for submitting the physical scorecard itself. 

The lack of spectators has ensured a different atmosphere and with such a strong field assembled lead by world number 17 Caolan Rafferty, many would have gathered to watch the players tackle the Alastair MacKenzie designed course in what are perfect scoring conditions for the early players. 

In the absence of this opportunity, fans can keep up to date with live scoring and regular player interviews from the GUI social media accounts.