More money for fewer players; Golf Ireland scheme hands out €245,000 to just seven golfers
Dr. Una May (CEO Sport Ireland), Minister of State for Sport and Physical Education Thomas Byrne TD and Mark Kennelly, CEO Golf Ireland at the Golf Ireland Academy for the launch of the Golf Ireland Professional Scheme in partnership with Sport Ireland. Credit ©INPHO/James Crombie
Golf Ireland offers ambitious young players a clear pathway from the amateur game to the world’s top tours and this week it officially launched the 2023 Golf Ireland Professional Scheme with seven golfers receiving €35,000 each from Sport Ireland.
Designed to support and nurture the next generation of Irish golfing talent, the programme has granted funding to Olivia Mehaffey, Jonathan Yates, Stuart Grehan, Gary Hurley, John Murphy, Conor Purcell and Dermot McElroy for 2023.
Sport Ireland is providing €325,000 in government funding to Golf Ireland for the management and administration of the Golf Ireland Professional Scheme while any players turning professional later this year and who also meet the strict criteria, may receive funding on a pro-rata basis.
While funding has been increased, the number of players receiving funding has been reduced as only seven players made the strict criteria this year.
In 2020, 13 players received €221,000 while in 2021 the allocation was for €272,700 for 16 players compared to €270,000 for 12 golfers in 2020.
Golfers such as David Carey, who qualified for The Open last year and made the cut and then qualified for a PGA Tour event this year, did not merit support under the scheme’s criteria this year as he did meet the requirement of finishing in the top ten on the Alps Tour Order of Merit in 2022.
Other players to receive funding in recent years, such as Cormac Sharvin, Stephanie Meadow, Gavin Moynihan, Robin Dawson, Paul McBride, John Ross Galbraith, Conor O'Rourke, James Sugrue, Jonathan Caldwell and Leona Maguire, are not included as they did not meet the criteria or did not apply.
While there is no breakdown of the number of professional tour invitations, such as Challenge Tour starts, which will be allocated to Irish players in 2023, Golf Ireland confirmed that Challenge Tour invitations are principally for those players on the scheme and surplus invitations will be issued to other Irish players when they become available.
Golf Ireland’s National Coach, Neil Manchip, oversees the Player Pathway.
“We have everything fully connected on our pathway now from junior boys and girls aged from nine to 14 progressing from their clubs into a slightly higher performing environment into our performance development,” he explained. “The handicap criteria on one to seven or eight, then we move into our high-performance boys and girls under 16 and 18, then to adults and then into our Golf Ireland Professional Scheme.”
According to Golf Ireland:
Sport Ireland will provide €325,000 in government funding to Golf Ireland for the management and administration of the Golf Ireland Professional Scheme. The financial support provided by Sport Ireland will enable these golfers to progress further internationally. And former Arizona State golfer Mehaffey, one of the trailblazers in Irish women's golf, said she is delighted to get the financial backing again.
"This opportunity is a game-changer for aspiring golfers in Ireland. With this backing, we can fully focus on reaching our potential and representing our country with pride," said Mehaffey.
Naas golfer Jonathan Yates is another young talented golfer benefiting from the scheme and he echoed Mehaffey's sentiments. "We're extremely grateful for this chance to elevate our careers and showcase the incredible golfing talent Ireland has to offer on the world stage," said Yates.
Speaking about the news Minister of State for Sport and Physical Education Thomas Byrne TD said: “The outstanding performances of Irish golfers on the global stage is a source of great pride for the public. The delivery of this scheme will benefit many golfers in the years to come and I am confident, will lead to continued international success. As Ireland prepares to host the Ryder Cup, it is important that we continue to invest in our golfers.”
Chief Executive of Sport Ireland Dr Úna May commented: “Investing in the future of Irish golf is vital for the continued success of our athletes. The Golf Ireland Professional Scheme provides funding to emerging professional players and has a history of supporting those who have gone on to reach the highest levels of professional golf, including Shane Lowry, Seamus Power, Leona Maguire, and Stephanie Meadow. Irish golfers who are in the early stages of their professional careers benefit from the financial, coaching and service supports which are necessary to take the next step and establish themselves on the major tours.”
Golf Ireland CEO Mark Kennelly has highlighted the importance of the continued collaboration between Golf Ireland and Sport Ireland. "This partnership signifies a shared commitment to the growth and development of golf in Ireland. The funding provided will be instrumental in helping these talented golfers compete at the highest level and inspiring future generations," said Kennelly.
Sport Ireland provides significant investment for professional golf tournaments in Ireland including Men’s Irish Open, Women’s Irish Open, Irish Challenge and the Irish Legends events. The increased funding from Sport Ireland is strategically important for professional players who can compete at these levels.
Sport Ireland has provided funding to the Golf Ireland Professional Scheme since 1999. The scheme gives players: direct funding; European Challenge Tour starts; coaching expertise; access to Golf Ireland’s National Academy and Quinta do Lago training base; and access to the Sport Ireland Institute.
