Out & About Page

Conor Purcell became the first ever Irishman to win the Australian Amateur Championship after claiming victory in a playoff at Woodlands Golf Club in Melbourne. The competition has a long and storied history spanning 125-years with the Portmarnock man becoming the tournament’s first ever Irish victor. Purcell faced adversity during his final round in Melbourne with Nathan Barbieri coming back from four shots down with just 10 holes to play forcing a play-off as the 21-year old failed to make par in the 36th and final hole. The talented young amateur bounced back however and on the first playoff hole making par where Barbieri could not, to make history and claim the victory. We have no doubt that this young man haling from the mighty Portmarnock G.C. has the golf world at his feet now.

The Open makes a historic return to Northern Ireland in 2019. Golf’s oldest and most international Championship returns after 68 years with the world's greatest players competing for the Claret Jug at Royal Portrush. Each year, the world’s greatest golfers take on golf’s one true test, The Open. Their goal is to etch their name into history, joining an illustrious club where membership is earned by achieving the title of Champion Golfer of The Year. To have the British Open back on the Island of Ireland is a great tribute to the quality of the courses here as many of our clients have found. We have very limited availability of tickets to watch the battle for the biggest prize in golf and will be offering those who have traveled with us before first call on them. We will be sending out a newsletter towards the end of January to old friends so look out for it in your email inbox and please make contact as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Shane Lowry moved to the top of the Race to Dubai Rankings after holding off a relentless Richard Sterne to complete a sensational wire-to-wire victory at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA. The 31 year old started the final day with a three-shot lead over South African Sterne, but surrendered the advantage after carding four bogeys in his opening ten holes. A red hot Sterne made the turn in 31 to take the lead from the 2015 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational champion. With four shots to make up and only seven holes to play, Lowry carded back-to-back birdies on 12 and 13 before Sterne dropped shots on 14 and 16, leaving the pair level on 17 under par walking up the 18th. The Irishman expertly made the green in two before holing his birdie putt to seal a maiden Rolex Series title and enter the Race to Dubai Rankings in first place. Another great Irish win on the European Tour.

Padraig Harrington has been named as the European Captain for The 2020 Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin from September 25 – 27, 2020. The three-time Major Champion has a storied Ryder Cup career, having represented Europe six times as a player – including being part of four triumphs – while latterly he has brought his extensive experience to the role of Vice-Captain in the past three editions of the biennial contest. The 47 year old joins Paul McGinley (2014) and Darren Clarke (2016), as professionals from the island of Ireland to lead Europe and will be hoping to emulate the last European triumph on American soil – at Medinah in 2012 – as Europe defend the trophy won memorably at Le Golf National last September. Another great addition to the history of Ireland and the Ryder Cup.

Meeting up with old friends in Killarney!!