Amateurs Spoilt for Choice in Ireland This Summer

US Open champion Rory McIlroy will head a star-studded cast taking part in this summer’s Irish Open but it’s not just the professionals who will be flocking to Ireland, with a series of top amateur events taking place across the country in the coming months.

From individual, pairs and team competitions to father and son/daughter, couples, mixed and senior events, there is something for everyone to participate in … whatever your age is.

And the series of first-class competitions is reflected in the quality of golfing venues being used with the likes of Royal Portrush, Waterville, Killarney, Ballybunion, Doonbeg, Lahinch, Enniscrone and Portstewart all being used.

Sofia Hansson, business and sports tourism executive at Tourism Ireland, said: “Golf is one of Ireland’s most popular sports and you’re never far from a great course, wherever you are in the country.

“The sheer number and variety of amateur events taking place this summer provides an unrivalled opportunity for people to play some world-class golf courses at great prices. They are an important part of the Time to Play initiative that we are using to promote the game to a wider audience.”

Dunmore East Coast Golf Classic

The busy summer of events began this month with the Dunmore East Coast Golf Classic, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

Staged over four days, the team event was created to promote golf on Ireland’s south-east coast and competitors from as far afield as America and Canada have taken part in the past.

Irish Links Challenges plus more

The Great Irish Links Challenge – which features rounds of golf at Doonbeg, Ballybunion and Lahinch on the west coast – and the Killarney Festival of Golf are two of the most popular competitions on the amateur golfing calendar and take place later this month. (May)

And interest is also expected to be high in June’s Donegal Links Classic, Causeway Coast Tournament, the three-day Mid Summer Seniors Golf Challenge and 2012 Amateur Team World Cup of Golf, which includes golf at Killarney, Dooks and Waterville.

As if that wasn’t enough, the World Invitational Father & Daughter/Son Championships and Atlantic Coast Golf Challenge will be staged in July and August while September will see the Celtic Couples Challenge and Irish Open Venue Mixed Golf Tournament – which includes a round at Royal Portrush, venue for this summer’s Irish Open.

Hansson added: “The fantastic thing about the tournaments is that there really is something for everybody, no matter what your age and gender.

“Not only can people enjoy great golf on the course but they have the chance to sample some traditional Irish hospitality off it, and we’re looking forward to welcoming golfers, both old and new, to Ireland over the summer.”

With some of the most famous venues anywhere in the world, Ireland offers golfers the complete package with top championship courses, stunning scenery, fascinating history and some of the best craic around.

For more information about visiting Ireland, log on to www.discoverireland.com