Trust puts golfers on course for success

THE Team Ireland Golf Trust have announced funding of over a quarter of a million euro for 29 Irish golfers.

The Trust, administered by the Irish Sport Council, was established in 1999 with the aim of increasing the presence of Irish golf professionals on the international tours.

“The value of the Team Ireland Golf Trust is becoming more apparent with each year. Aspiring tour professionals need consistent, long-term support. We did not expect big returns in the early days but the faith of all the contributors is now being repaid with outstanding performances,” said Padraig Ó hUiginn, Trust chairman.

2004 was a remarkable year for young Irish golfers. Stephen Browne, a former European Amateur Champion, achieved his European Tour Card for 2005 when he finished 20th in the final stage of tour school. Hazel Kavanagh and Rebecca Coakley both secured cards on the Ladies European Tour for 2005 after finishing 16th and 28th respectively at the tour school in October.

Damian McGrane and Suzanne O’ Brien enjoyed successful seasons, retaining full tour status which they had gained in 2003. Other highlights included the successes of Michael Hoey, David Higgins and Colm Moriarty who will play the Challenge Tour next year.

Tim Rice won an event on the Europro Tour and finished second on the Order of Merit which qualifies him for a card on the Challenge Tour in 2005. Keith Nolan and Richie Coughlan qualified for the final stage of the US PGA Qualifying School but unfortunately failed to secure tour cards. Both will have playing rights on the Nationwide Tour in 2005.

Team Ireland Golf Trust 2004 Allocation: S D McGrane €25,000; S Browne €20,000; M Hoey €20,000; S O’Brien €20,000; D Higgins €15,000; R Coughlan €15,000; J Kehoe €15,000; C Moriarty €15,000; Y Cassidy €8,000; C McMonagle €10,000; R Coakley €10,000; D Mooney €10,000; G McNeill €7,000; T Rice €7,000; P Dooley €7,000; D Sugrue €5,000; K Nolan €5,000; C Devlin €5,000; S Quinlivan €5,000; D Mortimer €5,000; G Patrick Lunny €1,500; N Howley €1,500; M Collins €1,500; D Jones €1,500; M Murphy €3,000; E Brady €5,500; S Franklin €1,500; H Kavanagh €4,000; J Nash €3,000.