Top class field for Westport as McElhinney looks to regain title

BRIAN MCELHINNEY (North West) will face stiff opposition when he defends his Irish Close Championship title, sponsored by Golfsure, at Westport Golf Club from June 11-15.

The field, which boasts 96 players playing off scratch or better, is headed by Darren Crowe (Dunmurry) and Rory McIlroy (Holywood) following the cut which fell at 1.6.

Crowe, who finished runner-up in the Irish Amateur Open Championship at Carton House in May, is the current World Universities Champion, while McIlroy became the youngest winner of the West of Ireland Championship in April at the age of 15. Other past champions taking part are John McGinn (2002) and Mark O'Sullivan (2003).

Founded in 1908, Westport Golf Club has played host to the Irish Close Championship on several occasions and recent upgrading of the course will present Ireland's best with quite a challenge. Last held at Westport in 1997, Ken Kearney defeated Peter Lawrie in the final 5/4.

The field of 150 will play 36 holes strokeplay with the leading 64 qualifying for the matchplay stages. Some recent winners include Graeme McDowell (2000), Peter Lawrie (1996), Padraig Harrington (1995), Gary Murphy (1992), Darren Clarke (1990) and Paul McGinley (1989).