Muster Branch make move to strokeplay

THE Munster GUI branch last night agreed to run the preliminary rounds of the Pierce Purcell Shield, Jimmy Bruen Shield, Irish Mixed Foursomes and Junior Cup on a strokeplay qualifying basis next year.

The change in format, suggested by the branch, was outlined by chairman John Brett 's at the annual delegates' meeting in the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, Co Cork. He said the council had given careful consideration over several months to the multiplicity of problems arising in the running of competitions. The demands on players was also taken into account.

Under the new format, the branch will be divided into eight sections. After the preliminary strokeplay rounds, two clubs will emerge from each area to play match-play the following day. After that it would be all match-play.