‘South’ ready to regain sparkle as top-class field set for battle

With handicaps ranging from plus 4 to 1.1, the high quality of the entry for the West Coast Hotels sponsored South of Ireland Championship beginning at Lahinch this morning is a source of considerable satisfaction for the organising committee.

In recent years, the “South” has suffered from the plethora of amateur events taking place at this stage of the season.

World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points have become the primary target of the leading players and it was with this situation in mind the GUI and the Lahinch club decided to alter the dates and to reintroduce 36 holes of qualifying with the leading 64 going forward to matchplay.