McGinn to face strong amateur challenge

John McGinn (Greenore) will face a strong challenge when he defends his title at the Golfsure sponsored Irish Amateur Close Championship at Tramore Golf Club from June 14-18.

Four members of the Walker Cup panel are included in the top class field of 150, Colm Moriarty (Athlone), Justin Kehoe (Birr), Noel Fox (Portmarnock) and Gareth Maybin (Ballyclare).

Members of this elite group have already tasted success over the past 12 months.

Colm Moriarty won two events Down Under in February - the New South Wales Stroke play and Match play Championships, while Noel Fox is the current Irish Amateur Open Champion following his two stroke victory at Royal Dublin a few weeks ago.

Justin Kehoe is the current South of Ireland and World Universities champion and Gareth Maybin is the holder of the North of Ireland title.

Other players in form at the moment include Mark Ryan (Grange) the current West of Ireland champion, David Ryan (Grange), Munster Youths champion and Brian McElhinney (North West), Connacht Youths champion.

A field of 150 will play two strokeplay qualifying rounds with the top 64 qualifying for the matchplay stages of the event.