Cork's Peter O'Keeffe begins defence of Close title

Ireland’s best men’s amateur golfers will tee off on the New Course at Headfort Golf Club

Irish international Matthew McClean, from Malone GC, is among the contenders for the Irish Close. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Defending champion Peter O’Keeffe is part of a very strong field, with former champions Hugh Foley, Robbie Cannon and Paul O’Hanlon who will contest one of the most prestigious prizes in Irish golf this weekend.

The New Course at Headford will play host to 144 of Ireland’s best men’s amateur golfers in the AIG Irish Men’s Amateur Close Championship.