Golf Ireland unveils major new women’s amateur circuit

BIG BOOST: The women’s amateur circuit in Ireland will see a substantial boost in 2026 with the launch of the North, South, East and West of Ireland Women’s Championships.

The women’s amateur circuit in Ireland will see a substantial boost in 2026 with the launch of the North, South, East and West of Ireland Women’s Championships.

Golf Ireland will partner with four venues in introducing this change, with the events running between April and the end of June to optimise their position within the women’s calendar.

The circuit will begin with the South of Ireland Women’s Championship (25-26 April) for the famed Vaughan Trophy, the sought-after prize traditionally awarded to the winner of the Lahinch Scratch Cup, with Lahinch partnering with Golf Ireland in a similar manner to that of the South of Ireland Men’s Championship.

“We are absolutely thrilled to host the inaugural South of Ireland Women’s Amateur Open Championship,” said Lahinch Lady Captain, Marjorie Ahern.

"While we take immense pride in the great history of the Lahinch Scratch Cup, this new structure marks an exciting new chapter for the Vaughan Trophy and women’s golf in Ireland.

"This new format will further elevate the stature of the competition and provide a wonderful stage for the very best in women’s amateur golf.

The June Bank Holiday will then see the West of Ireland Women’s Championship at the Darren Clarke design in Castle Dargan in Sligo (31 May-1 June).

From there the circuit moves to Woodbrook, where the East of Ireland Women’s Championship will be played in conjunction with the Woodbrook Scratch Cup on 12 and 13 June.

Finally, the North of Ireland Championship will take place on 28 and 29 June at the Nick Faldo-designed Lough Erne.

“It’s going to be an absolute pleasure for us to host this in its opening year," added Lough Erne Director of Golf, Barry McCauley.

"The Faldo Course is going to prove a stern test for them, with water in play on 11 holes. It’s going to give them lots to think about and put all of their skills to the test.

All four events will be counting on the World Amateur Golf Rankings, and will consist of 54 holes of stroke play, with two rounds played on the first day, following which there will be a cut and a final round played on the second day.

These events will also become cornerstones of the Bridgestone Women’s Order of Merit, as well as a new Golf Ireland Women’s Ranking system, an initiative that will not only underscore the value of these events but also of the wider series of Women’s Scratch Cups that take place each year.