2027 Brothers Tournament in Kenmare already high on Ryder Cup fever

Brothers Tournament winners at Kenmare GC, Padraig, Brian and Fionan O’Shea, with club captains Paul and Angela, President Noreen and Team Manager Kathleen O’Shea. The 2026 renewal was a huge success with 174 players from 28 counties and five countries battling it out over two days.

hen it comes to local pride, the fires burn bright. For the Brothers Golf Classic at his home club in Kenmare, Brian O’Shea had two priorities from his London base — the first was elbowing his way onto his team of siblings at home.

Hence the frequent trips home for practice and competition, and it all paid a dividend at the weekend as Brian, Pádraig, and Fionán O’Shea annexed the 2026 Lee Strand Brothers Tournament at Kenmare GC.

One hundred and seventy-four siblings lined up from 28 counties and five countries over the two days. Local knowledge proved key for the O’Sheas, with Monaghan’s Slevin Brothers (John, Mark, and Paul, all based at Castleknock GC)) coming in second, just one shot shy of the local trio.

The tournament is one of the most popular — not to mention unique — events on the Irish amateur circuit. Next year’s renewal, the club have announced, will take place on September 10-11, the week before the Ryder Cup, and entries are expected from both sides of the Atlantic. 

Here’s the problem though. The 2027 tournament is already fully subscribed, but Kenmare GC says players are welcome to get in touch at [e-mail] and join the waiting list. “We’ll make every effort we can to accommodate them,” Kenmare’s Charlie Vaughan said.

The Brothers has cornered a market with families returning year on year. Jim, John, and Paul Campbell from Omagh and Malone were competing the weekend, following in the trail of their parents in the ’80s and ’90s. 

Ditto for Harry, James, and Brian Stenson (The Island GC) who are the third generation of Stensons to take part. The furthest travelling golfers came from San Francisco.

Results (Kenmare GC unless stated): 1st O’Shea - Pádraig, Fionán & Brian, 171pts; 2nd Slevin – Paul, John & Mark. Castleknock GC, 170; 3rd Moran – Peter, Seamus & Páraic, Loughrea, Cahir Park, Castlemartyr, 169; 4th Brown – Gordon, Tommy, Tony, Mountrath GC, 164; 5th Greer – Richard, Mark, Damian, Ceann Sibeál, Tralee, Beaufort, 162.

Best Day 1: Team Neville – Tony, Patrick & Mike (Woodstock, Shannon, and Newcastlewest), 87pts; Best Day 2: Team Curran – James, Gerald, Brendan (Killarney GC) 85pts.

Seniors (Over 60, 2 Men): Mitchell – Seamus, Dave, Frank (Bearna, Shannon, and Highfield) 162;

Veterans (Over 70, 1 Man): Curtin – Joseph, Tom, Oliver (Gort, Ballinasloe and Adare Manor) 161;

Best Individual 36 Holes: Conor Williams (4, Limerick GC); Best Gross Stableford Pts 36 Holes: Ian Bermingham (0, Douglas GC) 65 Gross pts.

Individual 18 Hole Day 1: Declan Carlin (16, Ballybofey GC) 38pts (ocb); Individual 18 Hole Day 2: Sean Tyrell (15, UK) 44; Thursday Winner: Mike Keating (22, Charleville) 33; Thursday 2nd: John O’Reilly (11, Monkstown), 31pts; Thursday 3rd: Billy McEvoy (16, Youghal) 30.