The eagerly awaited AIB Irish Amateur Open gets underway this weekend, May 7, at Maynooth's Carton House. Defending champion Noel Fox from Portmarnock GC will lead a strong Irish challenge, which includes reigning European Champion Brian McElhinney (North West), South African Championship Plate winner Johnny Foster (Ballyclare) and Darren Crowe (Dunmurry), who showed excellent early-season form this year in Australia.
Welsh Walker Cup hero Nigel Edwards is just one of 99 players out of a field of 120 with a handicap of scratch or better to qualify for the event. There is also a large overseas entry with players from South Africa, Finland, Czech Republic, Holland, Austria, France, England, Scotland and Wales.
Billy Andrews, General Manager of AIB, said: "We are delighted that the Championship has attracted such a top class international and home entry which promises an exciting three days of golf over the wonderful Montgomerie course at Carton House."
The Irish Amateur Open has been played at the Royal Dublin since 1998 where Michael Hoey was victorious. Gary Cullen won in 1999, Noel Fox in 2000 and 2003, Richard McEvoy in 2001 and Louis Oosthuizen in 2002. Play concludes on the Sunday evening and spectator entrance over the weekend is free.
Carton House features two challenging courses, Montgomerie and O'Meara, and is situated in Maynooth, Co Kildare.
Filed by Shane Murray
