Clubs to vote on Inter-club event changes

GUI-affiliated clubs will have their say on proposed changes to current inter-club events and the introduction of new competitions at next month’s Annual Delegates’ Meetings.

The proposals come after a lengthy review process which involved a survey of 4,000 golfers, a focus group of 12 golf club members and a series of internal discussions between the Provincial Councils and the Union’s Rules & Competitions Committee.

The Connacht, Leinster and Munster Provincial Councils will propose a motion asking clubs to vote on a change in the handicap limit of the AIG Junior Cup from 5 to 4.

There are also proposals to lower the individual handicap limit for the AIG Jimmy Bruen Shield from 6 to 5, with the minimum combined handicap to be lowered from 17 to 15.

A further proposal from the Munster Council would lower the AIG Pierce Purcell Shield individual handicap limit from 12 to 11, with the maximum combined handicap to be lowered from 27 to 25.

The final of these handicap-based motions will also ask clubs to vote on changes to the GUI All-Ireland Four-Ball competition, lowering the individual handicap limit from 16 to 15 and that of the pair from 36 to 34.

The Leinster Provincial Council will propose a motion seeking to amend the format of the Pierce Purcell Shield from Foursomes to Scotch Foursomes.

A new All-Ireland inter-club competition for over-55s is also to be proposed as well as the introduction of a new All-Ireland inter-club nett competition for junior golfers under 18.