Irish Independent

New angle for ILGU Scratch Cup Circuit

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WHO says two into one won’t go?

The ILGU has launched a new-look Scratch Cup Circuit for 2018 that gives players a better chance of moving up the world rankings.

With Royal Portrush’s Mabel Harrison Scratch Cup added to the list this season, there are now eight, 36-hole scratch cups on the circuit.

In order to maximise the number of World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points players can earn — and given that 72-hole event has more weight than a 36-hole event — the ILGU has decided to pair up the eight scratch cups so players can have their results count for as many as four 72-hole events.

Players who play in both individual scratch cups within a pair — ie Carlow and Woodbrook or Cork and Hermitage — will see their results amalgamate­d into one competitio­n.

The results are then passed on to WAGR and points awarded accordingl­y.

The GUI is looking to boost the impact of the men’s scratch cup circuit in a similar way and increase the number of Irish amateurs at the top end of the world rankings.

“It is important to us that we give our players numerous opportunit­ies to improve their status on WAGR and to get onto the rankings in the first place,” explained High Performanc­e Co-ordinator Cian Hoban.

“The scratch cups are establishe­d events in the ILGU calendar and are well supported by a broad range of players, so this step made complete sense to work towards our goal to have as many Irish players working their way up the World Rankings as possible.” The ILGU scratch cups will be paired as follows: Carlow – Woodbrook; Royal County Down Ladies – Lahinch; Cork – Hermitage; Royal Portrush (Mabel Harrison) – Royal Portrush (Zara Bolton).

Dates — 10 March, Carlow; 18 March, Woodbrook; 24 March, Royal Portrush (Mabel Harrison); 8 April, Royal County Down Ladies; 14 April, Cork; 21 April, Lahinch; 6 May, Hermitage; 3 June Royal Portrush (Zara Bolton).

 ??  ?? Sara Byrne (Douglas) Picture: Pat Cashman Photograph­y
Sara Byrne (Douglas) Picture: Pat Cashman Photograph­y

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