History made as golf club hosts first pro-am

October 1987

DUNDALK golf club arrives at another milestone when hosting its first pro-am tournament which boasts a £10,000 prize fund.

It features a number of touring Irish professionals, among them Des Smyth and Philip Walton, who took part in an exhibition fourball, along with Christy O’Connor Snr and Ronan Rafferty, to mark the official opening of the extended Dundalk course in 1980.

Northern Ireland pros, David Jones and Jimmy Hegarty, are also in the field competing for a top prize of £1,600.

The competition takes place over 36 holes, after a qualifying round to determine the 36 starters.

Organisers invite as special guests, Harry Bradshaw, Fred Daly and Jimmy Martin.

Amateurs compete for team prizes.

At the end of it all, Jones, from Bangor, is a clear winner.

He leads tributes to the course, having not played in Dundalk since 1969.

‘I had heard a lot about the course, but frequently you hear about a course, and when you play it for the first time, you are disappointed. That is not the case with Dundalk.’

Jones continues, ‘What I liked most was the design of the greens. They are well positioned, and you know exactly what you are hitting into.

‘While there are a few ordinary holes, there are also some great holes, which really test you.’

Jones, recently appointed national team coach, finishes on six under par at 138, helped by an exceptional 67 on the second day.

Although a record on the redesigned course, it will not stand as preferred lies are used.