Spanish twist for magic mix

IRISH amateur golf needs sponsorship to survive and while the East of Ireland is seeking a new backer, the Irish Mixed Foursomes has again secured the support of the Spanish Tourist Board with ‘I Need Spain’ as the title sponsor.

A unique event, founded in 1972, the Irish Mixed Foursomes sees male and female golfers battle together for provincial and, ultimately, All-Ireland glory.

Last year, Wicklow club Greystones went all the way to the final at Shandon Park, capturing the coveted green pennant with a 3.51.5 win over Gort.

According to Teresa Gancedo, Director of the Spanish Tourist Board in Ireland, the sponsorship makes Irish golfers aware of the wide variety of golf available in Spain.

“As well as the popular and familiar courses on the coast, we are keen to speak of areas such as Madrid and Barcelona, which are both opening up their previously member-only courses to the public and tourists,” she said.

“A region we also recommend to the Irish golfer is Galicia, which is now accessible with direct flights from Dublin to Vigo and Santiago. We are delighted to be associated again with the Mixed Foursomes.”

With entries exceeding 325 clubs each year, there is immense competition within clubs to secure a place on the ‘Mixed’ team.

Club panels can feature up to 12 men and 12 women, all hoping to make one of five pairings on the ten-strong side.

The GUI estimates that at the start of every season, close to 8,000 men and women participate.