International King’s Cup returns
LOUGH Erne Resort’s Lynn McCool is counting down the days to the third International King’s Cup at the stunning County Fermanagh venue from May 14-18.
Amateur golfers across Ireland are being urged to get their entries in for a chance to represent Ireland in this year’s International King’s Cup and the chance to play in the Ryder Cupstyle, 54-hole matchplay tournament against the USA.
Played in honour of The King, Arnold Palmer, four provincial qualifiers will be staged in March and April in a bid to identify the best Irish team to take on the Americans at Lough Erne in May.
The event was created in 2016 when the United States Golf Challenge, the largest pairs better-ball tournament in the US, brought their leading eight pairs to Northern Ireland to compete against Ireland in the first ever International King’s Cup.
The format is unique as it has openings for every person who holds an official GUI handicap. There are two age brackets from which the two-man teams can qualify to secure a spot on the Irish team – Open (aged 18+) and Senior (aged 50+).
Qualification will take place over two stages with the first being held at leading courses in each province.
Eight teams from each qualifier will then go forward to compete in a final qualifying stage to be played on the magnificent Faldo Course at the 5-star Lough Erne Resort on Sunday, April 15.
“We at Lough Erne Resort are thrilled to be hosting this event for the third consecutive year, and I’m delighted to take the event this year to key courses throughout Ireland,” said McCool, Director of Golf and Head Professional at Lough Erne Resort.
“Each of the qualifying clubs has really got behind the event including Dunmurry Springs in Leinster, Westport Golf Club in Connacht, Ennis Golf Club in Munster and, of course, Lough Erne Resort in Ulster.
“We look forward to welcoming players from both sides of the Atlantic to the event, which will stir up Ryder Cup-style rivalry amongst the teams.”
Open to amateurs only, teams may be formed by any combination of male participants, 18 years or older.