Dromoland Golf Club

The Mid West Alliance has stepped up their competition this year, the organisers have changed the format to a 54 hole qualifier followed by a four round matchplay phase for the top sixteen qualifiers.  The 54/16 format as they are calling it is a huge undertaking and the great courses and generous prize-fund should see a large number of entries from Munster’s top golfers.  The entry fee is €135, it might seem a bit steep but when you consider the quality of the courses and the prises on offer, it’s a very reasonable price for the competition.  Entry is open to amateurs with a 0-9 handicap and PGA professionals.  The three strokeplay qualifying rounds take place at Nenagh (23^rd October), Trump Doonbeg (6^th November) and Dromoland (27^th November).  The strokeplay rounds will be scored under the gross stableford format, therefore avoiding any punitive scores resulting from lost or plugged balls as ground conditions soften.  Prizes are on offer for the top three golfers at each qualifier, as well a €500 prize for the top qualifier after the three rounds have been completed.  All sixteen qualifiers will receive a dozen ProV1’s from sponsors Titliest.

The competition is now in it’s 53^rd year having started in 1964, and over the years there have been some famous winners.  Douglas Scratch Cup winner Andrew McCormack was the winner in 2015 and will be looking to defend his title, and former winner Tony Cleary (Woodstock) will be there along with three time runner up Joe Lyons (Galway) in the hope of capturing the 2016 title.  Although each of the courses are a bit of a spin for Cork golfers, the courses and the level of competition will make the car journey worthwhile.  The closing date for entries is 18^th October.  Full details and entry form are available from the Twitter page @MWAGolf