The closing date for entries for the Lee Valley Scratch Cup is fast approaching, and the 2025 staging promises to have another top class field.

The 54 hole WAGR counting event takes place in two weeks time with the final entries being accepted in Wednesday next.  Boyle Sports are the title sponsors of the event, the long-time supporters renewed their commitment to the event immediately after the 2024 staging.

The event has moved from it’s regular May date due to works on the course in Lee Valley.  The second green in the Christy O’Connor signature course has been completely redesigned and rebuilt, and it has fully grown in over the past four months.  Vincent Drinan and the tournament committee decided to postpose the event until the end of the season.

With it’s new October date, it represents one of the last chances to win some silverware, and Vincent is in the final stages of planning.  “As a club we are really looking forward to holding our SSC on Oct 4th and 5th this year” said Vincent Drinan.  “Our main reason for having it in October is because our new second green did not open until June 1st so it will be a new experience for those who travel from afar to play our Scratch Cup.

“The field as always is of very high quality with players like former champion’s Colm Campbell, Gary O’Flaherty, Keith Crowley, Dave O’Donovan and others like Dave Reddan, Evan Farrell already entered and a few more expected to enter before we close for entries on September 24th.”

“As always the event could not go ahead without the longtime generous support of our main sponsors Boyle Sports along with McGuirks Golf who have come on board this year as a co-sponsor.  We are confident as always that Lee Valley will be in top shape for the event with The Keohane Family and their staff pulling out all the stops to make it as enjoyable as possible for the weekend.

Now in its 18th year, the tournament will see 81 top-ranked players  vying for glory.  After 36 holes on Saturday, the top 30 returned Sunday for a final round showdown.  Jack Murphy, representing Douglas Golf Club, emerged as the standout performer in 2024, carding consecutive rounds of 69 to lead the field heading into the final day.  Murphy went on to win and add his name to the roll of honour.  The Lee Valley Scratch Cup has long been a proving ground for future stars. Shane Lowry, now a major-winning professional, claimed the title in 2009 before turning pro.  Over a dozen past competitors have since joined the professional ranks, underscoring the tournament’s reputation as a launchpad for progress.