Month: November 2025

Golf Ireland reports on a positive 2025

/ niall@corkgolfnews.com

Golf Ireland
Picture: Niall O’Shea

Golf Ireland celebrated another strong year when they provided a scorecard of their own performance for 2025.  It was a positive year on many fronts, from showpiece events, international success, and overall participation in the game.  Clubs around the county have been reporting another positive year for membership, and that was also the case nationally.

It has been another year of growth across all areas of membership.  By the end of October membership figures had reached 236,384.  Just five years ago the membership figure stood at 182,000 prior to a Covid related boost, and the 30% increase over the past five years represents a sustainable growth.  Women now account for Continue reading →

Golf Ireland Professional Scheme 2026 now open

/ niall@corkgolfnews.com

James Sugrue who should be eligible for Golf Ireland Professional funding in 2026.
Picture: Niall O’Shea

Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Golf Ireland Professional Scheme, a grant scheme to support Irish professional golfers in the early stages of their careers, and it’s possible that a few Cork golfers will be involved in the programme next year.

The scheme was established in 1999, and has been an invaluable source of funding for early stage professionals for 25 years.  A number of Cork golfers have benefitted from the scheme in the early years.  Mervyn Owens and Padraig Dooley were recipients when they were on the Europro Tour, Claire Coughlan for the Ladies European Tour, and Niall Turner was funded for two years when he was on the Challenge Tour and the Asian Tour.  The funding was previously called the Team Ireland Golf Trust, and was renamed as the Golf Ireland Professional Scheme a few yeas ago.

Sara Byrne and James Sugrue have both confirmed their tour status for 2026 and it’s likely that both will feature on the scheme.  2025 Golf Ireland professional Sara Byrne has enjoyed Continue reading →

Fota Island hosts Munster PGA

/ niall@corkgolfnews.com

John Hickey

The Munster PGA Winter Series is enjoying a strong resurgence with over 30 members playing in the event which took place on Monday.  With a busy season behind them, PGA Professionals based in Munster are taking to the course, and on Monday they travelled to Fota Island.  The three-time Irish Open host venue was in great condition and the players were hosted by Fota’s Director of Golf Kevin Morris.

John Hickey took the spoils with a great score of 42 points on a day of great weather that defied Continue reading →

SIMply Golf 365 launches in Raffeen Creek

/ niall@corkgolfnews.com

Jack Howard who has recently launched a new simulator experience, SIMply Golf 365.
Picture: Niall O’Shea

Jack Howard has just launched a new golf business, Simply Golf 365.  The new venture is a mobile golf simulator, and it will be based in Raffeen Creek for next few months.  Howard has spent the past few months setting up the business and is now up and running.

After a number of pop-up events, the new business is now based in Raffeen Creek Golf Club, and to launch the new location Jack invited members of the club to come and try out the new simulator last week.  The feedback was very positive and was key part of the decision to base the new venture at Raffeen for the remainder of 2025.  “The feedback from Raffeen Continue reading →