Arnold Palmer Cup

O’Callaghan recalls McIlroy duel

/ niall@corkgolfnews.com

Pictured (from L to R) Seamus Power, Shane Lowry, Simon Ward, Rory McIlroy, Aaron O’Callaghan and Gareth Shaw at the European Youths.

Tiger Woods had just become the third golfer in history to go back-to-back in the Masters, when over 6,000 kilometres away a young golfer from Holywood in County Down was about to begin his journey to the top.

Harry Diamond won the Ulster Boys’ title that year, before Rory McIlroy went back-to-back. And then in 2004, the future World No 1 also claimed the Irish Boys’ Amateur Close Championship.

It could have been different that week, at least, where McIlroy was forced to a play-off by Aaron O’Callaghan. Fast forward 24 years and McIlroy was looking to emulate Woods, while O’Callaghan watched on with his East Tennessee State University golfers. Continue reading →

Success for Byrne, Cork, Douglas and Munster Women

/ niall@corkgolfnews.com

Sara Byrne teeing off the 18th in Lahinch on the final day of the Arnold Palmer Cup

Sara Byrne was one of the stars of the show last weekend as Lahinch hosted the Arnold Palmer Cup.  Byrne, the first Cork player to feature in the annual event which sees 48 top college golfers face off on American and International teams.

Byrne was paired with Max Kennedy for the mixed fourball and mixed foursomes and the pair scored two wins in their matches.  In Sunday’s singles she faced the recent winner of the Women’s Amateur, Melanie Green.  Teeing off from the 1st, there was a huge crowd around the clubhouse to follow Continue reading →

Byrne named on Palmer Cup Team

/ niall@corkgolfnews.com

Douglas golfer Sara Byrne was last night named on the international team to play in the prestigious Palmer Cup which takes place in Lahinch in July.  The announcement came late on Tuesday and the 22 year old Senior was delighted with the news.

“Being selected was such an honour” said Byrne.  “It’s been a goal of mine for the last couple months to really perform and give myself a chance to make the team especially having it in Lahinch.”

“Having it at home is a cherry on top, I’m so excited to be able to compete in front of a real home crowd.”

“It feels really nice to know I had a little bit of pressure to Continue reading →