Golfers Tee Up for Walled City of Derry & Strabane Pro Am Tournament

As one of the largest events in this year's PGA calendar, the tournament hosts 52 teams and a total of 208 golfers.

Sponsored by Bishop's Gate Hotel and Frylite and supported by Derry City and Strabane District Council, the tournament has attracted Ireland's top professionals, including Irish PGA Order of Merit Winner Simon Thornton and defending Champion Michael McGeady.

Discussing the Walled City & Strabane Pro Am Golf Tournament, Ciaran O'Neill of Bishop's Gate Hotel, one of the tournament joint sponsors, said:

“Now in its third year this tournament promotes the extremely strong offering that the North West region provides in terms of golf tourism. It brings together a broad range of golfers and golf enthusiasts and it is a top attraction in this summer's sporting calendar.  We're thrilled to be involved and we're looking forward to showcasing what the North West has to offer."

Joint sponsor, Eamon McCay, Managing Director of Frylite, added:

"The fact that Strabane Golf Club will feature along with City of Derry will make this year's tournament a truly North West event. The calibre of local and international talent that is signing up to take part will undoubtedly attract a significant number of spectators and this in turn will benefit the wider economy.  We're delighted to be sponsoring such a positive event as 1979 was the last time that a Pro Am event was held at Strabane Golf Club."

Councillor John Boyle, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, welcomed the tournament: 

"As a Council we’re keen to continue to attract premium sporting events such as the Walled City of Derry & Strabane Pro Am Tournament as this is a vital part of growing our Tourism offering. I am delighted that City of Derry Golf Club and Strabane Golf Club are coming together to host the event and that a larger number of competitors can be facilitated. This approach also reinforces the City and District’s reputation as a central hub for golfers, providing a challenging test of golf for both the Irish PGA Professionals and local amateurs alike."

Ciaran O’Neill added: “In addition to the joint sponsors, Bishop's Gate Hotel and Frylite, I would like to acknowledge and thank Visit Derry, Total Golf, Nuprint, Citroën and JC Halliday & Sons, who have been instrumental in attracting Irish PGA professionals back to the City. The North West region is fast becoming a golfing hub with Royal Portrush set to host the 148th Open this summer”.

Michael McCumiskey, secretary of the PGA in Ireland, explained the format of the tournament:

"Top Irish PGA Professionals from all over Ireland will be competing for the title and guaranteed prize pot of 15,000 euros. Teams of three amateurs will also compete alongside the professionals for the coveted team prize. 

“On the Friday a junior event will take place, kindly supported by Irish PGA professionals. As part of our wider community outreach programme we will continue to work with budding young golfers delivering free coaching clinics hosted by top Irish PGA professionals.  Whether you’re brand new to golf or want to perfect your technique, your game will benefit from professional advice”. 

For further information and to register for the Junior Golf event, please contact City of Derry Golf Club on 028 7131 1496.

Log on to www.pga.info/regions/ireland