In Pictures: Munster Rugby and hurling stars tee it up at Women's Irish Open Pro-Am in Dromoland

A NUMBER of Munster Rugby players and current and former hurling stars teed it up at the KPMG Women's Irish Open Pro-Am at Dromoland Castle this Wednesday.

Munster Rugby stars Joey Carbery and Jack O'Donoghue as well as former Galway hurling star Joe Canning and Clare legend Davy Fitzgerald showcased their golfing skills over the spectacular Dromoland lay-out on the eve of the KPMG Irish Open.

The amateur golfers played in the company of the Ladies European Tour's top players at the renowned Co Clare venue.

The KPMG Women’s Irish Open is back for the second year in a row, after its triumphant return in 2022 following a ten-year hiatus.

There will be 126 players from 28 nations teeing it up in a 72-hole stroke play tournament with a prize fund of €400,000.

It’s a picturesque venue for the 21st LET event of the season where the winner will be crowned on Sunday.

Leona Maguire returns to Dromoland Castle this week as she prepares to play on home soil at the KPMG Women’s Irish Open.

Maguire will tee it up in the first round on Thursday at 9.06 am from the 10th tee alongside defending champion Klara Davidson Spilkova and Irish amateur Aine Donegan.

After the tournament returned to the LET schedule in 2022, following a ten-year hiatus, the 28-year-old can’t wait for the week ahead.

Last year, there were estimated to be 30,000 people in attendance across the week and the two-time LPGA Tour winner is always thankful for home support.

“It’s huge to have this event,” said the Solheim Cup winner. “The crowds were amazing last year, and I think everyone was really excited to have this tournament back on the schedule.

“I remember last year a lot of the LET girls were saying to me, it almost felt like a major the way the crowds were, so I think everybody is really excited to be here. I think that’s the general feel here this week, you can tell everybody at Dromoland is excited to have us and the players are excited to be here. It’s a win-win for everybody.

“With the dates being a smidge earlier, it’s nice that so many Irish amateurs are getting a chance to play this week. For some of them, it’s their first time playing in a professional event. I was fortunate enough to do that as an amateur when I was younger, so that’s a huge learning experience for them and that’s exactly what you want for a home open.”