South of Ireland underway at Lahinch Golf Club

THE 115th South of Ireland Golf Championship at Lahinch Golf Club begins this Wednesday morning over the famed Co Clare links.

The prestigious event, which has attracted many of the country’s top amateur golfers, continues until this Sunday, July 24.

The Championship format is similar to last year with the leading 64 competitors from the 36-hole stroke play qualifier, played over the first two days, qualifying for match play over the weekend.

A host of Limerick-based players have won the ‘South’ during its decorated history.

Limerick Golf Club’s Pat Murray is set most recent local winner of the event in 2012, while Cian McNamara claimed the title in 2004.

Some 150 players will take part in the strokeplay qualifying phase of the competition on today, Wednesday and tomorrow, Thursday.

2012 winner Murray starts his bid to regain the title at 1.50pm on Wednesday in the company of Tiarnan McLarnon (Massereene) and Gary Collins (Rosslare)

Limerick Golf Club’s Justin Kehoe begins the first of his two rounds at 9.40am on Wednesday morning alongside Jamie Sutherland (Galgorm Castle) and Ian Spillane (Mallow). 

Two Limerick-based players Dean McMahon, of Castletroy GC, and Limerick’s Michael Reddan play in the same group for the strokeplay stages, due off at 10.50am on Wednesday.

Adare Manor’s Aaron Moore is due to tee off at 2.50pm on Wednesday, while Limerick’s Michael O’Kelly is out 10 minutes later in the following threeball.

This year’s Championship is sponsored by Pierse Motors, Tipperary Town. 

Last year, six of the victorious Irish Men’s team from the Home Internationals played in the South of Ireland.

Previous winners of the South of Ireland also include John Burke, JB Carr, Paul McGinley, Darren Clarke and Graeme McDowell.