Trust News

Team Ireland Golf Trust Announces 2009 Allocations

The Team Ireland Golf Trust has today (February 16) allocated a total of €231,000 to eighteen (18) aspiring golfers who are pursuing their careers on professional golf tours.

Following an exceptionally successful 2008 there will be a lot of focus on Irish golfers on the main tours in 2009. The Ladies European Tour (LET) will see five Irish women competing while supported by the Trust. Rebecca Coakley, Martina Gillen and Claire Coughlan have all been awarded the top grant of €20,000 to support their ongoing efforts at the top level of European golf. They will be joined by Tara Delaney (€20,000), the Curtis Cup golfer, who won her full Tour card at the first attempt and Hazel Kavanagh (€10,000), who returns to the LET in 2009.

Jonathan Caldwell also won his European Tour card at the first attempt at the qualifying school and will be supported with €20,000 in his first year on tour. Caldwell was a member of the successful amateur team which retained the European Team Championship in 2008.

Michael McGeady receives €15,000 to support his programme on the Challenge Tour in 2009. Michael made significant progress in 2008 and narrowly missed out on gaining a full European Tour card at Qualifying School. He is Ireland's highest ranked player on the Challenge Tour.

Other players to receive support to compete on the Challenge Tour are Colm Moriarty, Alan Murray, Gareth Shaw and Simon Thornton, all will receive €12,000.

Funding is not being provided to Gareth Maybin and Michael Hoey as they have secured their full European Tour cards. They have started the 2009 season very well and are, therefore, not currently in need of financial support from the Trust. However, the Trust will continue to offer both players non-financial supports available to Trust golfers.

As part of the Trust's support package, all the golfers can avail of the coaching expertise of Brendan McDaid, consultant PGA professional, and the world class facilities at the GUI's National Academy at Carton House. The golfers on the scheme also have free access to the network of service providers such as physiologists, sports psychologists, biomechanists, physiotherapists, and doctors offered by the Irish Sports Council to the athletes on the International Carding Scheme.

Michael McGeady, one of today's recipients spoke of the impact the Trust has had on his career: "The support from the Team Ireland Golf Trust has been of great benefit to me since I turned professional. Firstly the financial support is a real practical benefit as competing on international tours is expensive. The coaching and other services are a great benefit as golf professionals are increasingly seeking specialist science and medical support. Finally, over the years the Trust has supported many of the top Irish players and it is a boost to be selected on the scheme".

This is the tenth year of the Trust, which has provided €2.3 million in financial support to golfers to date. The Trust, which is administered by the Irish Sport Council, aims to contribute to an increase in the presence of Irish golf professionals on the various international tours. It is a partnership between state agencies and the various golf organisations. Financial backing for the Trust is provided by the Irish Sports Council, Fáilte Ireland and the PGA European Tour.

Established players on the main European Tour, who have benefited from the Trust in the past, are Padraig Harrington, Paul McGinley, Peter Lawrie, Damien McGrane and Gary Murphy.

Trust Chairman Padraig O'hUiginn stated; "The Trust was established with a very specific goal in mind, increasing the number of Irish golfers competing and winning on the top tours and hence promoting Ireland, north and south, as a golf destination. Many golf courses are dependent on overseas golfers who are attracted by the success of Irish golfers internationally."

Mr. O'hUiginn added; "2008 was a great year for Irish golf and for the Trust with so much success on the European Tour. It demonstrates that sustained long-term investment in talent will bring results. We are proud and delighted with the achievements of Irish golfers and hope for more success in 2009"

The Irish PGA, the Golfing Union of Ireland, and the Irish Ladies Golf Union, along with the state agencies are represented on the Team Ireland Golf Trust committee, which is chaired by Mr. O'hUiginn.

2008 Highlights

The Trust had a very successful year in 2008 and the most noteworthy achievements were:

• Gareth Maybin won the Qingdao Open in China in September and finished 4th on the Challenge Tour 2008 Order of Merit. As a result he secured his full European Tour card for 2009. Top 20 players on the Challenge Tour final Order of Merit receive cards on the 2009 European Tour. He finished 2nd in the South African Open on the European Tour in December '08.
• Michael Hoey won the Moroccan Classic in May and finished 28th on the Challenge Tour 2008 Order of Merit. He secured his 2009 European Tour card at the final stage of qualifying school.
• Michael McGeady won the Wales Challenge in July and finished 42nd on the Challenge Tour 2008 Order of Merit. He narrowly missed gaining a full European Tour card at Q School and has a Challenge Tour Category 1 for 2009
• Alan Murray won the Collingtree Park Tournament on the Europro Tour in May and finished 4th on the 2008 Europro Tour Order of Merit.
• Brian McElhinney won the Sureshot Classic on the Europro Tour in May and finished 13th on the 2008 Europro Tour Order of Merit.
• Martina Gillen and Rebecca Coakley finished 50th and 68th respectively on the Ladies European Tour Order of Merit and comfortably retained their tour cards for 2009

A Wonderful Year for Irish Golf

2008 has proved to be a wonderful year for Irish golf, both amateur and professional. Obviously Padraig Harrington's double major wins being the highlights. However, apart from Padraig's marvelous achievements there have been many more Irish successes on the International Golfing calendar.

The Team Ireland Golf Trust has played a significant role in the Irish successes in 2008. The Trust, administered by the Irish Sports Council, is a partnership between state agencies, private companies an the various golf organizations which provides financial support to many of our young top professionals to enable them to compete on the various international tours.

Two former Golf Trust recipients, Damien McGrane and Peter Lawrie had their maiden victories on the PGA European Tour in the Volvo China Open and the Open de Espana respectively. These victories earned them 2 year exemptions on the PGA European Tour.

Current Golf Trust recipient Gareth Maybin finished 4th on the European Challenge Tour Order of Merit, thus, gaining his card for the main Tour for 2009. The highlight of Gareth's season was winning the Quindago China Open. This victory helped greatly in him winning his card for next year. Gareth's win was only one of three recorded by current Golf Trust recipients on the 2008 Challenge Tour. The other successes were recorded by Michael Hoey in the Moroccan Classic and Michael McGeady in the SWALEC Wales Challenge.

Further Irish successes continued with victories for current and former Golf Trust recipients Alan Murray, Noel Fox and Simon Thornton on the EuroPro Tour. By finishing 1st and 4th respectively Fox and Murray gained their European Challenge Tour Card for 2009, with the top 5 guaranteed their cards.

Other notable Irish successes on the European Tour were the double victories of Darren Clarke in BMW Asian Open in China and the KLM Dutch Open and Graeme McDowell in the Ballentine's Championships in South Korea and the Barclay's Scottish Open. Graeme joined Padraig Harrington on the unsuccessful Ryder Cup bid and had a satisfactory debut gaining 2 and a half points for his team.

On the Amateur front the Irish Men's Team retained the European Team Championships for the sixth time. The Irish team also added the Home International title to its laurels- winning all three matches and claiming the Raymond Trophy for the first time since 2003 and only the eight time in history.

Further evidence of the current strength of Irish golf was Ireland winning the Boys' Internationals and the Seniors' European Team Championships. All these successes coupled with seven Irish Golfers finishing in the Top 40 on the PGA European Order of Merit has ensured that 2008 was a wonderful year for Irish golf and augurs well for 2009.

Hoey and Caldwell earn more success for Irish Golf

The Team Ireland Golf Trust and the Irish Sports Council have sent congratulations to Michael Hoey on achieving his European Tour card for 2009 at the Qualifying School which concluded in Spain this week. The Team Ireland Golf Trust has been Michael's main sponsor since he entered the professional ranks and is delighted at his breakthrough to the main tour.Hoey will join another player supported by the Trust, Gareth Maybin, who secured his 2009 tour card through the Challenge Tour.

Congratulations were also extended to Jonathan Caldwell on his notable success in gaining his tour card at the first attempt from the amateur ranks. Jonathan has applied to the Team Ireland Golf Trust for support for the coming year and a decision will be made on his application shortly.

Michael McGeady, by the narrowest of margins, and Simon Thornton, fell just short in their attempts to earn full Tour cards. The Trust has been supporting the progress of Michael and Simon and has high hopes for 2009 based on their strong performances in 2008. Michael won a Challenge Tour event in 2008 and will have full playing rights on the Challenge Tour for the 2009 season.

Note: 2008 is the ninth year of the Team Ireland Golf Trust, which has provided more than €2 million in financial support to golfers to date. The Trust, which is administered by the Irish Sport Council, aims to contribute to an increase in the presence of Irish golf professionals on the various international tours. It is a partnership between state agencies, private companies and the various golf organisations. Financial backing for the Trust is provided by the Irish Sports Council, Fáilte Ireland, the PGA European Tour and, from the private sector, ONE51 Ltd.

For more information: Austin Mallon, Irish Sports Council, 01-8608800

Quotes:

Michael Hoey commented: "Obviously I am thrilled to win my card. It is a significant milestone in my career as a professional golfer. The support of the Trust since turning professional has been invaluable and I am delighted for everyone involved that we are enjoying success this year and hopefully more to come in the future".

Padraig O'hUiginn, Chairman of the Trust commented: "It was a great performance by Michael. The Trust was establishedspecifically to support talented golfers with the potential to compete on the top tours and it is great to see a number of Trust golfers make breakthroughs this year".

John Treacy, Irish Sports Council CEO "It has been a remarkable year for Irish golf, from Padraig Harrinton's major wins through to the European Championship success of the Ireland amateur team. Trust graduates Damian McGrane and Peter Lawrie won on the European Tour and I am delighted that they will be joined next year by Gareth Maybin, Michael Hoey and Jonathan Caldwell".

Team Ireland Golf Trust - Highlights 2008

• Gareth Maybin won the Qingdao Open in China in September and finished 4th on the Challenge Tour 2008 Order of Merit. As a result he has secured his full European Tour card for 2009. Top 20 players on the Challenge Tour final Order of Merit receive cards on the 2009 European Tour.
• Michael McGeady won the Wales Challenge in July and finished 42nd on the Challenge Tour 2008 Order of Merit.
• Michael Hoey won the Moroccan Classic in May and finished 28th on the Challenge Tour 2008 Order of Merit. He secured his 2009 European Tour card at the final stage of qualifying school.
• Alan Murray won the Collingtree Park Tournament on the Europro Tour in May and finished 4th on the 2008 Europro Tour Order of Merit.
• Brian McElhinney won the Sureshot Classic on the Europro Tour in May and finished 13th on the 2008 Europro Tour Order of Merit.
• Martina Gillen and Rebecca Coakley are currently 50th and 68th respectively on the Ladies European Tour Order of Merit and should comfortably retain their tour cards for 2009

Irish Sports Council backing Challenge Tour visit

The Challenge of Ireland presented by Glasson has been given a major boost after The Irish Sports Council announced its support for the European Challenge Tour event, which will return to Glasson Golf Hotel & Country Club, Co. Westmeath, from July 31 - August 3.

The Irish Sports Council currently supports individual Irish players on the Challenge Tour through the Team Ireland Golf Trust initiative, but it has now also put its weight behind the showcase tournament itself following the success of last year's inaugural event.

Last year's Challenge of Ireland Presented by Glasson was part of the legacy of The 2006 Ryder Cup and the Irish Sports Council hopes that young home-grown talent will this year be inspired by the recent fine performances of Irish players on the international stage.

John Treacy, Chief Executive of the Irish Sports Council, welcomed the return of the tournament.

He said: "It is essential that a Challenge Tour event is hosted in Ireland. It enhances our players' opportunities for success on the Tour and showcases Ireland's outstanding golf courses. The Council is delighted to be associated with Glasson and it will form part of our comprehensive package of support to Irish golf. It complements the Team Ireland Golf Trust which is proving to be a very successful programme on behalf of aspiring touring professionals."

Set against the backdrop of the beautiful Lough Ree, the championship venue was designed by one of Ireland's greatest ever golfers, Christy O'Connor Jnr., and will give the next generation of Irish golfers the chance to shine.

Belfast's Michael Hoey, who recorded a third Challenge Tour victory at last week's Banque Populaire Moroccan Classic 2008, will be among a number of young Irish golfers in the field at Glasson Golf Hotel & Country Club.

Hoey's success in Morocco was the latest in a line of recent Irish triumphs, following victories for Graeme McDowell, Damien McGrane, Darren Clarke and Peter Lawrie on The European Tour in the last two months.

The former British Amateur Champion and a member of the triumphant 2001 Great Britain and Ireland Walker Cup team, is hoping that his win in Morocco can inspire similar success among his countrymen on the Challenge Tour.

Hoey said: "Padraig Harrington really set the ball rolling with his win at The Open, which gave everyone in the country a big boost and inspired the players to follow his lead. Golf's massive in Ireland, and it put the sport onto the back pages again.

"We then had to wait a while for another win, and now three have come along in as many weeks. There's definitely a feel good factor in the country at the moment, and hopefully we can keep that going for a little while longer yet.

"My victory in the Banque Populaire Morroccan Classic, has given me a great position to build on for the rest of the season. I'm particularly looking forward to the Challenge of Ireland presented by Glasson and the chance to compete on home soil. Glasson is a venue that we all really enjoyed last year as it was a fantastic test of golf, and with a bit of Irish sunshine it can be one of the most picturesque venues we play on the Challenge Tour. Hopefully it can also inspire some more Irish success. "

He concluded: "My win last week emphasises the importance of Ireland hosting its own Challenge Tour event as it provides young Irish players like myself with the opportunity to receive invites to play in other tournaments in Europe during the Challenge Tour season. The Challenge Tour provides the best platform for up and coming players to gain their European Tour cards, so I would hope that the event will be a permanent fixture on the European Challenge Tour schedule for years to come".

Any player needing further inspiration should look no further than last year's tournament winner at Glasson - Magnus Carlsson, whose victory helped the Swede to a top 20 finish on the Challenge Tour and qualification for The European Tour, where he has already made a promising start. Tom Reid, owner and President of Glasson Golf Hotel & Country Club, said he was delighted that the prestigious golf event was back in Ireland's midlands for a second year.

He said: "We are absolutely delighted to have the Challenge of Ireland back to Glasson for a second year. There was such a great atmosphere here last year during the tournament week, that we have been really looking forward to welcoming Europe's finest up and coming players back to enjoy the beautiful golf course and surroundings at Glasson Golf Hotel & Country Club".

"We got amazing feedback from the players who stayed here and played in the event last year. Their appreciation of the golf course, our new hotel and the stunning scenery on Lough Ree, really encouraged us to make this year's tournament even bigger and better than the inaugural event in August of last year".

Alain de Soultrait, Director of the European Challenge Tour, added: "We are delighted to be returning to Glasson Golf Hotel & Country Club which provided such a fitting venue last year. I would personally like to thank Tom and Breda Reid at Glasson for the vision they have shown, in hosting this tournament in such a professional manner. This is an exciting time for Irish golf and this tournament is a great chance for up and coming home players to put themselves in the spotlight. Our thanks must go to Horizon Sports Management for their role in bringing the Challenge Tour to Ireland as well as the Irish Sports Council, Ulster Bank and Grant Engineering for their financial support for this fantastic tournament."

For further information, please contact:-
The European Tour Communications Division
Tel: +44 (0)1344 840400; Fax: +44 (0)1344 840444
email: media@europeantour.com

McElhinney wins on Europro Tour

Brian McElhinney won the Sureshot Classic PGA Europro Tour event at the Shire London by one shot on Friday 9th May.

Brian looked to be in control until a bogey on the 17th made it a nerve jangling finish. However, Brian held his nerve by placing a 30ft putt to within 12 inches to ensure a one shot win with a 7 under total of 209. Brian received €10,000 for his great win.

Brian said "I played all week. It's a nice feeling to finish with a good round like that. I was never sure of winning it as there are some tough holes down the back"

Alan Murray broke the course record with a fantastic 8 under part round of 64 to claim a tie for 2nd place.
Brian and Alan received allocations of €12,500 and €7,500 respectively from the Team Ireland Golf Trust in 2008.

The Team Ireland Golf Trust is a public private partnership designed to provide support, both financial and non-financial, to emerging Irish professional golfers to help them realize their potential on the world stage.

Golfers on the scheme have access to the sports science and medicine network already provided by the Irish Sports Council to high performance athletes on the International Carding Scheme. Access to these services is administered by the National Coaching and Training Centre in Limerick.

Since 2006 golfers supported by the Trust are able to freely access the Golfing Union of Ireland's new National Academy facilities at Carton Demesne in Maynooth, Co. Kildare.

For Further Information: www.europrotour.com

Golf: Michael Hoey wins in Morocco

07/05/08-Michael Hoey's one shot victory at the Banque Populaire Moroccan Classic on the European Challenge Tour made it a double Irish success with Peter Lawrie's maiden European Tour win at the Open de Espana.

Hoey held off a late challenge from overnight leader Greig Hutcheon of Scotland to secure his third career title on the European Challenge Tour. This latest victory lifted Michael up to 6th place on Challenge Tour rankings.

After his victory Michael said "my short game was very good today and it has been all week. Chipping and putting well normally wins you tournaments, and so it proved. I did'nt think I would win today because Greig's been playing well and I started the round a few shots back, so it was a nice surprise.
I came to the tournament in good form after a decent finish in France last week, so my confidence is slowly returning after missing a few cuts in South America. I won a Chellenge Tour event at about the same time last season, but then got too technical and made too many changes to my swing, which meant I lost my way a little. But I've gone back to basics and I am going to keep it simple from now on."

Michael received an allocation from the Team Ireland Golf Trust of €15,000 in 2008. Peter Lawrie was a recipient of Team Ireland Golf Trust support earlier in his professional career.

The Team Ireland Golf Trust is a public private partnership designed to provide support, both financial and non-financial, to emerging Irish professional golfers to help them realize their potential on the world stage.

Golfers on the scheme have access to the sports science and medicine network already provided by the Irish Sports Council to high performance athletes on the International Carding Scheme. Access to these services is administered by the National Coaching and Training Centre in Limerick.
Since 2006 golfers supported by the Trust are able to freely access the Golfing Union of Ireland's new National Academy facilities at Carton Demesne in Maynooth, Co. Kildare.

For Further Information: www.europeantour.com

Padraig O'hUiginn Congratulats Damien McGrane on Winning his First European Tour Title Win

Padraig O'hUiginn, Chairman of the Team Ireland Golf Trust today congratulated to former Trust recipient Damien McGrane on winning the Volvo China Open; his first European Tour title win.

The Team Ireland Trust was set up in 2000 to assist young Irish golfers who aspired to an International professional career. Damien, at the outset of his professional tour career, received financial assistance of €98,000 over a period of six years from the Trust to encourage and assist him to establish himself on the International scene.

Padraig O'hUiginn said: "Damien's wonderful success in Beijing justifies the work of the Trust and should encourage other sponsors to contribute to it in order to assist talented young golfers to achieve their potential and promote Ireland as an International Golf destination".

2008 is the ninth year of the Trust, which has provided more than €2 million in financial support to golfers to date. Twenty-one Irish golfers are supported this year with two female Irish professionals; Rebecca Coakley and Martina Gillen, set to compete on the Ladies European Tour leading the way with the maximum allocation of €20,000 each.

The Trust, which is administered by the Irish Sport Council, aims to contribute to an increase in the presence of Irish golf professionals on the various international tours. It is a partnership between state agencies, private companies and the various golf organisations. Financial backing for the Trust is provided by the Irish Sports Council, Fáilte Ireland,the PGA European Tour and, from the private sector, ONE51 Ltd.

As part of the Trust's support package, all the golfers can avail of the world class facilities at the GUI's National Academy at Carton House as well as coaching from consultant professional golf coach Brendan McDaid. The golfers on the scheme also have free access to the network of service providers such as physiologists, sports psychologists, biomechanists, physiotherapists, doctors etc. offered by the Irish Sports Council to the athletes on the International Carding to the value of approximately €3,000 each year.

For more information: Sinéad McElroy, Irish Sports Council, smcelroy@irishsportscouncil.ie

Minister Announces Team Ireland Golf Trust Recipients for 2008

The Team Ireland Golf Trust has today (12th March) allocated a total of €221,500 to aspiring golfers who are pursuing their careers on professional golf tours such as the European Tour, the Challenge Tour, the Europro Tour and the Ladies European Tour. The Trust provides crucial support to golfers who have playing rights on the major tours and young golfers who are starting out on the professional golf circuit.

This year sees Brendan McDaid coming on board as consultant professional golf coach with the Team Ireland Golf Trust. McDaid is resident PGA professional at Rathsallagh Golf Club in Co.Wicklow where he runs the Brendan McDaid Golf Academy.

There will be several key elements to McDaid's involvement which will all centre on an elite golfer development programme which he will devise. The programme will include an intensive group training week, tournament preparation, qualifying school preparation and individual tuition. McDaid will also liaise with the golfers' personal coaches to ensure full involvement in the programme, monitor and evaluate the progress of golfers and provide technical input to the work of the committee.

Speaking at the announcement today Minister Seamus Brennan T.D. said; "I am aware of the great work the Trust has done over a number of years to assist talented young golfers to make the transition from amateur to professional international status. Without the initial financial assistance given to them, many of our successful international golfers would not have achieved the success they have achieved. In that context, I can mention Padraig Harrington, now the Open champion, Paul McGinley, Ryder Cup hero, Peter Lawrie, rookie of the year on the European Tour, Damian McGrane, who is having his most successful year yet and also Gary Murphy; all former Trust recipients".

Twenty-one Irish golfers are supported this year with two female Irish professionals; Rebecca Coakley and Martina Gillen, set to compete on the Ladies European Tour leading the way with the maximum allocation of €20,000 each. On the men's side, the top allocations of €15,000 go to Colm Moriarty, Michael Hoey, Stephen Browne and Gareth Maybin, all of whom have full playing rights on the Challenge Tour in 2008. A number of players in their first year as tour professionals also receive funding from the Trust including Peter O'Keeffe, Richard Kilpatrick, Niall Turner, Heather Nolan and Marian Riordan.

As part of the Trust's support package, all the golfers can avail of the world class facilities at the GUI's National Academy at Carton House. The golfers on the scheme also have free access to the network of service providers such as physiologists, sports psychologists, biomechanists, physiotherapists, doctors etc. offered by the Irish Sports Council to the athletes on the International Carding Scheme and administered by the National Coaching and Training Centre in Limerick. The value of these services to each golfer amounts to approximately €3,000 each year.

Dubliner Stephen Browne, one of today's recipients spoke of the impact the Trust has had on his career: "The support from the Team Ireland Golf Trust has been of tremendous benefit to me since I turned professional. Golf is becoming more competitive year on year and the financial and specialist support that I've received from the Trust is crucial in giving me every opportunity to compete on the international golfing stage. I wish to thank the Trust and its sponsors for assisting my ambition of becoming an established tour professional".

This is the ninth year of the Trust, which has provided more than €2 million in financial support to golfers to date. The Trust, which is administered by the Irish Sport Council, aims to contribute to an increase in the presence of Irish golf professionals on the various international tours. It is a partnership between state agencies, private companies and the various golf organisations. Financial backing for the Trust is provided by the Irish Sports Council, Fáilte Ireland,the PGA European Tour and, from the private sector, ONE51 Ltd.

Trust Chairman Padraig O'hUiginn stated; "The Trust is all about believing in the potential of the golfers at a time when financial support is so crucial to their further development as professionals. The support of the Trust gives them the necessary platform from which to really progress their careers in the game."

The Irish PGA, the Golfing Union of Ireland, and the Irish Ladies Golf Union, along with the state and corporate supporters, are represented on the Team Ireland Golf Trust committee, which is chaired by Mr. Padraig O'hUiginn.

For Further Information:
Sinéad McElroy 087-6338512 smcelroy@irishsportscouncil.ie
Austin Mallon 087-6491291 amallon@irishsportscouncil.ie