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TOP CLASS INTERNATIONAL FIELD FOR AIB SPONSORED IRISH AMATEUR OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP - 16th Apr 2004
Welsh Walker Cup hero Nigel Edwards is included in a star-studded field that will compete in the AIB sponsored Irish Amateur Open Championship over the magnificent Montgomerie designed course at Carton House Golf Club on 7th to 9th May.
The 35 years old Welshman is just one of 99 players out of a the field of 120, with a handicap of scratch or better to qualify for the event which saw the cut fall at 0.3. There is a large overseas entry with players from South Africa, Finland, Czech Republic, Holland, Austria, France, England, Scotland and Wales. The quality of the field is indicated by their handicaps which includes one player off plus five, one off plus four, seven off plus three, 26 off plus two and 35 off plus one.
Defending champion, Noel Fox (Portmarnock) will lead a strong Irish challenge which includes Brian McElhinney (North West), reigning European Champion, Johnny Foster (Ballyclare), winner of this year’s South African Championship Plate and Darren Crowe (Dunmurry) who showed excellent early season form this year in Australia
The lowest handicapped player in the field is South Africa’s Anton Haig, the 2003 South African Matchplay Champion. The 17 year old, who was warned by doctors four years ago that he might be disabled at the age of 20, plays off plus five. Haig only took up golf in 1999 when he was diagnosed with a disease which causes parts of bone to chip off.
Billy Andrews, General Manager AIB said: “We are delighted that the Championship has attracted such a top class international and home entry which promises an exciting three days golf over the wonderful Montgomerie course at Carton House.
Included in the field are seven players who qualify under a condition of the event which provides that any Irish entrant under the age of 25 on January 1st who, having entered and reached the matchplay stages of the West of Ireland Championship, gains a place in the field. They are Brendan McCarroll (Ballyliffin), Harry Diamond (Holywood), Brian O’Connor (UCD/Hermitage), Ciaran McAleavey (Banbridge), Garrett Mallon (North West), Patrick Devine (The Island) and James Barton (Ballinasloe).
The Irish Amateur Open Championship was first played in 1892 and was held every year, with the exception of the War Years, up to 1960. Former champions in that era included Joe Carr (three times), Jimmy Bruen, Tom Craddock, Cecil Ewing, Jack Burke and Norman Drew. The event was revived in 1995 when Padraig Harrington triumphed at Fota Island. Keith Nolan was the winner at the same venue in 1996 and ’97. The event moved to Royal Dublin in 1998 where Michael Hoey was victorious. Gary Cullen won in 1999, Louis Oosthuizen in 2002 and Noel Fox in 2000 and 2003.
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