GOLF Ireland has this week released its adjusted fixture list for 2021 with the hope competition can get underway by the end of May with many events rescheduled for a busy autumn period.
The new schedule sees a number of Dublin clubs hosting events with Elm Park running the south Leinster Boys Inter-Clubs on June 22 and Malahide hosting the northern equivalent a week later. Balbriggan is the venue for the Leinster girls championship from June 29 to July 1.
The Island welcomes the men’s AIG Senior Cup northern area final on July 18. Howth has the boys Junior Foursomes area final on July 20. Hermitage’s women’s Scratch Cup is set for August 1.
Later in August, the Leinster AIG Barton Shield and Jimmy Bruen northern area finals will be in Royal Dublin. Dun Laoghaire has the Leinster Women’s AIG Cups and Shields area finals with Grange hosting the Junior Cup and Pierce Purcell Area finals.
The Senior Cup finals for women and men will be on August 20 and 21 at Castle Golf Club.
The international dimension of many of Golf Ireland’s events is obviously dependent on the pandemic and its possible impact on international travel.
Golf Ireland is closely monitoring this and will continue to consult with the relevant government departments and agencies in both jurisdictions with a view to plans for these events, and also for the staging of the European Women’s Team Championship, scheduled for Royal Co Down on 6-10 July.
Mark Wehrly, Director of Championships with Golf Ireland, said: “We know that golf is a low-risk activity and are hopeful of a return at club level for our sport very soon, after which we will look to progress towards running our competitions throughout the summer and autumn.
“We’re very grateful to all of our host clubs for their forbearance and continued enthusiasm in helping us to achieve this. At such a difficult time for everyone in the industry, it is a testament to them that we are able to present such a comprehensive fixture plan for the year ahead.
“There are still some uncertainties in the road ahead and we will continually review our schedule as well as our plans for managing COVID-19 at event, but as things stand we hope to be very busy this season.”
