BMW Eastern Open heralds start of PGA in Ireland tournament season

The BMW Eastern Open will kick-start the PGA in Ireland tournament season in style at St Anne's Golf Club on April 25th.

Now in it's third year, the event has produced two compelling play-off finishes.

In 2017, Damien McGrane (Carlow GC) edged out Donal Gleeson (Old Conna GC) to collect the title and last year, Damian Mooney (Damian Mooney Golf) holed a birdie putt at the second extra hole to beat Colm Moriarty (Glasson Hotel & CC).

“BMW Ireland are delighted to support the PGA in Ireland and the third BMW Eastern Open,” said Tony Casey, National BMW Corporate & Diplomatic Manager.

“In both 2017 and 2018, we witnessed two exciting finishes which produced two worthy winners in Damien McGrane and Damian Mooney. What are the chances of another play-off to decide the outcome this time around?

“The link with the PGA in Ireland is very important to us. BMW Ireland has specific offers available to all PGA members. I strongly recommend that if looking for a car, you give us a call. 

“It is an exciting time for BMW with the introduction of a range of new product – the all-new 3 series, the X5 & X7, with many others to follow, these will be on display on the day.”

Situated on Bull Island, Dublin, St. Anne’s Golf Club is an impressive links with a par of 71 that includes three par fives and four par threes. It will offer a welcome test for the competitors, particularly if the wind gets up.

PGA in Ireland Regional Manager, Michael McCumiskey, thanked BMW Group Ireland for their continued support of the event.

“We always look forward to the BMW Eastern Open which signals the start of the golfing season,” said Michael.

“This event is open to every Professional in Ireland, and with a prize-fund of €7000, players will be eager to make an early impact. We appreciate the great support of Tony Casey, BMW and St Anne's in staging this event.” 

The greenkeeping staff at St Anne's have been very busy over the winter and players will find that many of the bunkers on the course have been renovated. The new riveted faces and reduced sand areas have been linked with new gathering areas to provide a more challenging series of hazards. The 12th green has also undergone a playing surface redesign to improve the playability of the hole.

“St Annes GC is delighted to be involved with both BMW (Ireland) and the PGA in Ireland in promoting playing opportunities for Ireland’s golf professionals,” said Roger Yates, St Anne's GC General Manager.

“This tournament is a wonderful opportunity for the club to receive much-valued feedback on some of the recent development work which has seen an increasing number of golfers return to visit with us. We wish all of the competitors the very best of luck in what I’m sure will be a keenly contested event.”