Bunclody Golf and Fishing Club to host Irish PGA Championship

The superbly appointed Bunclody Golf and Fishing Club will host the 109th Irish PGA Championship from August 19-22.

Tournament week will begin with a Pro-Am on August 19th followed by the three-day 54-hole Irish PGA Championship. A cut will be made after 36 holes with the leading competitors battling it out over the final 18 on August 22nd.

PGA in Ireland Tournament Director, Yvonne Cassidy said; “I believe that Bunclody Golf & Fishing Club will provide a real challenge for the players.

“Designer Jeff Howes has cleverly incorporated the natural undulating terrain to produce what is, in my opinion, one of the strongest finishes to any parkland course in the country.  

“It asks everything from the modern player, demanding resolve and determination. It entices competitors to be unwavering in their ability to be audacious in their play, especially over the closing holes. It encourages the very best from players and yet at the same time urges and promotes restraint.

“All this, along with the most beautifully manicured fairways, strategically positioned bunkers and greens that will pressure the most confident of putting strokes.  I am confident it will produce a worthy champion and we are looking forward to working closely with the staff at Bunclody to successfully stage the 109th PGA Irish Championship.”

Bunclody, which opened in 2009, is situated in 300 acres of breathtaking parklands in Co Wexford. The course, which measures over 7000 yards, has quickly gained a reputation as one of Ireland's foremost parkland venues.

Under course superintendent Mark Byrne, there has been long-term investment in new machinery while recent work has centred on improving the quality of the bunkers.

“We are delighted that the 109th PGA Championship will be held at Bunclody Golf & Fishing Club in August. It promises to be a superb event,” said Nick Byrne, Director of Bunclody GFC.

“We have hosted many big events in recent years, including the Irish Senior Ladies Close Championship in 2017.”

The Irish PGA Championship remains one of the world's oldest professional tournaments, dating back to 1907. A veritable who's-who of legendary Irish golfing figures have lifted the trophy including the likes of Christy O'Connor, Harry Bradshaw, Des Smyth and a pair of Ryder Cup captains, Paul McGinley and Padraig Harrington.

Last year, Simon Thornton (Tulfarris Golf Resort) prevailed to win his second Irish PGA Championship title at a wet and windy Galway Bay Resort. The Newcastle, Co Down based golfer held off Banbridge Golf Club professional, Richard Kilpatrick to win by a shot.