McGeady chasing hat-trick of titles

Michael McGeady will be chasing a remarkable hat-trick of titles at the Walled City of Derry & Strabane Pro-Am on August 24th and 25th.

The tournament, sponsored by Bishop's Gate Hotel and Frylite and supported by Derry City and Strabane District Council is one of the largest events on the PGA in Ireland calendar, attracting 52 teams and a host of the PGA in Ireland's leading professionals.

Ciaran O'Neill of Bishop's Gate Hotel, one of the tournament joint sponsors, said; “Now in its third year, this tournament promotes the extremely strong offering that the North West region provides in terms of golf tourism. It brings together a broad range of golfers and golf enthusiasts and it is a top attraction in this summer's sporting calendar. We're thrilled to be involved and we're looking forward to showcasing what the North West has to offer.”

Joint sponsor, Eamon McCay, Managing Director of Frylite, added: “The fact that Strabane Golf Club will feature along with City of Derry will make this year's tournament a truly North West event. The calibre of local and international talent that is signing up to take part will undoubtedly attract a significant number of spectators and this in turn, will benefit the wider economy. We're delighted to be sponsoring such a positive event as 1979 was the last time that a Pro-Am event was held at Strabane Golf Club.”

A former junior member at City of Derry Golf Club, McGeady has put all that local knowledge to great use in claiming the 2017 and 2018 titles. Naturally, he will start the 2019 staging as favourite to make it three-in-a-row.

“It is always nice to be playing in a Pro-Am in your home town. You get to stay in your own house and in your own bed,” said Michael.

“Strabane is only 15 minutes away. I did my PGA training at Strabane Golf Club under Seamus Duffy so I know it pretty well.”

Michael McCumiskey, PGA in Ireland regional manager, said; “Top Irish PGA Professionals from all over Ireland will be competing for the title and their share of the guaranteed prize pot of 15,000 euros. Teams of three amateurs will also compete alongside the professionals for the coveted team prize.

“On the Friday prior to the tournament, a junior event will take place, kindly supported by Irish PGA professionals. As part of our wider community outreach programme, we will continue to work with budding young golfers delivering free coaching clinics hosted by top Irish PGA professionals. Whether you’re brand new to golf or want to perfect your technique, your game will benefit from professional advice.”

Councillor John Boyle, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, welcomed the tournament; “As a Council, we’re keen to continue to attract premium sporting events such as the Walled City of Derry & Strabane Pro-Am Tournament as this is a vital part of growing our Tourism offering.

“I am delighted that City of Derry Golf Club and Strabane Golf Club are coming together to host the event and that a larger number of competitors can be facilitated. This approach also reinforces the City and District’s reputation as a central hub for golfers, providing a challenging test of golf for both the Irish PGA Professionals and local amateurs alike.”

Ciaran O’Neill added: “In addition to the joint sponsors, Bishop's Gate Hotel and Frylite, I would like to acknowledge and thank Visit Derry, Total Golf, Nuprint, Citroën and JC Halliday & Sons, who have been instrumental in attracting Irish PGA professionals back to the City. The North West region is fast becoming a golfing hub with Royal Portrush set to host the 148th Open this summer”.

For further information and to register for the Junior Golf event, please contact City of Derry Golf Club on 028 7131 1496.

For more information about the event contact Michael McCumiskey - 00 353 (0)42 932 1193.