Galgorm to host Northern Ireland strokeplay event

The North of Ireland Strokeplay event is in its second year and is part of the Top Golfer series where scratch cups for single handicap golfers are played throughout Ireland before the season-ending tour championship in October.

Like every event on the Top Golfer schedule each winner qualifies for the season-ending showpiece while quality prizes will also be on offer at each scratch cup.

Galgorm's event is set up as a 36-hole senior scratch cup and is the only one if its kind in Northern Ireland and takes place on Sunday, August 22nd, 2010. Cost of entry is 30 (€35).

"The North of Ireland Strokeplay event is an opportunity for the best amateur golfers in the country to test themselves in a competitive environment," explains Gary Henry, General Manager Galgorm Castle.

"In June the emerging stars of the professional game were put to the test in excellent conditions at the PGA EuroPro event, and our pristine championship parkland promises to be an equally tough, but fair test for the North of Ireland Strokeplay event."

Last year's inaugural event boasted a quality field, including Irish international Paul Cutler, who won this year's prestigious Lytham Trophy.

Ballyclare's Simon McConnell is the defending champion after he emerged victorious from a play-off against Warrenpoint's former Irish international Jim Carvill after both carded three-under par 69s in regulation play.