GOLF: Cutler and Dunbar selected for World Amateurs Trophy

ULSTER pair, Paul Cutler (Portstewart) and Alan Dunbar (Rathmore) will lead Ireland's bid for glory at the World Amateur Team Championship (Eisenhower Trophy) in Argentina from October 29 – 31.
By The Newsroom
Published 20th Aug 2010, 15:33 BST
Updated 25th Aug 2010, 14:53 BST

Cutler (above) is the highest ranked Irish player in the world at present having captured the Lytham Trophy in May.

He was named as Ireland's sole representative on the St Andrews Trophy team that will take on Continental Europe later this month in Milan.

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Dunbar who plays out of the same club as US Open Champion, Graeme McDowell, lifted the Irish Amateur Open Championship in May at Royal Dublin.

The winner of the North of Ireland Championship last month, he represented Ireland at the European Team Championship and Home Internationals this year. He also captured the Willie Gill Order of Merit award this year.

The three man team is completed by Kevin Phelan (University of North Florida).

Phelan, who is attending the University of North Florida and grew up in Waterford, is ranked among the top three Irish players in the world and has enjoyed a fantastic season so far.

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His record in stroke play tournaments is strong having recorded 18 sub-par rounds and eight top-10 finishes in the US this year. The highlight of his year was his qualification for the US Open at Pebble Beach. He made his international debut for Ireland at the Home Internationals this year.

Being played at the Buenos Aires & Olivos Golf Clubs, the Eisenhower Trophy is decided over 72 holes of stroke play with the total of the two lowest scores by players counting each round. The non-travelling reserve is Dara Lernihan (Castle) and the Irish Team Captain is Dr. Kevin Flanagan.

Cutler's first assignment though is to represent GB&I in the St Andrews Trophy against the Continent of Europe in Castelconturbia, Italy, on August 27-28.

"We have selected a very strong team for the match," said GB&I Captain Nigel Edwards.

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"I'm pleased that we have a balanced team made up of players who all have undoubted talent and proven track-records in match play competition.

"We go to Italy knowing that we will face a tough Continent of Europe side, but we look forward to the challenge and expect to perform well."

Related topics:IrelandGolfUlster