West of Ireland Amateur Open Championship tees off today
THE Connolly's Audi West of Ireland Amateur Open Championship tees off at County Sligo Golf Club today as the 2024 amateur season begins.
Once again the West also coincides with the launch of the Bridgestone Order of Merit with David Shiel (Enniscrone) and Emma Fleming (Elm Park) looking to defend their titles this season.
Edmondstown’s Anna Abom won the first Bridgestone event of the season at Royal County Down last weekend, where she claimed the Royal County Down Ladies Scratch Cup.
County Sligo will signal the start of the men’s Bridgestone Order of Merit, with local favourite Barry Anderson looking to go one better after his defeat in the final to England’s James Claridge last year.
Enniscrone golfer, and Reigning Bridgestone Order of Merit champion, Shiel will also carry much of the local attention.
“Growing up I didn’t know there was a North, South or East, I only knew there was a West, playing in Enniscrone. It definitely holds special meaning for me and everyone in Enniscrone. It’s a very important one on the calendar,” said Shiel.
“The great thing about it being so early as well, I get a bit of slagging about liking the bad weather and playing better when it’s windy and wet but early in the season probably suits me very well because it’s cold and wet and windy.”
Golf Ireland and Bridgestone have extended their partnership into 2024 as they continue their commitment to nurturing the talent of amateur golfers and providing a platform for them.
Shiel’s victory in the Bridgestone Order of Merit last year propelled him into the Ireland setup, and he is looking forward to another stellar campaign as he aims to make it third time lucky at the West.
“I have only actually played it twice. The last two years when it’s been the three rounds and the last 16 cut, the first year I was inside the cut the whole way until the last nine or ten holes, I think I finished 24th and missed the cut by a couple of shots,” he said.
“Last year I finished tied fifth in the qualifying, lost in the last 16, but got through the cut comfortably enough, so pretty good. I played Rosses’ tons of times as a kid and I know the place inside out and I feel really comfortable there.”