The second and eighth holes at PGA National at Slieve Russell
The Irish Independent’s Vincent Hogan won the Irish Golf Writers’ Championship at the first attempt when he scored a magnificent 41 points over the PGA National at Slieve Russell in the heart of Co Cavan.
Playing off 20, the Tipperary native birdied the 18th, hitting a six-iron to 10 feet, to edge out RTE’s Greg Allen by one-point.
The Irish Daily Mail’s Philip Quinn was third with 36 points over the magnificent, Patrick Merrigan design which is one of just eight PGA National designated resorts worldwide
Slieve Russell’s head professional Gordon Smyth and his team are justifiably proud of the 300-acre Co Cavan resort, which weaves its way around the lakes and drumlins of the County Cavan landscape.
The estate's 50 acres of water are an integral part in the design. and its designation earlier this year as a PGA National venue will only enhance its value as a championship venue.
The PGA National Ireland designation follows a period of sustained strategic investment by Slieve Russell to grow its business not just on the island of Ireland but also internationally.
The strategy has seen the property carry out a major investment plan in recent years. These include on-going improvements to the greens, tees, fairways and bunkers as well as the development of the Golf Academy to include state of the art video equipment allowing for detailed swing analysis.
There has been a total overhaul of the now state of the art banqueting, conference and event facilities and a significant upgrade of the Ciuin Spa.
Further investment to upgrade all of the 220 hotel bedrooms is underway and will cement the Slieve Russell as the premier business and leisure tourism venue in the north-east of Ireland.
The course has hosted two European Tour events and was home to the Irish PGA Championship in 1996, when Des Smyth won the fifth of his six titles.
In addition, the venue also stages its annual PGA Pro-Am, with the popular event featuring a collective prize fund of €1.2million since it was first held in 1997, making it the most lucrative PGA pro-am tournament in Ireland.
"We believe our designation as PGA National Ireland is reflective of this work and to join a club of just eight PGA National designated resorts worldwide including, the likes of The Belfry and Gleneagles is a huge honour and reflective of the quality of Slieve Russell as a venue for golfers of all levels and abilities," Gordon said.
"The ultimate goal is to try and get a Solheim Cup here in the late 2020s and with Leona and Lisa Maguire attached here, it's a logical goal for us. The course measures just over 7,100 yards, and it would be perfect for a women's or seniors' event."
The Irish Golf Writers’ Association would like to thank Gordon and all the staff for a memorable day out.
2019 Irish Golf Writers’ Championship for the Mary McKenna Trophy
PGA National at Slieve Russell, 22 October 2019
Vincent Hogan 41 points
Greg Allen 40 points
Philip Quinn 36 points