Bunclody Golf and Fishing Club has been announced as the host venue for the 109th Irish PGA Championship which will take place from August 19-22th.
The news has been received with great excitement and expectation in the town of Bunclody and district and Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy expects that it will bring great economic benefit to the area.
The event proper will be preceded by a Pro-Am on August 19th, before the three-day, 54-hole tournament gets underway on the Jeff Howes designed course which will see a 36-hole cut with the leading competitors battling it out on the final day.
PGA in Ireland Tournament Director, Yvonne Cassidy said; “I believe that Bunclody Golf & Fishing Club will provide a real challenge for the players.
“Designer Jeff Howes has cleverly incorporated the natural undulating terrain to produce what is, in my opinion, one of the strongest finishes to any parkland course in the country.”
Bunclody opened in 2009, is situated in 300 acres of breath-taking parkland terrain and the course, which measures over 7,000 yards, has quickly gained a reputation as one of Ireland’s foremost parkland venues.
Under course superintendent Mark Byrne, there has been long-term investment in new machinery while recent work has centred on improving the quality of the bunkers.
“We are delighted that the 109th PGA Championship will be held at Bunclody Golf & Fishing Club in August. It promises to be a superb event,” said Nick Byrne, Director of Bunclody GFC.
“We have hosted many big events in recent years, including the Irish Senior Ladies Close Championship in 2017.”
The Irish PGA Championship remains one of the world’s oldest professional tournaments, dating back to 1907. A veritable who’s-who of legendary Irish golfing figures have lifted the trophy including the likes of Christy O’Connor, Harry Bradshaw, Des Smyth and a pair of Ryder Cup captains, Paul McGinley and Padraig Harrington.

AUDIO ADDITION; Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy says the golf competition is a major boost for Bunclody.