Final preparations are well under way at Sutton Golf Club for the fourth Irish PGA 9 Hole Golf Championship which once again will feature local company Annesley Williams Skoda as title sponsors. This innovative tournament, the which was devised by Sutton Professional Paddy Devine, was first played in 2019. It was won by Tim Rice in its first two years. The current champion is Neil O’Briain.
This year’s dates for the Annesley Motors Skoda sponsored event are Saturday and Sunday 21/22 September. The tournament proper will be preceded by a Pro-Am, on Friday 20th. The Pro-Am was sold out on the day it was announced and currently has a waiting list. All 32 professionals will play in the Pro-Am.
The field for the Championship will be made up of the top 27 players in the Irish PGA order of Merit, following the PGA Open Series event at Belvoir Park, along with 4 invites from Sutton pro Paddy Devine, who will also be in the field.
The prize fund for the Championship is €18,000 making it the fourth largest prize fund on the Irish Pro-Am circuit this year and all 32 participants are guaranteed a cheque. The format sees the 32 professionals divided into 8 groups of 4 professionals with everyone guaranteed 3 matches on Saturday in a round-robin format.
The 8 group winners go forward to contest Sunday’s quarter-finals, semi-finals and final. The draw for the composition of the groups will take place after the Pro-Am on Friday evening and it open to anyone to attend.
Neil O’Briain is confirmed to defend his title and two-time winner Tim Rice will also be in attendance as will Niall Kearney who will be seeking a unique double having already won the Irish PGA Championship this year. Kearney will also be participating in an open Q&A session on Saturday evening at 5:30pm in the clubhouse.
Overall there is a really strong line-up for the event including former Irish amateur internationals and championship winners and a mix of current and former players and winners on the main, satellite and Senior European Tours.
Sutton Captains Cian Bennis and Jean Tierney paid tribute to the club’s own pro Paddy Devine whose idea the event was in the first place. They noted that Sutton has had a long association with the Irish PGA dating back to the 1980’s when the Sutton Pro- Am was perhaps the most eagerly anticipated Pro-Am on the Irish circuit. “This event has been a huge success since it was introduced in 2019, both amongst members and also the professionals involved. There is a real sense of excitement in the club as the event gets ever closer.”
Speaking about the event Paddy Devine said that when he first proposed the idea he had found great enthusiasm amongst his fellow professionals for the format of the event. On behalf of the PGA he thanked Sutton Club Captain Cian Bennis, whose company Annesley Williams Skoda has sponsored the event since it began, for their generous sponsorship.
He also noted the challenges presented by the Sutton links and in that context he said he was confident that Sutton Head Greenkeeper Simon Lewis would have the course in pristine condition. “Simon and his team have done a wonderful job, and the weather this year will undoubtedly help to ensure this will be links golf at its very best. I have no doubt that as in previous years the course will bring the best out of what is a very talented field. We can all look forward to seeing how our PGA professionals tackle our course”.
Speaking on behalf of the sponsors Cian Bennis of Annesley Williams Motors said that the company was delighted to sponsor such an innovative initiative. “Sutton is very much part of the world from which we draw our business and it is rare enough to have the opportunity to sponsor something as good as this so close to home. I personally love the event as it affords you the opportunity to watch some terrific players up close. An opportunity to learn from the best.”
The event is the final counting tournament in the Elavon Order of Merit on the Irish PGA circuit, with the top three players progressing to the PGA Playoffs early in 2025 and a chance to win Tour starts.
PGA in Ireland Manager Conor Dillon commented: “We’re delighted to be coming back to Sutton for this innovative event. It’s such a dynamic format and makes for a fast and exciting event. It’s a great opportunity for members and visitors to watch the best Irish PGA players in action over the fantastic Sutton Links.
“I’d like to extend thanks to the titles sponsor Annesley Williams Skoda and also to everyone involved in the organisation of the event at Sutton Golf Club. This is truly one of the highlights of our Irish PGA season and I can’t wait to see it in action again.”
The event for which Annesley Williams Skoda the title sponsor is being also being sponsored by Cassidy Travel and McCartan’s Pharmacy.
For more information contact Sutton Golf Club on 01-8323013 or email: gm@suttongolfclub.org
