Fota Island Resort, Cork to host Lancome

Irish women's close championship in May

PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY IRISH LADIES GOLF UNION
Big-time women’s amateur golf will showcase in Cork this year with the formal announcement today that the staging of the Lancôme Irish Women’s Close Championship will be held at the magnificent Fota Island Resort from Saturday, May 16until Wednesday, May 20.
The Championship, originally scheduled for Co. Louth, sought a new home following the recent decision by the European Tour to stage the men’s professional Irish Open over the links at the same time.
Commenting on the announcement, ILGU Chief Executive Sinead Heraty said “We were thrilled by the offers of clubs to host our Championship when they heard of our unfortunate clash of dates at Baltray. While the Union is pleased that the Irish Open has found a good home, we are delighted that Fota Island Resort will host our blue-ribboned event over their splendid lay-out that will prove a challenging test for Ireland’s elite female amateurs”.
Speaking at the announcement, the General Manager of Fota Island Resort, Jonathan Woods, commented “We are delighted to play host to the most prestigious amateur ladies event in Ireland and would like to thank our members and corporate clients for their co-operation in allowing this event to take place at short notice.
"It will be an exciting departure for Fota Island Resort to host the most significant event on the ladies' amateur calendar, having previously hosted the premier events in male amateur, professional and seniors golf in Ireland. The event will allow us to showcase our fantastic new Barryscourt Course.”
Last year, teenage sensation Leona Maguire beat twin sister Lisa in an exciting final that suitably impressed the sizable galleries at Westport. Both players are sure to feature in the final stages of this year’s event among a field of top amateurs all vying for selection for this year’s European team championships.

Fota Island Resort, located just a few minutes’ drive from Cork City, offers three challenging championship courses which is very much in the traditional mode, featuring strategically placed bunkers and undulating putting surfaces. Designed by Jeff Howes, Fota Island Resort has twice played host to the Irish Open, while previous winners of events at Fota Island Resort include such golfing luminaries as Padraig Harrington, Paul McGinley, Soren Hansen and Colin Montgomerie. Fota Island Resort lies in the heart of a stunning 780 acre estate which is included in, "The Inventory of Outstanding Landscapes in Ireland". Further information available from: