Tourism Ireland entertains the press at Brocket Hall

Tourism Ireland kicked-off the new golf season yesterday with a special media golf day at top Hertfordshire venue Brocket Hall.

Around 30 invited members of the golfing press took part in the Stableford format competition played in testing conditions on the undulating tree-lined Palmerston course.

Among the competitors was Seamus Leahy (marketing director at Fota Island Resort, venue for the 2014 Irish Open on June 19-22) while also in attendance were David Boyce (Tourism Ireland’s deputy director for Great Britain) and Tony Lenehan (head of golf tourism for Failte Ireland).

Ireland boasts some of the world’s best links courses but Boyce stressed that Irish golf isn’t all about the premier venues and indeed pointed out that driving value-for-money golf is very much key in these difficult financial times.

The day was rounded-off in style with dinner, drinks and a presentation ceremony.

For the record the prize winners were:

1- Will Shucksmith – 35 points (winner on countback). Won a two-night break for two people at Fota Island Resort & Spa, host of the 2014 Irish Open (courtesy of Fota Island Resort and Spa & Golf Ireland).

2- Steve Nolan – 35pts. Won a Royal Portrush Northern Ireland Links Experience for two people (courtesy of Robin Shannon Golf & Golf Ireland).

3 – Richard Simmons 35pts. Won Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way Links Golf Experience for two people (courtesy of Mount Falcon Estate & Golf Ireland).

Nearest the pin – David Facey.

Longest drive – Will Shucksmith. Both received a Dublin East Coast Alliance Golf Pass Booklet (courtesy of Golf Ireland), offering nine rounds of golf to each person at a range of leading Irish courses including Druids Glen, Carton House, Powerscourt and the K Club – host of the 2006 Ryder Cup.