REPORT ON THE 2008 IRISH LINKS CHAMPIONSHIP

The Fourth Annual IRISH LINKS Championship, was held in Northern Ireland from Thursday, May 8th through Sunday, May 11th, 2008.
The Irish Team of Moira Cassidy and Tom Cotter won the Low Net by just 4 points on 201 in the better ball stableford competition over Landy Blank and Mark Fairman of San Jose, Costa Rica. In 3rd place was Jim Peters from Hawaii and Randy Hanna from Florida with an accumulative score of 207.

The team of Frank O'Donoghue and Bruce Selcraig took home the magnificent Waterford Crystal Trophies for the Low Gross Team Competition. Their team score was +4.
For the first time in its 3 year history, The ‘Ryder Cup’ was won by the European Team by six points over the three day aggregate. Moira Cassidy, the Captain of the European side, was proud to accept the Trophy on behalf of her team members. The Europeans made a tremendous late charge over trailing after two days to take the lead in the points in the final round.

The tournament was held over 3 days with competitors from 6 countries competing over the links of Royal Co. Down, Royal Portrush (Dunluce) and Ardglass. The Host hotel was the luxurious Slieve Donard Hotel & Spa in Newcastle, Co. Down. Fine food, good wine, entertainment and great 'craic' was enjoyed by all.
The IRISH LINKS Championship is a celebration of links golf. The Event is organized by IRISH LINKS tours and travel inc., a luxury golf travel operator specializing in tailor made golf tours to Ireland, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy and South Africa.

Dates for 2009, have been confirmed for May 14th – 17thth and will be held over the Old Course, Lahinch, Cashen Course, Ballybunion and the Links at Doonbeg. The field is limited to 28 2 man-teams. Maximum handicap for men is 28 and for ladies 36. Entries must be received no later than November 30, 2008 to qualify. For more information, please call 1.800.824.6538 or register at www.irishlinkschampionship.com