KELLY FACES STIFF COMPETITION

Maurice Kelly (Killeen)the reigning Irish Seniors Close and Open Champion hopes to successfully defend his title at Blainroe Golf Club when the Tourism Malaysia sponsored Irish Seniors Close Championship gets underway from 7-9 July.

Kelly, who captured the Irish Seniors Amateur Open Championship in May will face stiff competition from a field which includes Munster Seniors Champion Arthur Pierse (Tipperary), Connacht Seniors Champion Barry Reddan (Co. Louth) and the lowest player in the field, Adrian Morrow (Portmarnock) at +2.2.

GUI President Sean MacMahon said "We are delighted to bring this Championship, now in its second year, to Blainroe Golf Club. A wonderful challenge awaits each and every player and I look forward to three days of great golf".

Isabel Oliveira, Marketing Manager for Tourism Malaysia said "Once again we are looking forward to a very competitive competition and we know that the Irish Seniors Close Championship will produce a worthy winner".

Located south of Wicklow town Blainroe Golf Club is blessed by it's location on the Irish Sea along a stretch of coastline renowned for having some of the best beaches in Ireland. With sea views from all 18 holes, this enjoyable and challenging parkland course carries the prestigious Hawtree & Son design signature and is recognised as one of the finest courses on the East Coast since it's inception in 1978.

Designed and built in the late 1970's this Fred Hawtree design was revamped by his son,well known architect/designer Martin, 30 years later and is now widely recognised as one of the finest layouts and a big visitor draw in the Wicklow area.

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