Arklow Links to Host Irish Club Professional Tournament (PGA of Ireland)

Peter Gaw,  Down Syndrome Centre; Darren Ryan, Captain Arklow 

Golf Club; Michael McCumiskey, Secretary PGA 

of Ireland; Chris Davitt, President of Arklow Golf Club

It is always reassuring when one of Ireland’s ‘small’ golf clubs gets the recognition it deserves… and some bragging rights. And last week, those rights went to Arklow Golf Club in south county Wicklow, which is set to host the Irish Club Professional tournament
 for the next three years.

The PGA in Ireland reached an agreement with Arklow Golf Club to stage the tournament in conjunction with charitable partner, The Down Syndrome Centre.


In 2014, the two-day event will take place on Wednesday 4 and Thursday 5 June. It will attract some 100 professionals, while a pro-am on Tuesday June 3 is set to involve 40 teams.


Arklow GC is not new to this – it has played host to the PGA of Ireland events before, staging the PGA Southern Champion four times in the early 2000s. Leslie Walker claimed the title in 2001, Brendan McGovern won in 2002 and 2004, with John Murray triumphant in 2003. The current Club Professional champion is Foyle Golf Centre's Brian McElhinney, who carded rounds of 68/72 to win by a shot at Dundalk GC, last year.

Arklow Golf Club's par four 5th, green to tee

A traditional links course (Click Here for photos of the course), Arklow was formed by Hawtree & Taylor in 1927. It has evolved with the aid of Eddie Hackett and, more recently, Eddie Connaughton. The par 69 plays to 6074 yards off the Championship tees… that by no means makes it a short course. As any links enthusiast will tell you, the wind and the rough, and the hollows and the humps – they pay little heed to yardage. And you’ll find plenty of all four on the Arklow links. Water makes an appearance too, on the ‘inner’ holes, where there is a more parkland feel.

Green fees range from €20 (early bird) up to €60 (peak times).

“This is a fantastic opportunity for the charity to be involved with and we look forward to working with the PGA and professionals around the country on this tournament,” said Peter Gaw, the driving force behind the Down Syndrome Centre. 


“It is a very exciting time for The Down Syndrome Centre as we hope to open our doors in early April, creating a family focused service of help, support and advice for the child and family throughout their lifetime.”


Arklow's 4th hole, a par four, and on of the best on the course.

Arklow GC Captain, Darren Ryan, added, “We are delighted to welcome the PGA back to Arklow GC. The members at the club have great memories of hosting the PGA Southern Championship and I know they will get behind this tournament. The charitable link also provides Arklow GC with a fantastic opportunity to play a part in supporting the efforts of Peter and the team at Down Syndrome Centre.”

The Down Syndrome Centre is focused on ensuring that children with Down Syndrome in Ireland are given all the chances possible to reach their full potential. The charity is on the cusp of opening a centre that will house essential therapies, an extensive resource centre, a Mum & Tots class, called SKIP, which is based on occupational therapy, as well as continuing to provide seminars and workshops.

Arklow's par three 9th

PGA in Ireland secretary Michael McCumiskey said; “Arklow has a vibrant and enthusiastic membership. The PGA is looking forward to working with them this year and beyond.”

Good luck to all involved.