Glasson Lakehouse to host WPGA Pro-Am and Pro Series

WPGA golf professionals will return to Glasson Lakehouse, located in the hidden heartlands close to Athlone, for a one-day Pro-Am followed by a one-day Pro only event.

A strong field of women's golf professionals have registered to participate in both the Pro-Am on Monday, May 20 and Pro only competition on Tuesday, May 21.

The course at Glasson Golf Club, which recently celebrated its 30th anniversary and was designed by 1989 Ryder Cup star Christy O’Connor Jnr, is as challenging as it is scenically stunning. The first nine holes overlook Lough Ree, and the second nine, which features the par-three 17th with both tee and green situated in the lake, overlooks the stunning Killinure Bay.

O’Connor described it as one of the most scenic pieces of land he had seen in his life, all of which makes the Westmeath venue the perfect stage to kick off this exciting WPGA programme comprising 11 events and more than £30k in prize money.

Confirmed entries for the event include England’s former Solheim Cup player captain, Alison Nicholas (Redditch GC), also a former US Open champion.

In addition, Scotland’s former European and LPGA Tour player Cathy Panton Lewis (Berkshire GC), England’s Suzanne Dickens (Thorpewood Golf Course), 2022 PGA captain Sarah Bennet (Lexden GC), Ali Gray (Omskirk GC), Marie Marindale (Hampstead GC), Emma Martin (Close House GC) and Scotland’s Heather Stirling (Braehead GC) are set to take part.

Representing Ireland and their clubs will be former European Tour players Hazel Kavanagh (Impact Golf at Leopardstown) and Lynn McCool (Glasson Golf Club), alongside Marian Riordan (Dundrum House Hotel, Golf & Leisure Resort), Maura Morrin (Stepaside Golf Centre), Barbara Hackett (Killester Travel), Katie Coleman (Kilkeel GC), Niamh Cunningham (McGuirks Golf, Kilkenny), Tara Delaney (Carlow GC), Louise Darcy (Wicklow GC), Gemma McClenaghan (City of Derry GC), Emily McCanny (Kinsealy Grange Driving Range), Clodagh Jones (The K Club), Mary Doyle (Golf Ireland Academy) & Alexandra Murphy (Lisheen Springs GC).

Proud partners, Killester Travel, PING and Ireland's Hidden Heartlands have teamed up to continue to support this sports event. The event will comprise of over 20 women's golf professionals teaming up with amateurs, male and female, for a fun-packed Pro-Am.

Those fortunate to participate will get to attend a golf clinic hosted by the professionals before the round which will be a shotgun start played over the magnificent parkland course located amongst Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. Throughout the day renowned Golf Brand PING will be on-site to offer a demo to all competitors and visitors.

Director of Golf at Glasson Golf Club Lynn McCool said: “After the success of the inaugural event played in 2023, we had to continue on from its success. The feedback we received from all the professionals and the PGA officials was amazing and we believe that is down to the fun-packed day we put together for everyone.

"It’s very exciting to be bringing it back to Glasson Lakehouse as all the participants get to enjoy our fabulous hotel and golf course. I’m thrilled at the support from the golf professionals from across Ireland, England, and Scotland. I love the format we have put together for the Pro-Am with the clinic and the shotgun start.

"I’m going to be teeing it up myself and I better get practising!” Lynn continued.

There will also be a Q & A with some of the professionals after dinner on the evening of the Pro-Am. Day 2 will be the WPGA Series individual tournament for the professionals .

Lynn expressed her thanks to sponsors, Killester Traver (Twww.theflyinggolfer.com), PING, Glasson Lakehouse and Ireland's Hidden Heartlands.

Ireland Area Sales Manager for Ping Europe, Shane O'Sullivan expressed his delight at being able to support the event.

“As a leading golf brand, we believe our product through equipment and apparel can enhance game performance and we are delighted that we will be in attendance on Monday 20th May at Glasson Lakehouse. We will be on-site at the Glasson Golf Academy throughout the day for both competitors and visitors," he said.

Barbara Hackett of Killester Travel Group commented: “The Flying Golfer, part of the Killester Travel Group, is delighted to continue its association with the Glasson Lakehouse in sponsoring this event for the second successive year. We are looking forward to a great event in May."

Paddy Mathews, Head of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands at Fáilte Ireland, said: “Fáilte Ireland is pleased to once again support the WPGA Series Pro-Am in Glasson Lakehouse. The event is a perfect opportunity to showcase Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and its quality parkland courses to an international audience.

"Events like these are also important economic drivers for local businesses and communities, particularly in areas that would not normally benefit from tourism. Ireland is world-renowned for its high-quality golf offering and the WPGA Series highlights our ability to host such a large-scale international sporting event celebrating women in golf.”

Conor O'Leary, General Manager of Glasson Lakehouse, said: “Glasson Lakehouse is delighted to host the inaugural WPGA event taking place in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. This competition will showcase the incredible talent in women’s golf, and we are thrilled that Glasson Lakehouse’s course will play host to this exciting tournament that we hope will be a regular fixture for many years to come.”