After a successful debut in 2011, we welcome back the 888poker.com PGA EuroPro Tour to our Golf Course in Cork this July for the second Audi Cork Irish Masters.
Hosted at our luxury Golf Hotel in Cork, the EuroPro Tour will take place 4th – 6th July 2012 on one of our championship golf courses set in the beautiful parkland of Fota Island.
The 2011 Audi Cork Irish Masters took place on Belvelly, but this year the event will take place on Deerpark. A par 71, 692-yard course which has twice hosted to the Irish Open, this is just one of our three championship golf courses that is popular with pro and amateur golfers, who are impressed by the strategic bunkering, receptive greens and picturesque views, especially from the 18th Hole.
Chosen by Irish Golfer Pádriag Harrington as his favourite 18th hole, he once said when describing the impressive 18th Island green, a par 5, narrow tree-lined shot to the top of the hill and on to the island green in front of the club house, “I don’t think you can get a more beautiful golf hole” before adding “the setting is gorgeous… you get to the top of the hill and it is all presented to you… the clubhouse, the lake, mature trees, bunkers, shrubs – magnificent. And doesn’t everybody like being faced with a downhill shot to a big green!”
Event organisers have praised the facilities at the Fota Island Resort, known for its 5 star Hotel, Luxury Spa, Conferencing Facilities and Self Catering Apartments, as well as superb golf courses; “There is little doubt that Fota Island Resort provides one of the best courses on the 888poker.com PGA EuroPro Tour,” says Danny Nickless, Operations Manager for the 888poker.com PGA EuroPro Tour. “Last season’s event on The Belvelly was incredibly successful and Fota Island Resort proved a big hit with the players. Fota Island Resort will again provide a challenging, scenic and exciting test for our players on The Deerpark this year, and we’re sure they will relish returning to the venue in July.”
A field of 168 players will take part in the 3 day Audi Cork Irish Masters this year, all eager to follow in the footsteps of last year’s winner Paul Reed, who claimed the £10,000 winner’s cheque. All golfers taking part will play two rounds, with the top 50 players plus ties progressing to the 3rd and final decisive day.
Entry for spectators is free and many supporters and golf fans are expected to visit the 5 star Fota Island Resort near Cork to enjoy the event that will also be filmed for a two-hour highlights show to be broadcast on Sky Sports
Sponsors Audi Cork said in a recent statement “Audi Cork is proud to continue our sponsorship of the Irish Masters at Fota Island Resort. After the huge success and positive feedback from last year’s event, here at Audi Cork we are more than happy to support this prestigious event in the county, and are looking forward to another hugely successful tournament.”
Good Luck to everyone taking part, we look forward to welcoming you to Fota Island
