Sport Ireland and Golf Ireland Launch 2024 Professional Scheme with Minister Thomas Byrne TD

Sport Ireland, Golf Ireland, and Minister Thomas Byrne TD have announced the launch of the 2024 Golf Ireland Professional Scheme, providing ten talented golfers with grants totaling over €325,000. This program has been instrumental in supporting Irish golfers on the global stage for the past 25 years, and the latest batch of beneficiaries were introduced at the Golf Ireland Academy.

The scheme offers direct funding, coaching expertise, access to Golf Ireland’s National Academy and Quinta do Lago training base, as well as entry to the Sport Ireland Institute. Among the ten professionals set to receive €33,000 each are Conor Purcell, Lauren Walsh, and Mark Power, who were present at the launch event in Maynooth, Co Kildare.

Minister Thomas Byrne expressed his support for the scheme, highlighting the importance of investing in Irish golfers as the country prepares to host the Ryder Cup in 2027. Sport Ireland CEO Dr Una May also commended the long-standing partnership with the Golf Ireland Professional Scheme, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to nurturing Ireland’s golfing talent.

Golf Ireland CEO Mark Kennelly emphasized the significance of the funding in enabling the ten golfers to compete at the highest level internationally, paving the way for future generations of Irish golfers. The government funding provided by Sport Ireland plays a crucial role in supporting professional golf tournaments in Ireland, such as the Amgen Irish Open and KPMG Women’s Irish Open.

The collaboration between KPMG, Golf Ireland, Sport Ireland, and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media underscores the collective effort to promote and develop golf in Ireland. By joining the Sport for Business community, organizations can access a network of nearly 300 members dedicated to advancing sports and business partnerships in the country.