Ballybunion GC has formally applied to stage the Ryder Cup in 2005. And by way of emphasising their suitability, the club have ambitious plans for a European Seniors' Tour event to be staged there on August 13th to 16th of this year.
The multi-sponsored tournament is the brainchild of Arthur Spring, who is a member of the host club and also a playing member of the seniors' tour.
"I saw a gap in the schedule which will allow us to have international tournaments in Ireland on three successive weeks in August," said Spring last night.
Meanwhile, it is planned to show highlights of the Ballybunion event on NBC Europe, BSkyB, the US Golf Channel, the Japanese Golf Channel and on local television in Italy, South Africa and Australia.
Given that exposure, the organisers believe there is a strong chance of having such luminaries as Hale Irwin, Gil Morgan and Gary Player in the field.
Player will be defending the British title at Portrush and the indications are that the other two will also be competing there. None of the three has played at Ballybunion.
