AT a time when the British PGA are expressing serious concern about waning interest in the game in these islands, the Golfing Union of Ireland have never had it so good. New affiliations announced at their annual general meeting in Malahide yesterday showed an increase of 18 clubs in the last 12 months and a staggering 105 since 1987.
There are now 367 clubs, representing 120,000 players, registered with the GUI. This compares with 262 clubs 10 years ago - a growth of 40 per cent. Even with those numbers, however, the union will need financial help to stage the Men's European Championship at Portmarnock on June 25th to 29th.
On the only other occasion these tests were held in this country - at Killarney in 1975 - the outlay was £25,000. Now, the cost will be closer to £200,000. "After initial talks with government representatives, we're optimistic of getting a grant," said GUI honorary secretary, Gerry O'Brien.
An entry of 22 countries is anticipated for an event which was last won by Ireland at Murhol, Austria, in 1987, when O'Brien was president of the union. The incoming president is an Ulsterman, Peter O'Hara of the Massereene club.
Born in Belfast, he was educated at Newbridge College before returning to his native city where he gained the distinction of captaining the under 18 Gaelic football teams of St Malachy's College and Antrim for three successive years. Among his team mates was the illustrious midfielder, Jim McKeever, who later declared for his native Derry.
Outlining his objectives for the year, O'Hara said: "With the help of the development committee, I hope to project a more accurate image of the union and its activities. Talk of elitism no longer applies in golf as we know it today and I will certainly be trying to broaden the game's appeal, especially among the young."
The new clubs affiliated to the union are Greenacres from Co Antrim and seven from Leinster - Djouce Mountain, The Hibernian, Swords, Turvey, Mount Wolseley, Elmgreen and Townley Hall.
In common with their more established brethren, the newcomers will have to apply three quarters of the difference in handicaps in fourball matchplay. A proposal for a return to full handicaps in this form of competition was defeated
Meanwhile, further honour has gone to a famous golfing family through the choice of Mick Craddock as non playing captain of the senior international team. Craddock now shares with Eamonn Curran the distinction of leading the Ireland team without having represented his country.
