GOLF: The Munster Branch of the Golfing Union of Ireland is to receive €25,000 worth of green fees for the Old Head of Kinsale golf course, in a scheme designed to promote underage golf in the province. The title of the venture is the "Young Hopeful Bursary".

Basically the Old Head of Kinsale has donated €25,000 worth of tee-times - a round of golf costs €250 per person, €1,000 a fourball - and the Munster Branch has targeted 25 clubs within the province to raise money through internal competitions. The clubs will receive one fourball each to play the famous Cork course, established in 1997, and the money they raise will go to the branch.

They in turn will decide how the funds will be managed and dispersed in conjunction with specified trustees to oversee the fund.

GUI president Jack Lynch explained: "It's possible that the bursary could be used to assist a Munster golfer who, for example, is studying at UCC or UCD. We are grateful to the Old Head for supporting the venture so that we can offer the best possible opportunities to the next generation of golfers."

The clubs will set up internal competitions and it is at their discretion to nominate the three members who will accompany the club captain in playing the Old Head of Kinsale.

The clubs involved this year are Adare Manor, Ballybunion, Carrick-on-suir, Castletroy, Dromoland, East Cork, Ennis, Fota Island, Kinsale, Lahinch, Lee Valley, Limerick, Limerick County, Macroom, Mahon, Mallow, Monkstown, Muskerry, Nenagh, Newcastlewest, Raffeen Creek, Rathbane, Shannon, Spanish Point and Tralee.

Old Head of Kinsale president, John O'Connor, explained the club's backing for the initiative. "We recognise the considerable work the GUI is putting into the youth area and acknowledge the constant need for funding.

"It was our desire to contribute in some way to the hard work of the GUI in the hope that they may raise considerable funding for this worthwhile group of youth and underage golfers."