16 Jun 2021
Pre-qualifier success for players who will compete in the ISPS HANDA World Invitational
The US$3 million ISPS HANDA World Invitational comprises two separate 72-hole stroke play events for men and women, who will compete at the same venues at the same time and for equal prize money.
In a busy period leading up to the ISPS HANDA World Invitational, two other key events took place where professionals and amateurs qualified for the tri-sanctioned event. This week, Kinsale’s John Murphy was in sensational form to win the Northern Ireland Open presented by Modest! Golf at Cairndhu Golf Club. It was a remarkable achievement for the Irish golfer in his first professional event.
Murphy carded rounds of 67, 68 for a five-under total to win by four strokes from Dermot McElroy and Liam Grehan. Murphy secured his place in the ISPS HANDA World Invitational, as did Ballymena native McElroy, who came through a play-off with Grehan to claim the second male spot. England’s Thalia Martin also qualified after finishing as the leading female professional at Cairndhu.
The ISPS HANDA Ulster Men’s and Women’s Stroke Play Championship took place at Royal County Down Golf Club recently where Ireland’s elite amateurs contested Golf Ireland’s first official championshp. Robert Moran (Castle) emerged victorious from a play-off with Rowan Lester (Hermitage), and both booked their places at the ISPS HAND World Invitational. Aideen Walsh (Lahinch) also qualified after winning the women’s event by eight strokes.
Tickets for the ISPS HANDA World Invitational are currently on sale and organisers remain optimistic that a limited number of spectators will be able to attend at Galgorm and Massereene. A flexible ticketing plan has been put in place and organisers will comply with all government guidelines at the time, while ticket numbers at both host venues will be restricted.
Purchase tickets here