<p> Dr. Una May (CEO Sport Ireland), Minister of State for Sport and Physical Education Thomas Byrne TD and Mark Kennelly, CEO Golf Ireland at the Golf Ireland Academy for the launch of the Golf Ireland Professional Scheme in partnership with Sport Ireland. Credit ©INPHO/James Crombie</p>
Golf Ireland, in partnership with Sport Ireland, has officially launched the 2023 Golf Ireland Professional Scheme with seven golfers receiving €35,000 each.
The 2023 programme, which is designed to support and nurture the next generation of Irish golfing talent was launched yesterday, with two of the beneficiaries Olivia Mehaffey and Jonathan Yates on-site at the Golf Ireland Academy in Maynooth.
Five other professional golfers; Stuart Grehan, Gary Hurley, John Murphy, Conor Purcell and Dermot McElroy will also receive the €35,000 in funding, while any players turning professional during 2023 that meet the criteria may receive funding on a pro-rata basis.
While funding has been increased — the average grant is now €35,000 with all seven golfer receiving the same amount this year — the number of players receiving funding has been reduced.
In 2020, 13 players received €221,000 (an average of €17,000) while in 2021 the allocation was for €272,700 (an average of €16,041 between 17 golfers). In 2020, 12 golfers received €270,00 or an average of €22,500.
Golfers such as David Carey, who qualified for The Open last year and made the cut and then qualified for a PGA Tour event this year, did not merit support under the scheme’s criteria while players to receive funding in recent years — Cormac Sharvin, Stephanie Meadow, Gavin Moynihan, Robin Dawson, Paul McBride, John Ross Galbraith, Conor O'Rourke, James Sugrue, Jonathan Caldwell and Leona Maguire— no longer receive funding for a variety of reasons.
There was no breakdown from Golf Ireland of the number of professional tour invitations, such as Challenge Tour starts, which would be allocated to Irish players in 2023.
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According to Golf Ireland:
Sport Ireland will provide €325,000 in government funding to Golf Ireland for the management and administration of the Golf Ireland Professional Scheme. The financial support provided by Sport Ireland will enable these golfers to progress further internationally. And former Arizona State golfer Mehaffey, one of the trailblazers in Irish women's golf, said she is delighted to get the financial backing again.
"This opportunity is a game-changer for aspiring golfers in Ireland. With this backing, we can fully focus on reaching our potential and representing our country with pride," said Mehaffey.
Naas golfer Jonathan Yates is another young talented golfer benefiting from the scheme and he echoed Mehaffey's sentiments. "We're extremely grateful for this chance to elevate our careers and showcase the incredible golfing talent Ireland has to offer on the world stage," said Yates.
Speaking about the news Minister of State for Sport and Physical Education Thomas Byrne TD said: “The outstanding performances of Irish golfers on the global stage is a source of great pride for the public. The delivery of this scheme will benefit many golfers in the years to come and I am confident, will lead to continued international success. As Ireland prepares to host the Ryder Cup, it is important that we continue to invest in our golfers.”
Chief Executive of Sport Ireland Dr Úna May commented: “Investing in the future of Irish golf is vital for the continued success of our athletes. The Golf Ireland Professional Scheme provides funding to emerging professional players and has a history of supporting those who have gone on to reach the highest levels of professional golf, including Shane Lowry, Seamus Power, Leona Maguire, and Stephanie Meadow. Irish golfers who are in the early stages of their professional careers benefit from the financial, coaching and service supports which are necessary to take the next step and establish themselves on the major tours.”
Golf Ireland CEO Mark Kennelly has highlighted the importance of the continued collaboration between Golf Ireland and Sport Ireland. "This partnership signifies a shared commitment to the growth and development of golf in Ireland. The funding provided will be instrumental in helping these talented golfers compete at the highest level and inspiring future generations," said Kennelly.
Sport Ireland provides significant investment for professional golf tournaments in Ireland including Men’s Irish Open, Women’s Irish Open, Irish Challenge and the Irish Legends events. The increased funding from Sport Ireland is strategically important for professional players who can compete at these levels.
Sport Ireland has provided funding to the Golf Ireland Professional Scheme since 1999. The scheme gives players: direct funding; European Challenge Tour starts; coaching expertise; access to Golf Ireland’s National Academy and Quinta do Lago training base; and access to the Sport Ireland Institute.
Article Link: More money for fewer players; Golf Ireland scheme hands out €325,00 to just seven golfers - News - Irish Golf Desk