Hoey faces quality opposition

Michael Hoey, the Irish Amateur Open strokeplay champion, sets out in chase of more silverware today when he competes in the Ulster Youths' Open championship at Belvoir Park.

The Shandon Park player will have some quality opposition, however, in his bid to claim a notable strokeplay double. In particular, two students at Toledo University may have something to say: Tim Rice, from Limerick, is the current holder of the Scottish Youths' Open, while Ricky Elliott, from Royal Portrush, won the Leinster Youths' Open.

There are 123 competitors in the field, including Christy O'Connor Junior's sons Darren and Nigel, representing Galway Bay, and Ballyliffin's Philip McLaughlin who is considered one of the brighest young prospects in Irish golf. Lee Dalton, Graeme McDowell, Mark Campbell and Gavin McNeill are among the other likely challengers. Incidentally, Campbell (Stackstown) and McDowell (Rathmore) have been selected to represent Ireland in the Belgian International Juniors which will be played at the Royal Golf Club de Belgique on August 25th-29th.

The tournament is limited to players under 21 on January 1st, 1998 with 80 competitors competing over 36 holes and the top 32 advancing to the matchplay stage. The top two players from each country will compete in the Nations Cup which is awarded to the country with the lowest aggregate score in the qualifying.

Tullamore's Ladies were celebrating last Thursday when the Midland Trophy returned to Tullamore for the first time since 1952 with an exciting victory over Castlecomer at the Heath. After a gap of 46 years, Tullamore saw off the challenges of Moate, Edenderry, Woodenbridge, Wicklow and Carlow to reach the final and Ann Crowley, the honorary secretary had cause for a double celebration as she was a member of the 1952 winning side. Tullamore just failed to record a double when they lost out to Wicklow 3-2 in the final of the Midland Region League at the Heath.