Two of Ireland's finest parkland courses have been chosen to play host to important women's amateur championships for the first time.

Malone Golf Club, near Belfast, will stage the Senior British Amateur Championship in September next year, while Carlow Golf Club will be the venue for the Home International championships in 2001. Additionally, Royal Co Down will be the venue for the British Women's Strokeplay championship in 2000.

The announcements were made last night by the Ladies' Golf Union (LGU) and include the nomination of Royal Birkdale - this year's venue for the British Open - to play host to the British Open Amateur Championship next year. It will be the third time for this championship to be played at the Southport links.

"We have planned the calendar through to 2001 and have chosen outstanding venues for our events," said Julie Hall, secretary of the LGU. "All the clubs have been most co-operative and we have been delighted with their positive response to our requests to give over their courses for the duration of the championships."