This past weekend saw the Irish International Open take place in Lough Owel, Mullingar, Co Westmeath. The event was severely curtailed due to the present Public Health guidelines as amongst the absentees for the event was defending Mens holder Damien Fleming of Deerpark.

There were two Kerry players to take part however in Castleisland duo Aidan O’Connor and John Fitzgerald. Aidan finished 27th overall in the main category with a score of one over par, 16 shots off the winning score of 15 under posted by Pat Malone from the Custume club in Athlone. John was eighth overall in the O55’s section with four over par, 11 shots off the winning score of seven under posted by Barry Morrissey from the Bishopstown club.

Friday night sees the places for Kerry to join Damien as defending National Mens Matchplay holder decided as there will be four spots on offer for the 24 players from the county entered. Play will get underway at 6.30pm with a timesheet released prior to Friday night’s event. As well as the public health guidelines, dress code will be enforced on the night.

In U16 news, Pitch & Putt Ireland have confirmed the deferment of the National U16 Strokeplay Championships due for this Saturday in Athgarvan, Co Kildare due to the Public Health guidelines in effect for the county. They are provisionally refixed for Saturday September 12th pending further public health advice for both region and country.

The Kerry U16 Matchplay Championships will take place on Saturday August 29th in Tralee meanwhile. Entry forms are currently with clubs and the categories this year are Boys 10-12 and Boys 13-15 and Girls. The Girls event will be a Round Robin while there will be Championship and Plate sections in the Boys grades guaranteeing all players at least two games. Forms must be returned to the board by next Wednesday night, August 26th.

The National Adult Strokeplay Qualifiers are fixed for Newmarket the following day on Sunday August 30th meanwhile, further details next week.