Ireland claim fifth TGI Partnership Trophy in association with Callaway, Callaway Apparel & TravisMathew.
Ireland claimed an impressive fifth Partnership Trophy win this week at the exclusive JCB Golf & Country Club in Staffordshire.
The event, held in association with Callaway, Callaway Apparel and TravisMathew pitches teams of eight Partners from Scotland, England & Wales and Ireland against each other in a Ryder Cup style event, with fourballs and singles matches.
The Irish fought off defending champions, Scotland and England & Wales to win by a margin of four-and-a-half points.
Ireland were in a strong position after the fourballs going into day two’s singles matches with a six point lead over both opponents.
The boys from the Emerald Isle had more to celebrate after day one than just being the front runners though, with David Hughes of Massereene Golf Club bagging a hole in one on the ninth.
It was all to play for in the singles but with their early lead, Ireland were aways going to be hard to catch and finished the day with a total of 24 points, four-and-a-half ahead of Scotland with England a further three behind.
All teams had an additional opponent on day two in the form of the weather with heavy rain coming in sideways and low temperatures. However, there was some great golf played with the best score of the day, an impressive 68 from both Scotland’s Callum Nicoll (Fairmont St Andrews) and Ed Goodwin (Lilley Brook) of England & Wales, which netted them 40 stableford points each.
The event brought together 24 Partners from across the home nations of TGI Golf to spend three days at the JCB Golf & Country Club. All Partners were kitted out in team uniforms supplied by Callaway Apparel and TravisMathew, as well as team bags, caps and golf balls supplied by Callaway.
Greg Pearse, Callaway Golf Europe Commercial Director said: “The success of the TGI Partnership Trophy mirrors the strength of our relationship with TGI Golf.
"It's the 8th year in a row and for us the final itself showcases the best in golf while fostering the camaraderie and collaboration that perfectly align with our values.
"It also reinforces our commitment to supporting professionals in the golf industry through competitive events and fostering strong professional networks."
Adele McLean - Managing Director, TGI Golf added: "We have had a fantastic few days at the JCB Golf & Country Club with some great golf being played by our Partners in what were, at times, challenging weather conditions.
"Congratulations to Team Ireland on their fifth Partnership Trophy win and a huge thank you to our sponsors Callaway, Callaway Apparel and TravisMathew. I’d also like to thank all at the JCB Club who looked after us so well.
"The atmosphere around the event has been great, the perfect balance between competition and friendly rivalry with Partners from all teams enjoying both the golf and the social element over the three days. It really does reflect the spirit of the Partnership."
The winning Irish team, captained by Retail Consultant Peter Smyth was:
Back L-R: James Quinlivan (Mullingar), David Hughes (Massereene), David Barry (Douglas), Jimmy Bolger (Kilkenny)
Front L-R: Brian McCormack (Tullamore), Damien McGrane (Carlow), Peter Smyth (Captain, TGI), Paul Eivers (Cahir Park), Brendan McGovern (Headfort)
Scotland with Retail Consultant, Ricky Gray at the helm was made up of:
Back L -R: Michael Brooks (Pumpherston), David Patrick (Bruntsfield Links), Chris Robinson (Portpatrick Dunskey), Callum Nicoll (Fairmont St Andrews)
Front L-R: Michael Kanev (Aberdour), Graeme McDougall (The Bishopbriggs), Ricky Gray (Captain, TGI), Stephen Gray (Easter Moffat), Andy Fullen (Largs)
England & Wales, who were skippered by Retail Consultant Simon Keeling were:
Back L -R: Cameron Clark (Moor Hall), Sam Smitherman (Royal Cinque Ports), Mike Bradley (Notts), Andrew Butterfield (Knole Park)
Front L-R: Ed Goodwin (Lilley Brook), Jack Frances (Hadley Wood), Simon Keeling (Captain, TGI) Chris Wyatt (Tiverton), David Mee (Longcliffe)
