Fota hosts Audi Cork Irish Masters

The 888poker.com PGA EuroPro Tour returns to Fota Island Resort this July for the second Audi Cork Irish Masters. After the unqualified success of the 2011 event, the EuroPro will be back at Fota Island Resort between 4 and 6 July this year.

Fota Island Resort, twice host to the Irish Open, has three championship golf courses, of which The Belvelly is one, which hosted last year’s event, and The Deerpark is another, where this year’s 888poker.com PGA EuroPro Tour is being held.

A par 71, 6927-yard course which hosted the Irish Open in 2001 and 2002, The Deerpark at Fota Island Resort, with its receptive greens and strategic bunkering, impresses even the most experienced professionals. The Deerpark course also has one of Ireland’s most famously picturesque golf holes, the lovely 18th island green, a par 5, narrow tree-lined tee shot to the top of the hill and on to the island green in front of the club house.

This hole was chosen by Padraig Harrington as his favourite 18th hole. He said: "I don't think you can get a more beautiful golf hole, the setting is gorgeous, you get to the top of the hill and it is all presented to you, the clubhouse, the lake, mature trees, bunkers, shrubs - magnificent. And doesn't everybody like being faced with a downhill shot to a big green!”

“There is little doubt that Fota Island Resort provides one of the best courses on the 888poker.com PGA EuroPro Tour,” says Danny Nickless, Operations Manager for the 888poker.com PGA EuroPro Tour. “Last season’s event on The Belvelly was incredibly successful and Fota Island Resort proved a big hit with the players. Fota Island Resort will again provide a challenging, scenic and exciting test for our players on The Deerpark this year, and we're sure they will relish returning to the venue in July."

A representative from Audi Cork said: “Audi Cork is proud to continue our sponsorship of the Irish Masters at Fota Island Resort. After the huge success and positive feedback from last year’s event, here at Audi Cork we are more than happy to support this prestigious event in the county, and are looking forward to another hugely successful tournament.”

Paul Reed claimed the £10,000 winner’s cheque when Fota Island Resort made its debut on the Tour last summer, and a field of 168 players will take part in the three-day Audi Cork Irish Masters this year, all no doubt eager to follow in his footsteps! With all golfers playing two rounds, a cut is then made and the top 50 players plus ties progress to the decisive final day.

The event will be filmed for a two-hour highlights show to be broadcast on Sky Sports, and many supporters and golf fans are expected to visit the five star venue on the outskirts of Cork to enjoy the spectacle. Entry for spectators is free. Visit fotaisland.ie for more information