The Island chasing Challenge Tour event (and Irish Open?)
Challenge Tour officials were at The Island this week to discuss bringing the second tier circuit to the Donabate links from October 8-11. If the idea prospers, there's talk that they could consider a move for the 2016 Irish Open.
The Challenge Tour is believed to be seeking a six figure sum to stage the event and held positive talks with Fingal County Council. However, while the club will be expected to contribute to cost, the event will not impinge on its traditionally strong green fee generating months.
It remains to be seen if The Island will be willing to dip into its cash reserves or whether Fingal County Council can deliver the lion's share of the funds required, believed to be €100,000.
Galgorm Castle will stage the €170,000 Northern Ireland Open Challenge in Ballymena from August 6-8.
Developments on the Challenge Tour event are expected early next week.
As for the Irish Open, parking with local farmers and a bus service from Donabate train station to the course would be at the top of the list.
Add to that that the club manager, Maurice O'Meara, was heavily involved in staging the Irish Open at Killarney and the idea does not seem so outlandish given the access problems at Baltray and Portmarnock in the past.
