Twins struggle in California

Lisa and Leona Maguire struggled for Duke University in the second round of the 54-hole Northrop Grumman Challenge at a windy Palos Verdes in California.

In their first event of 2015, the Cavan twins got off to mixed starts with Leona opening with a superb one under 70 to share seventh as Lisa shot 78 to leave Duke fourth in the team standings behind Baylor.  Scores

However, it was far tougher going on day two and the team struggled in windy conditions to a 25-over 309 total on Monday to drop to 10th overall.

Leona and Lisa carded rounds of 81 and 82 respectively as sophomore Sandy Choi posted a two-over-par, 73 to share 10th overall on two over 144 with Tuesday’s final round remaining.  

Celine Boutier of France shot 77 to be 35th overall on 151 as freshman Gurbani Singh registered a 78.  Playing as an individual, junior Yi Xiao fired a six-over-, 77.

UCLA’s Bronte Law and Baylor’s Hayley Davis lead on five under 137 with Leona tied 35th on 10 over 151 and Lisa 82nd on 19 over 161.

Mr Dunne and Mr Jones

Greystones' Paul Dunne finished tied for 11th in the recent Jones Cup Invitational at Ocean Forest Golf Club in Sea Island, Georgia.

One of five Irish players recently named on the Great Britain and Ireland's initial Waker Cup squad, Dunne posted rounds of  76, 73 and 73 to finish six strokes behind Texas' Austin Connelly on six over par.

Connelly, who hails Irving, came from seven shots back on the final day to win in a playoff over second round leader Kyle Jones. Final scores

Connelly, who lost in a playoff to fellow Canadian Corey Conners a year ago, recorded six birdies en route to a closing 68 and a share of the lead with Jones after regulation. After both players made par on the opening playoff hole, Connelly went on to make a 15 foot birdie putt on the second for the win. 

Browne's back

Former European Tour and Challenge Tour player Stephen Browne has joined Leinster Golf as a selector.

The men and women at Carton House are excited to have the 2001 European Individual Amateur champion, a winner of the 2004 Norwegian Challenge and 2005 Kazakhstan Open on the Challenge Tour, join them in the field this year.

Browne has been reinstated as an amateur and competed for Hermitage in the Senior Cup and Barton Shield last year. He also played in the East of Ireland Championship at County Louth, making the cut with two shots to spare.

LGU seeks 2020 Curtis Cup venue

The 39th Curtis Cup will be played at Dun Laoghaire in 2016 but the Ladies Golf Union is already seeking a venue for the 2020 matches.

Golf clubs who would like to be considered as hosts for the prestigious three-day match in June of that year are now invited by the LGU to express a written interest by 31st March 2015. In early May 2015, those clubs who have expressed an interest will be sent a pro-forma which should be completed and returned to the LGU by 31st July 2015. 

If they wish, clubs may, at this time, supply any additional documentation in support of their bid. In August, the LGU Board will consider all the bids and draw up a short list. A delegation from the LGU will then visit each of the short listed venues to assess the facilities and course.

The chosen venue will be confirmed in February 2016 and the key officials of the chosen host club will be invited to attend the 39th Curtis Cup match at Dun Laoghaire Golf Club, Ireland in June 2016. The formal announcement of the 2020 venue will be made after the conclusion of the 2016 match.

Home venues for Curtis Cup matches

1932 Wentworth.

1936 Gleneagles

1948 Royal Birkdale

1952 Muirfield

1956 Prince's

1960 Lindrick

1964 Royal Porthcawl

1968 Royal Co. Down

1972 Western Gailes

1976 Royal Lytham & St Anne's

1980 St Pierre

1984 Muirfield

1988 Royal St George's

1992 Royal Liverpool

1996 Killarney

2000 Ganton

2004 Formby

2008 St Andrews

2012 Nairn

2016 Dun Laoghaire

To note your club’s interest or for further information, please contact:

• Susan Simpson

• Head of Golf Operations

• LGU Championships Ltd

• The Scores, St Andrews

• Fife. KY16 9AT

• Email :  championships@lgu.org