Ryder Cup legend Eamonn Darcy will collect the PGA in Ireland's Lifetime Achievement award when Druids Glen Hotel hosts the Golfer's Guide to Ireland PGA Awards in association with the PGA Benevolent Fund on December 10.

The event recognises the hard work and dedication of PGA in Ireland members who continue to drive the development of the game across the island of Ireland.

Seven award categories are up for grabs — 5-Star Professional, Coach of the Year, Development Award, Player of the Year, Trainee of the Year, Toby Sunderland Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award, which will go to Delany born Darcy (66).

The Wicklow man turned professional in 1968 and played on the European Tour from 1972, winning four European Tour tournaments. 

He finished in the top 20 on the Order of Merit nine times and made the top 100 as late as 1999, when he was 47.

He was a member Ryder Cup team on four occasions, playing a crucial role in the 1987 success at Muirfield Village, where he clinched the decisive point with a singles win over Ben Crenshaw.

Darcy was the long time professional attached to Delgany GC, later moving to Druids Glen, a venue he continues to represent.

“We’re delighted to be associated with Paddy McCarthy and the Golfer’s Guide to Ireland, which provides us with the opportunity to pay tribute to some of our members who have served the game so well,” said PGA in Ireland Regional Manager, Michael McCumiskey.

“We look forward to honouring them at Druids Glen Hotel and we hope that many more will join us on December 10th for an evening of celebration.

“The Golfers Guide to Ireland Magazine is now in its 28th year of production and is distributed widely through golf clubs and accommodation providers throughout the 32 counties,” said Paddy McCarthy, Publisher, Golfers Guide to Ireland.

“This year we are presenting our Golfers Guide to Ireland Awards in various different categories —  Best Value Links Courses, Best Value Golf Resorts, Best Parkland Courses, Best Hidden Gems, Best 9 Hole courses, Ireland Hidden Heartlands and Best Golf Restaurants.

“We are delighted to be combining with the PGA in December for what we hope will be a great  evening of celebration.”

Award winners on the day will walk award with prizes courtesy of Tipperary Crystal and Alken Wines.

“Alken Wines are pleased to be sponsoring the wines for the Awards Dinner and also to be working with golf clubs and resorts and the PGA in 2019,” said Adam Rogers Sales Director, Alken Wines.

A spokesperson for Tipperary Crystal added: “The team at Tipperary Crystal are delighted to be associated with this great event and look forward to working with golf clubs, and the PGA in 2019.”

The PGA Benevolent Fund was established at the founding of the Association back in 1901. The charity continues to assist members in hardship or distress and each year offers help and support in a number of ways. The Benevolent Fund remains an important element of The PGA’s work and is one of the nine principles in its Raising our Game project. 

Tables for 10 people are bookable although any number below that will be catered for on the night. The cost per person is €100 for Dinner. For further information or to reserve your place at the event, please contact michael.mccumiskey@pga.org.uk or gavin.kavanagh@gmail.com

For more information – contact Michael McCumiskey  00 353 (0)42 932 1193