Irish teams named for World Amateur Team Championships in Abu Dhabi

Alex Maguire has been one of Ireland's standout players this year. Photo: David Lloyd / Golffile.

R&A Amateur Series winner Alex Maguire will look to end his phenomenal season on a high at the Eisenhower Trophy as Ireland sends a strong team to the World Amateur Team Championships in Abu Dhabi later this month. 

The Laytown & Bettystown clubman will be joined by fellow Walker Cup stars Matt McClean (Malone) and Liam Nolan (Galway) in the UAE, while the Irish selectors have also selected a quality trio for the Espirito Santo Trophy.  

Beth Coulter has continued her fine form in 2023. Photo: Thos Caffrey / Golffile

Beth Coulter (Kirkistown Castle) continued her upward trajectory this summer and was the leading stroke play qualifier at the Women’s Amateur Championship. She will be backed by the AIG Irish Close champion Sara Byrne (Douglas) who recently won the low amateur at the KPMG Women’s Irish Open and US Women’s Open sensation, Áine Donegan (Lahinch).

The WATC was originally set for Dubai but they have moved to the National Course at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club with the Eisenhower Trophy taking place between 18 and 21 October and the Espirito Santo Trophy on the following week, 25 to 28 October. 

Ireland’s most recent success in the championships came in 2016 in Mexico when the men’s team of Stuart Grehan, Jack Hume and Paul McBride finished tied third with Leona Maguire, Olivia Mehaffey and Annabel Wilson also teaming up for a bronze with the women that year. 

Eisenhower Trophy  

• Alex Maguire (Laytown & Bettystown) 

• Matthew McClean (Malone) 

• Liam Nolan (Galway) 

 Captain, Niall MacSweeney (Athenry), Coach, Michael Collins 

Espirito Santo Trophy  

• Sara Byrne (Douglas) 

• Beth Coulter (Kirkistown Castle) 

• Aine Donegan (Lahinch) 

 Captain, Naoimh Quigg (City of Derry); Coach, Donal Scott.