Clinton is invited to return to Ballybunion

A reunion of one of the famous foursomes in Irish golf, which included the US President, Mr Bill Clinton, is planned for Ballybunion…

A reunion of one of the famous foursomes in Irish golf, which included the US President, Mr Bill Clinton, is planned for Ballybunion this summer.

The organisers of the Murphy's Irish Open Golf Championship have confirmed they have invited Mr Clinton to take part in the tournament pro-am to be held at the famous Kerry course at the end of June.

The organisers are hoping Mr Clinton will agree to play in the pro-am with the Minister for Finance, Mr McCreevy, the former Labour Party leader and Kerry TD, Mr Dick Spring, and the veteran Irish golfer, Mr Christy O'Connor snr.

The four - along with the then president of Ballybunion Golf Club, Mr Brian McCarthy - played a four-ball with President Clinton at the end of his visit to Ireland in September 1998.

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After the trip, Mr Clinton said he hoped he would return to Ireland and especially to Ballybunion for another round of golf.

A spokesman for the tournament organisers told The Irish Times that a joint invitation from Murphys and Ballybunion Golf Club was issued to President Clinton in the last two months.

"We have not had a response yet but obviously we would be delighted if he agreed to come and play," a spokeswoman said.

The Minister for Finance and Mr Spring confirmed yesterday that they have been invited to play at the pro-am.

On his last visit to Ballybunion, Mr Clinton went around the course on four shots over his handicap of 13.