Big three for Ballybunion

Ballybunion, fresh from playing host to Bill Clinton, will soon play the same role for three clubs: Valderrama, Pine Valley and Castle Pines of Colorado. The clubs will join Ballybunion in the Ramsome Trophy from September 8th to 10th. Ernest L Ransome III was the president of Pine Valley Golf Club from 1977 to 1988 and during that time his efforts to help stimulate interest in the Ballybunion Overseas Membership created a lasting bond between Pine Valley and Ballybunion Golf Club. To honour his dedication and hard work both as president of Pine Valley and on behalf of Ballybunion, the Ransome Tournament was founded. The tournament is held bi-annually, with each club inviting one other club to make up the four teams for the competition. The inaugural event was held in Ballybunion in 1989 and was won by the home side. This year Ballybunion will be captained by Brian McCarthy. Pine Valley's captain is Mel Dickenson while Valderrama will be led by Felipi Ortiz Patino and Castle Pines by Jack Vickers.