For an event that only made its debut last year, the Mitsubishi Motors/The Irish Times Ladies Masters hasn't taken long to steer its way into the women's golfing calendar. Now in its second year, the competition - open to all clubs affiliated to the ILGU - is already established as one of the most competitive in the country.

Part of its great appeal is that it is open to all handicap players, which means that any woman player - who participates in her own club's designated qualifying round - has an opportunity to compete at provincial level and then, possibly, national level.

"Not only did last year's inaugural Mitsubishi Motors/The Irish Times Ladies Masters attract large numbers, but the standard of golf was extremely high. Hopefully, this year's competition will uncover some otherwise hidden talent," said Paddy Murphy, managing director of Mitsubishi Motors in launching the 2000 version of the competition.

This year's event will again take the form of a singles stableford competition with ILGU-affiliated clubs requested to stage their own qualifying round during the months of June and July. The top 40 scores from each province will go through to the provincial finals at Glasson Golf Club on August 24th, with the top seven players (from each province) progressing to the national grand final which will be staged at Mount Juliet on September 15th.

Following the final, the players will be invited to a gala dinner and an overnight stay in Mount Juliet.

Christy O'Connor Jnr, the current British Seniors Open champion and one of the top players on the US Seniors Tour, will be on hand at various stages of the competition to offer advice and tips to participants.

Entry forms for this year's competition have been distributed to club secretaries in all ILGU-affiliated clubs. For further details, club organisers can contact Maeve Governey at 01-6607395.