Golfing round-up with  SHAY KEENAN

Murphy leads Leinster hunt for sixth interpro on the trot

LEINSTER will have their sights set on a sixth consecutive Women’s Interprovincial title when play begins at Enniscrone Golf Club tomorrow morning and runs through until Friday.

Leinster will field an experienced team led by Ireland internationals Aedin Murphy(Carlow) and Mary Dowling(New Ross), with Karen Delaney, Louise Mernaghand Ciara Butleradding further strength to their side.

Maria Dunne(Skerries), Sue Philips(Woodbrook) and Deirdre Smithalso make a welcome return to the eastern team.

Ulster, who last won the trophy in 1989, look likely to be the strongest challengers to Leinster for the title, with the northern side boasting a strong line-up as they can call on the talents of Leinster champion Charlene Reid(Royal Portrush), Ulster title-holder Victoria Bradshaw(Bangor) and Ulster Girls' champion Tara Gribben.

Niamh Kitchingfrom Claremorris leads a Connacht team which includes the Midland champion Sarah Faller(Galway) as they go in search of their first victory in the tournament.

Munster have a youthful-looking side and that young outfit will be led by newly capped international Sarah Cunninghamfrom Ennis, with Cork's Gillian O'Learyand Catherine Tucker(Limerick) adding some much needed experience to the southern outfit.

McElroy 12th in Young Masters

IRELAND'S Dermot McElroy, from Ballymena, finished a highly creditable 12th at the European Young Masters over the weekend as the Ireland team finished in 14th place overall.

The boys' title in the 54-hole event played at the Golf National Course in Paris was won by Jeroen Krietemeijerof The Netherlands on 213, three under par, with McElroy best of the Irish on four over after rounds of 74, 72 and 74.

Colm O'Sullivanfrom Fota Island was 34th overall, on 24 over par 240 after rounds of 84, 82 and 74.

In the girls' section, Holywood's Jessica Cartywas best of the two Irish competitors, finishing in 25th place behind winner Klara Spikova– who played some great golf and was an incredible 15 under par and 14 strokes ahead of the field. Carty had rounds of 77, 85 and 77 for 23 over par 239, while Paula Grant(Lisburn) was 35th on 248, 32 over par, after rounds of 87, 80 and 81.

In the team event – where three of four scores among the boys and girls are chosen – Ireland finished in 14th place behind Czech Republic, who were four shots clear of The Netherlands.

Last year Lisa Maguirewon this event, while Leonatied for second place and the Ireland team also finished second.

Lefties heading right for Palmerstown

THIS year’s National Championship for Ireland’s left-handers will be held at PGA National in the Palmerstown House on Sunday, August 16th (10am-1pm).

The superb course, completed in 2004, was designed by Christy O'Connor Jnr, and has staged a European Tour event and the Irish Senior's Open.

This is an 18-hole Stableford competition, played in three-balls, with an open draw for partners.

It is open to all male left-handed golfers with a GUI handicap. All shots must be played left-handed, no right-handed clubs may be carried.

The Bob Charles Trophy is awarded to the best gross, the National Trophy for the best nett and the Martin Quinlan Trophy to the best Senior (55 and over).

Guests, both men and women – even right-handers – are welcome to play.

Tee-times will be allotted as entries are received. Early entrants will get the tee-time they request.

In previous years, late times have proved popular and therefore are unlikely to be available to late entrants. The deadline for entry is Wednesday, August 5th.

The cost is € 75 for members, € 80 for guests.

Details and entry form available on www.left-handed-golfers.com or contact Jerry Bradleyon 087 2539124.

Delaney hits perfect pitch in Tralee

BRYAN Delaneyfrom the ESB Club proved a popular winner in the Senior Pitch and Putt Strokeplay Championship in Tralee with an outstanding score of 21-under-par 141. Fate had not been kind to the Tralee course which had been deluged by rain for much of last week and again suffered heavy rain on Saturday night.

To the great credit of the ground staff, the players were presented with a course in excellent condition, a fact borne out by the scoring.

In second place was John Walshfrom Collins on 143, and in third was Fermoy's John Cahillon 144 on the back 18 from Jonathan Goodall(Tralee), who garnered the last automatic qualifying place for the 2010 final.

The National Junior champion is Brian Cahillfrom Lakeside, who carded an impressive four-under-par 158 to win by five shots from Kieran Buckleyfrom Deerpark, second on the last 18 from Conor Slevin(Kilbeggan).

September date for Elmgreen classic

BUILDING on the success of last year’s event, Elmgreen Golf Club will hold their annual Classic on Friday, September 11th.

An 18-hole parkland course in Castleknock, Elmgreen was established in 1997 and is now a major feature on the sporting map in west Dublin.

The facility also boasts a driving range and an 18-hole pitch and putt course, and has three professionals available for lessons.

This important fund-raiser is an opportunity for local businesses and individuals to help in maintaining Elmgreen as an important local sports facility in the community.

Team entries and sponsorship of tee-boxes, greens or prize contributions will be warmly welcomed by the club.

For more information, contact the club administration office on 01-8234671 or online at info@.elmgreengolfclub.ie or through the club website www.elmgreengolfclub.ie.

New Birr course officially opens

A NEW chapter in the history of Birr begins on Sunday next with the opening of the town's new course, the first major development in over 100 years. To mark the occasion, the club is holding a Development Classic on Sunday and Monday. Entry is €200 per team of four. Contact (057) 9120082.

- LEINSTER ALLIANCE:The time sheet for the Leinster Alliance Irish Times Shield (team of four) at The Grange GC on Sunday, August 16th, is available with Michael Neary at 01-2827297 (9am-5pm).

- POWERSCOURT GCOpen Senior 55+ starts on August 24th. Cost is €60 per person – details from (01) 2046033.