One of the most progressive golf clubs in the south east, Enniscorthy, are set to further embellish their reputation, through the Bank of Ireland Enniscorthy Pro-Am on July 8th.

It is a first venture of this nature for the club, first affiliated to the GUI in 1925, whose development both on and off course has accelerated appreciably in the last two decades. They opened the existing clubhouse in 1977 and in 1989 bought new land to increase the number of holes from nine to 18. The new nine was officially opened on May 6th, 1990.

This year is a special landmark in Wexford history, marking the bi-centenary of the battles of Vinegar Hill, Boolavogue and Oulart to mention but a few, and it is therefore appropriate that Enniscorthy create its own little bit of history. Five days before the Tour de France cycle race arrives in the town, 44 teams of four golfers, backboned by a PGA tour professional, will take on the beautifully manicured and demanding Enniscorthy course from the back tees. The competitors are guaranteed a golfing treat on this picturesque parkland layout.

The Pro-Am is largely the idea of club captain Neville Tector, who decided that the golf club would make a special contribution to those commemorations. Newly-appointed professional Martin Sludds, in his first year at the club, has been a central figure in the preparations.

Michael McCumiskey, Secretary of the PGA Irish Region, enthused: "We are delighted that Enniscorthy have chosen to host this event and are looking forward to the day in question. I would like to pay tribute to the officers and council of Enniscorthy in facilitating the staging of the ProAm."

Bank of Ireland are the main sponsors but the club are also grateful to J Donohue Motors who have offered a special prize of a BMW 316 for the professionals if they manage a hole-in-one at the par three sixth. A set of Maxfli golf clubs will be offered to an amateur who manages a hole-in-one at any of the par threes.