GMAC and McIlroy Play the Bridgestone

Ernie Els and World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational champion Adam Scott  highlight a strong field of contenders when the best players from across the globe come to Firestone Country Club, August 1-5. 

Ten more players, led by Graeme McDowell, also punched their tickets to Akron after cracking the top 50 in the Official World Golf Ranking. Only a win this week at the RBC Canadian Open, or moving into the top 50 in the world, will earn a player a last-minute spot in the Bridgestone Invitational field.

Els' second career win at the British Open came after shooting a 32 on the back nine which included a clutch birdie on the 18th hole. Els entered the final round trailing Scott, his good friend, by six strokes. Scott bogeyed the final four holes to lose by one stroke despite having a comfortable lead throughout most of the day. Els has qualified for all 12 of the previous Bridgestone Invitational events, sitting out in 2005 due to injury. His best finish came in the inaugural event in 1999, when he finished 5th. 

He has two career World Golf Championships victories, both at the Cadillac Championship (2004, 2010).

Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell headlines a group of nine players from the top 50 in the Official World Golf Ranking, not otherwise qualified, who gained entry to the Bridgestone Invitational following this weekend's action. McDowell, No. 11 after a T5 at last week's British Open, has four top-10 finishes on the PGA TOUR this year, including a T2 at the U.S. Open. McDowell will play the Bridgestone Invitational for the seventh time, looking to better his career-best finish in Akron, a T22 in 2010.

Other players who qualified via their Official World Golf Ranking:

There are 77 players from 16 countries who have qualified for this year's event. Players who moved into the top 50 in the World Golf Ranking this week or the winner of the RBC Canadian Open will complete the field.

Padraig Harrington, outside the world top 50,  has opted to play the Reno-Tahoe Open Montreux G&CC, Reno, Nevada.

Killeen Ready for Ladies Invasion

This week Norway’s Suzann Pettersen returns to the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at Killeen Castle, County Meath to defend her title as Ladies Irish Open Champion. Teeing off on 3rd August, world no. 6, Pettersen will be joined by a selection of the world’s best female golfers as they battle it out in the quest to win one of the most prestigious competitions on the Ladies European Tour. 

Taking to the field in what is set to be one of the most competitive line-ups of the tour this season are four-time Irish Open Champion Sophie Gustafson and golfing legends Laura Davies and Karen Stupples as well as Solheim Cup Star England’s Melissa Reid.

The Ladies Irish Open supported by Fáilte Ireland takes place from the 3rd – 5th August at Killeen Castle, Dunsany, Co. Meath. Large crowds are expected to attend the event which is now one of the biggest events on the Ladies European Tour with a prize fund of €350,000.

Irish spectators will have plenty to cheer about with a wealth of home grown talent on show including Ireland’s top player, Rebecca Codd, recently turned professional, Danielle McVeigh from County Down, Carlow’s Tara Delaney and Dublin’s Martina Gillen. The sensational amateur twins, Leona & Lisa Maguire aged 17, jointly named Women’s Amateur of the Year at the AIB Irish Golf Writers’ awards for 2011, will also compete against the world’s best professionals.

Tournament Director, Roddy Carr commented, “I would encourage people of all ages to take this opportunity to watch some of the world’s best golfers compete in one of the finest golfing venues in Ireland. I am delighted that such a strong international field will compete in this year’s Ladies Irish Open and I am particularly pleased that so many of the victorious European Solheim Cup players will return to Killeen Castle, where they enjoyed one of the most dramatic wins over the USA in Solheim Cup history.”

Along with the top-class golf, there will be plenty entertainment for all including live music each day and a dedicated Kidzone and Junior Golf area. There will be a traditional Farmer’s Market which will provide a variety of delicious culinary delights and treats including The Thai BBQ, Tasty Land Asian Noodle Bar, Jarek’s Kitchen and for a more traditional option Gran Clarks Bakery will serve up tart’s, bracks and muffins.

www.ladiesirishopen.ie.