Golf - 2002 Murphy's Irish Open

Golf - 17 yr old Amateur receives invite to play in the 2002 Murphy's Irish Open

Farren Keenan the 17 year old + 3 handicap & England International from Royal Mid Surrey GC, has received a sponsor's invitation to play as an Amateur in the 2002 Murphy's Irish Open.

Paddy Rossi the event manager for the Murphy's Irish Open said
" On behalf of Murphy's & Heineken Ireland, I am delighted to offer this opportunity to Farren his achievements to date are an indication of his great potential and we look forward to the great experience he will receive in playing in the National Championship, the Murphy's Irish Open".

The Murphys Irish Open commands national and international praise as a great sporting and social occasion. This year, the event returns to Fota Island, Cork from June 27th to June 30th 2002.

A further accolade was received when Sky Sports (U.K.) golf commentator, Ewen Murray, named Fota Island as "Golf Course of the Year on the PGA European Tour".
"Fota Island made its debut as a venue on the PGA European Tour...and what an entry! A stunning course, knowledgeable galleries and Monty's return to winning ways...the Irish Open had it all." (Ewen Murray, Sky Sports)

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In 1993, a new course was developed at Fota Island. It was designed by Irish Ryder Cup star, Christy O'Connor, Jr. and twice English Amateur Champion, Peter McEvoy. While essentially a resort course, it hosted a number of tournaments, including the Irish Club Professional Championship, the Irish PGA Championship and no fewer than three Irish Amateur Opens.

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Farren Keenan a + 3 handicap from Royal Mid Surrey GC has impressed
England's number one amateur golfer Gary Wolstenholme after playing with
the England Under 18's International last Month in the Hampshire Hog at North Hants GC.

They were paired together in the final group and the 41 year old Director of
Golf at Kilworth Springs was very impressed with Keenan's round of 4 under
par, the veteran of four Walker Cups told the Surrey Magazine Fairway to Green
"I had never seen Farren play before today, and I have to say I was very impressed,
we have some great young players coming through and it fills me with great optimism
that England can continue to be a dominant force in World Golf ".

Keenan's wins todate include The Volvo Junior Masters,
The Mauritius Amateur Open & Surrey County Un 18's Championship.

Representing England in last years Home Internationals he achieved a 100%
6 out of 6 wins, a score never previously obtained & is the only player from GB & I,
selected to play for Europe in the Junior Ryder Cup V USA this September
at the K Club in Eire, prior to which he will be representing England Under 18's
in the Junior Golf World Cup in Japan, The European Championships
in Iceland, & The Home Internationals in Scotland.

He recently finished 2nd in the World's top Amateur Strokeplay
tournament, The St Andrew's Links Trophy.

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