As anticipation builds for the inaugural Women’s Irish Challenge at Malahide, Ciarra Noonan of ForeFront Communications sat down with Golf Ireland’s High Performance Director & National Coach, Neil Manchip, to discuss what this landmark event means for women’s golf in the country.
Following the success of the Men’s Irish Challenge, the first-ever staging of the women’s equivalent marks another important step in showcasing homegrown talent on an international stage.
From the opportunities it creates for emerging Irish professionals and amateurs, to its place within the broader pathway to the Ladies European Tour, Neil shared his insights on why this tournament is such a significant milestone for Irish golf and how it could inspire the next generation.
CN: Neil, following the success of the Men’s Irish Challenge, what does it mean for Irish golf to be hosting the first-ever Women’s Irish Challenge?
NM: It’s a hugely significant week for women’s golf in Ireland, and we’re delighted to see the first Women’s Irish Challenge taking place at Malahide. Having 15 Irish players in the field is a real statement about the depth of talent coming through, and giving them the chance to compete on home soil makes the occasion even more special.
How important is it that Ireland is now part of the LET Access Series schedule?
It’s very important. As the saying goes, “if you can’t see it, you can’t be it.” On the back of the KPMG Women’s Irish Open earlier this summer, this event is another opportunity for young girls to watch some of the rising stars of the game at close quarters. It’s also a real boost for our own players, who now have another international event at home to test themselves and build experience.
Do you see this event as a natural progression following the growth of the KPMG Women’s Irish Open?
Yes, absolutely. At Carton House earlier this summer, we had 16 Irish players in the field. The Women’s Irish Challenge continues that momentum, giving players another competitive opportunity and helping to strengthen the pathway from domestic amateur golf to the professional stage.
What kind of opportunity does the Women’s Irish Challenge provide for emerging Irish professionals and amateurs?
The Women’s Irish Challenge gives these players a platform to compete in a strong international field and measure themselves against some of the best emerging golfers in Europe. It’s a vital experience, allowing them to learn what it takes to succeed at the professional level, while showcasing their talent in front of home supporters.
How significant is it for players to compete on home soil against international opposition at this early stage of their careers?
Competing at home carries an extra sense of pride and motivation. It allows players to perform in front of family, friends, and the Irish golfing public, while also testing themselves against international opposition. These early opportunities are essential in preparing them for the demands of a professional career.
The LET Access Series is considered the pathway to the Ladies European Tour — how crucial is this stepping stone for young players in Ireland? We have seen it with the men’s and now we get to see it with the women’s.
It’s a vital stepping stone. We’ve seen the impact of the Men’s Challenge Tour, with Conor Purcell winning at Galgorm Castle last year and now competing on the DP World Tour. On the women’s side, Lauren Walsh has made a strong start on the LET, while Sara Byrne, Anna Foster and Annabel Wilson all earned their tour cards last year, with Canice Screene also securing status. Having LET Access events in Ireland gives the next generation of players the chance to build their careers closer to home.
How does Golf Ireland see this event fitting into the broader development pathway for women’s golf nationally?
Golf Ireland has worked to create a clear pathway for players at every stage of their development. It starts at club level, moves through our performance pathway, and ultimately provides opportunities to represent Ireland internationally and progress onto the professional pathway and the various tours. The Women’s Irish Challenge is an important part of that structure, offering valuable competitive experience within the professional environment.
Do you believe this will inspire more young girls in Ireland to take up golf seriously?
Yes, without question. The visibility of Irish players competing in an international professional event at home is hugely powerful. It helps to show young girls that there is a clear route from starting at their local club to playing on a stage like this. Participation is the key, while events such as the Women’s Irish Challenge can play a big role in inspiring the next generation.
Golf Ireland’s High Performance Director & National Coach, Neil Manchip
As Manchip highlighted, the combination of homegrown talent, international competition, and a clear pathway to the professional game ensures the Women’s Irish Challenge will have a lasting impact. For the players teeing it up at Malahide and the young girls watching from the sidelines, this event is a sure sign that the future of Irish women’s golf is brighter than ever.
The Women’s Irish Challenge takes place from the 27 – 29 August at Malahide Golf Club and tickets can be purchased at the gate or directly on the tournament website www.womensirishchallenge.ie
