Rosses Point, County Sligo, Ireland – Golf’s amateur elite are set to face a thrilling new challenge when County Sligo Golf Club hosts the 102nd Connolly Motor Group-sponsored West of Ireland Championship from 3–7 April 2026.
Known globally as one of Ireland’s most demanding links tests, the Colt-designed Championship Course has undergone a comprehensive renovation that promises to elevate the strategic and aesthetic qualities of the iconic layout.
Transformation by Mackenzie & Ebert
Internationally renowned architects Mackenzie & Ebert have been leading a multi-phase masterplan to refine County Sligo’s Championship Course — enhancing traditional links character while introducing thoughtful strategic elements appropriate for modern championship golf.
Unanimously approved by the membership in 2024, the revisions marry sustainability, playability and historic Colt inspiration.
Colin Starrett, Head Professional, County Sligo Golf Club said, “As we look ahead to the West of Ireland Championship, there’s a real sense of pride around the club in the work that’s been done. Every change was a chance to let the course be what it has always been, a true links test sitting naturally in its landscape. It provides a challenge to golfers at every level, from the club player to the elite amateurs playing here in a few weeks’ time.
Since last year’s championship, the standout changes have come at the third and 12th greens, along with their surrounds. The third green has been slightly raised and reshaped to give it greater visual and strategic presence, while the 12th now sits on the very edge of the course, creating a natural “infinity” effect into the surrounding landscape, a change that we believe will be talked about for years to come.
These changes are really about enjoyment and playability. We wanted to make sure the everyday golfer finds the course more playable and rewarding, while the elite amateurs are still asked the right questions. It’s been a thoughtful process and we’re proud to showcase the results.”
Key course changes for 2026 include:
• Unified bunker strategy: The bunkering has been rationalised from 84 to 71, with 31 removed and 18 new or reshaped to embrace a consistent “rough-edged” style that fits more naturally into the landscape while reinforcing strategic challenge
• Refined fairways & run-offs: Fairway lines have been subtly adjusted on several holes to encourage strategic thinking off the tee, while expanded run-off areas around greens reward precise placement and recovery.
• Green and tee enhancements: Multiple enlarged or recontoured greens increase variety and complexity of pin positions, and new tee boxes, notably on the 5 th , offer fresh angles and lengths to key holes.
These improvements, carried out in partnership with DAR Golf Construction and the Club’s own greens team, have been thoughtfully timed to coincide with the Championship, ensuring players experience the fresh contours and strategic refinements at their best.
A Championship With History and Future
The West of Ireland Championship remains one of Ireland’s oldest and most prestigious amateur golf events, a proving ground for future stars and a celebrated highlight of the Irish golfing calendar. With the course’s updates now complete for the tournament, 138-strong fields will compete in a 36-hole qualifier followed by match play culminating in a final on
Tuesday afternoon.
Connolly Motor Group Sponsorship Extended
Supporting the event again, Connolly Motor Group have extended their sponsorship through 2027, underscoring their commitment to regional sport and community engagement.
David O’ Donovan, General Manager, County Sligo Golf Club said, “The Connolly Motor Group sponsored West of Ireland Championship was launched today at Co. Sligo Golf Club. The launch was attended by Club Officers, Golf Ireland
representatives and members of the Sales team from Connolly Motor Group.
This year’s competitors will see some major changes to the Championship Links under the watching brief of renowned architects Mackenzie & Ebert with the recently remodelled 3rd Green and totally new 12th Green complex adding length and bunker challenges to the approach.
These changes will create a stern test for the Championship field. This year’s event takes place from April 3rd to April 7th.”
As County Sligo’s links continues to evolve, the 2026 West of Ireland Championship will offer both returning competitors and newcomers a renewed test of links golf, where strategy, resilience and skill will be rewarded across every dune-ridden fairway and subtle green complex.