GOLF: Two club golfers from Suffolk have competed in Ireland in the largest competition of its kind in the world – but just missed the boat to the grand final.

GOLF

TWO club golfers from Suffolk have competed in Ireland in the largest competition of its kind in the world – but just missed the boat to the grand final.

Brothers Tommy and Charles Phillips from Ufford Park Golf Club competed in the second semi-final of the International Pairs golf tournament held at the magnificent Citywest golf resort just outside Dublin.

But they just failed to make the cut which would have seen them progress to the grand final which will be held again in Southern Ireland in October.

All competitors at the semi-final won the International Pairs event held at their home club earlier this year.

As their prize the winners from each golf club's event head to Ireland to compete against golfers from across the UK and receive free travel, accommodation and their championship round of golf in Ireland.

More than 80 golfers assembled at the stunning Citywest complex just outside Dublin, which was designed by Christy O'Connor Jnr and has played host to the Irish Masters.

Several more semi-finals will be held in Ireland over the course of the summer before all those who have made the cut will play in the grand final at Mount Wolseley in October.

Club golfers with handicaps ranging from one to 28 from as far afield as Truro and Durham were hoping they could master the magnificent Citywest course – but a strong Irish wind made playing conditions on the par 70, 6,314 yard course treacherous.

The eventual qualifiers were from Old Thorns Golf Club in Hampshire (39 points), Kilnwick Percy Golf Club in East Yorkshire (39), Gathurst Golf Club in Lancashire (37), and Lofthouse Golf Club in West Yorkshire (37).

Tommy, playing off 19, and Charles, playing off 28, scored 22 points.

The International Pairs golf tournament is open to every affiliated golf club in the UK.

For details of how you can take part in the International Pairs and put yourself in with a chance of the greatest golfing experience of a lifetime contact the International Pairs event helpline on 02392 827000 for more information.