Another new tournament comes to Irish Golf in August with the staging of the Inaugural North West Open. It will take in some of the finest courses in the North and North West of the country with Slieve Russell, Lough Erne and both courses at Ballyliffin capping off a fantastic four days golf and I’m sure the craic will be mighty as well! The format will be fairly straightforward, it’s Pairs with Betterball scoring – 1 score to count on holes 1-17 and both scores to count on 18 for all four days.

Day 1, Wednesday 28th August 2013

The first day’s play takes the teams to Slieve Russell in Cavan where they will also overnight at the lovely hotel. If you need a warm up before golf there is also a beautiful par-3 course on-site here.

Day 2, Thursday 29th August 2013

Follow in the footsteps of McIlroy, Faldo and Obama by taking on the Lough Erne course on the second day. One of the most picturesque courses in the country and receive rave reviews this will undoubtedly be a treat for the golfers. Similar to Day 1, there is accommodation on-site in the 5-star Golf Lodges. Fergal Purcell, hotel GM, and his staff will definitely take great care of ye and the view from the Clubhouse after golf is tough to better!

Day 3, Friday 30th August

Beautiful Ballyliffin plays host to the competitors for the final 2 rounds of the tournament with the Old Course providing the test for the third round. Ballyliffin is truly one of the best links resorts in Ireland and both courses are favourites of mine, having played the course in some of the worst golfing weather ever that is saying something! Accommodation in Ballyliffin Hotel and a 3-course meal included in the tournament package are to be looked forward to after play on Day 3.

Day 4, Saturday 31st August

The final day’s play takes place on the Glashedy Links. The teams will enjoy another truly superb links course as they battle it out to become the Inaugural North West Open Champions! There will be a Prize-giving Ceremony after the day’s play with many prizes on offer including 2 x Powacaddy Trolleys, 2 x TaylorMade R1 Drivers, Druh Belts and Callaway Golf Bags. If you make it to bed after the nights festivities then accommodation will be at Ballyliffin Hotel once more!

A fabulous four days of golf on some of Ireland’s best courses, a competitive atmosphere with one of your golfing buddies and four nights of great craic – what more can you ask for? As mentioned above, the dates for the tournament are Wednesday 28th – Saturday 31st August. The official charity for the event is Action Cancer (@actioncancer ) and the lads at the North West Open are hoping to raise some funding along with supporting and raising awareness for the wonderful charity. If you have any queries please email northwestopen@gmail.com or tweet the guys on @northwestopen . I wouldn’t wait too long though, they only have a few team places left!