Ireland has stormed to a convincing victory in the 2014 AGW Home Internationals today on the Montgomerie Maxx Royal course at Belek in Turkey.
It is Ireland’s 10th victory in the competition and their first since 2009.
The Brian Keogh led Ireland team won all three matches against defending champions Scotland with Brian and Liam Spratt combining to hand out a 5 & 4 spanking to Scotland’s Jock MacVicar and John Huggan.
The match had been all square at one stage before Ireland sealed victory on the par three 14th hole.
Ireland – the winning 2014 AGW Home International side. Ivan Morris (right) is holding the new AGW Home International trophy presented by the Maxx Royal Hotel. As well, Turkish Airlines and the Maxx Royal Hotel presented Ivan with two return business class tickets and a 5-night stay at the hotel.
In the other two matches the Ireland team of Ivan Morris and Paul Kelly defeated Mike Aitken and Nick Rodger 2 &1 while it was a real nip and tuck tussle in the final match of the day.
The Ireland pairing of Gary Moran and Dennis Kirwan raced to 3up through five holes but after Scotland captain Martin Dempster brilliantly birdied the par three sixth hole it heralded a strong Tartan turnaround with Martin and Bernie McGuire heading to the 10th tee at 1up.
It was not to the final hole that Ireland sealed victory winning one hole to complete an Irish whitewash of the Home of Golf team.
Welsh captain Peter Corrigan speaking on behalf of his team who finished third in the 2014 AGW Home Internationals.
Ireland were worthy winners having won all three matches against Wales on day one whereas Scotland had been 2 & 1 winners over England.
And in the match to decide third place Peter Corrigan’s Welsh Wonders cruised to a three match victory over the Jim Mossop captained England Team.
It was a historic return for Peter as captain on the Welsh team having captained the side in the inaugural AGW Home Internationals in 1998.
A very special thank you to Fusun Ilkay of Turkish Airlines and the Maxx Royal Hotel for going overboard in hosting the 2014 AGW Home Internationals and to the management of the hotel in presenting the AGW with a stunning new trophy.
As well, a big thank you for Dave Facey for all his work in organizing the visit to Turkey.
AGW HOME INTERNATIONAL – VICTORY HONOR ROLL
Ireland – 1992, 1995, 2002 – 2004, 2006 – 2009, 2014 (10)
Scotland -1994, 1996, 1999 – 2001, 2012 (6)
Wales – 1997, 2005, 2010 (3)
England – 1993, 1998 (2)
A meeting with the owner of the magnificent Maxx Royal Hotel complex (right) and his Managing Director ahead of play on day two.
‘Bollinger’ – a champagne dog owned by Ben Lovett, Head Greenkeeper at the Montgomerie Maxx Royal course.
Scotland’s Martin Dempster and Bernie McGuire having just birdied the 6th hole.
Scotland captain Martin Dempster with Irish opponents Dennis Kirwan (middle) and Gary Moran.
Ireland’s Gary Moran and Dennis Kirwan on the 16th tee and this stage with the match all square.
An introduction to golf for Fusun Iklay of Turkish Airlines and a very huge thank you to her for arranging travel on Turkish Airlines to Turkey.
The 18th green at the Montgomerie Maxx Royal course and venue in a month’s time for the 2014 Turkish Airlines Open.
The sun setting on the Maxx Royal Hotel resort.
The stunning Maxx Royal Hotel and our hosts for the 2014 AGW Home Internationals.
Trevor Peake gets in the picture over drinks ahead of our departure home.
It’s goodbye and a big thank you to the stunning Maxx Royal Hotel.
