Rocklodge at 70 with Mark Keohane

A milestone year in the history of one of the country's oldest Pitch and Putt courses prompted Rocklodge to seek to be the location of the 2016 Irish Open.  Club Juvenile Officer Mark Keohane explains.  "The motivation behind Rocklodge applying to host is very simple. We as a club will celebrate our 70th anniversary this year and we realised that because of recently hosting a national, we needed to look at something different to mark the occasion. The idea of the Irish Open came to us as it has never been played in Cork."

Mark speaks of the excitement that is already building around Rocklodge.  "As a club we are thrilled to have been selected as hosts.  To mark our 70th year with this event will be fabulous."  They are understandably proud of their longevity at Rocklodge.  "There is a lot of history in our 70 years and the Open will add to and enhance this," beams Mark.

Work is already underway.  "Course preparation has already started under the guidance of our Club captain Michael Murphy and with two Club Open weeks and the Cork Strokeplay championship as well it will be a very busy time," says Mark of a typically crowded club calendar.  There will be no 'international' design tweaks.  "The course layout will be a traditional Rocklodge one which has stood us well over the years."

Nothing is being left to chance by Mark and his fellow Rocklodge members. "A sub committee specifically has been formed for the event and will cover all other aspects including, accommodation, catering, sponsorship, media coverage and the very important social aspect of the weekend."

There have been some rollicking nights after play in the Rocklodge clubhouse over the years and Mark Keohane feels that the contestants will be royally catered for, on course and off.  "It is envisaged  (weather permitting) that a mini 6 hole matchplay will be played on the Friday evening and a social evening will take place following play on Saturday in the Clubhouse where we hope to give everyone a taste of Cork hospitality."

Mark, who commutes regularly from his Bandon home to play at Rocklodge, is deeply involved on the logistical side. "We are currently in talks with a number of hotels about pricing for competitors and hope to finalise this shortly.  Our aim is to make sure that visitors get a good deal and go home happy."

Keohane and his colleagues are keen to contend for the V Irish Open.  "Ideally we would love to have as many members play as possible but this will depend on other entries. We want to accommodate as many players as possible without overcrowding, I will jump at the chance to play myself should one arise."

Many flights arrive daily at Cork Airport from Northern Europe (e.g. London, Paris and Amsterdam).  Mark dismisses any concerns of a suggested paucity of flights from Southern Europe.  "Aer Lingus are running direct flights from Barcelona, arriving on Thursday and departing the following Tuesday, and more options are scheduled to come on stream in the coming months."

Prospects of a foreign champion?  "Of course a non Irish player can win but it will be very difficult. Every player wants to win their own National Open and there are some very strong players in Cork alone. Our own hopes will be pinned on former National Matchplay winner Kevin McCarthy."

As well as being a Rocklodge stalwart, Mark holds the strategically important administrative position of Cork County Board Chairman.  He is bullish about what lies in store for September visitors to Ireland's southern capital. "I would encourage as many international players as possible to travel, not alone to play the premier course in Ireland, but also to visit Cork. With its wide diversity of cultural and social attractions it will be a trip they will never forget."