It’s hoped the announcement that the Walker Cup is coming to Lahinch will provide another building block towards attracting private investment in the local tourism industry.
The North Clare village will serve as the backdrop for the high-profile match between Great Britain and Ireland and USA in 2026.
Lahinch Golf Club has carved out a niche as a top international golf club having previously hosted the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open in 2019, with the South of Ireland Amateur Championship, first initiated in 1895, still a staple annual event there.
This week, it’s been confirmed that the Walker Cup, a biennial amateur golf match contested by 10-man teams from Great Britain & Ireland and United States of America, will be coming to the north Clare links course in 2026.
The scheduling of the match ensures it won’t coincide with the World Amateur Team Championships that year, and that it will continue to be held every second year after that.
It’s hoped the event will mirror the success of the Irish Open in 2019 in providing a boost for the local economy.
Local Fianna Fáil Councillor Shane Talty believes it produces another advertisement for private investment to deliver on capacity in bed nights and accommodation.
A Lahinch Hotelier believes hosting the Walker Cup in Lahinch bolsters the town’s golfing brand.
Michael Vaughan, of Vaughan’s Lodge says the amateur golfing event will provide a boost to the local economy at the end of the high tourism season.
But he believes local businesses will have to come together with the golf club, to ensure visitors get the most out of what’s on offer in North Clare.
You can listen to the full interview below.
