Team Spirit is strong as Irish amateurs chase glory in US

A strong quartet of players, all on golfing scholarships in the United States, represents Ireland in the annual Spirit international team competition, which takes place at Whispering Pines in Texas, starting on Thursday.

Kate Dillon (Oughterard/Arizona State), Katie Poots (Knock/Indiana University), Patrick Keeling (Roganstown/University of Louisville) and Gavin O’Neill (Malahide/Grand Canyon University), under the captaincy of Gillian O’Leary, will aim to secure a first title for Ireland in the event which has been played since 2001, with Scottie Scheffler and Will Zalatoris among past winners.