A record-equalling 16 Irish players will tee it up when the 2026 KPMG Women’s Irish Open gets underway at The K Club tomorrow, including a record nine home professionals.
Leona Maguire will spearhead the Irish challenge on the Palmer South Course, joined by Lauren Walsh, Sara Byrne, Canice Screene, Olivia Mehaffey, Anna Foster, Áine Donegan, Beth Coulter and Annabel Wilson.
It is an impressive demonstration of the growing depth of Irish women’s golf. The nine professionals represent a new high for the tournament and include players who have made the transition from the amateur and development ranks over recent seasons.
The professional contingent will be joined by seven Irish amateurs: Katie Poots, Emma Fleming, Anna Abom, Ella Cantwell, Olivia Costello, Kate Dillon and Anna Dawson.
The 16-player home representation matches the record established at Carton House in 2025, though the balance has shifted significantly towards the professional ranks.
That in itself is an important measure of progress.
The KPMG Women’s Irish Open has become an increasingly important part of the pathway for Irish players, offering the opportunity to compete in a Ladies European Tour event on home soil and in front of substantial galleries.
It has also grown into one of the strongest annual showcases for women’s sport in Ireland.
Since its return to the calendar in 2022, the tournament has grown significantly in attendance, commercial support, and the wider spectator experience. It was voted Ladies European Tour Tournament of the Year in both 2024 and 2025.
This year marks its first staging at The K Club, with the Palmer South Course providing a new championship setting from Thursday through Sunday.
The strength of the Irish representation adds another dimension to KPMG’s sponsorship, which has placed the development and visibility of women’s golf at its heart.
Maguire remains the highest-profile draw, but the breadth of the home challenge means Irish interest will stretch much deeper into the field than at any point since the tournament was revived.
The sporting action will also be part of an expanded event programme designed to attract families and spectators beyond the traditional golf audience.
There will be live music and entertainment across the week, a dedicated Family Village, and a Main Stage programme which will be headlined on Sunday by Irish Women in Harmony.
The combination of elite competition, a record number of Irish professionals, and an increased focus on the wider event experience is another indication of the ambition built around the tournament.
The KPMG Women’s Irish Open takes place at The K Club from Thursday, August 27 to Sunday, August 30.
KPMG, Forefront Sports and Golf Ireland are full members of Sport for Business.
If you would like to be part of the Sport for Business community and see your organisation in our content, on our stages, and in the conversation happening every day around the commercial world of Irish Sport, email us today and let’s see what is possible.
Image Credit: Forefront Sports
ABOUT SPORT FOR BUSINESS
Sport for Business is Ireland’s leading platform focused on the commercial, strategic and societal impact of sport. It connects decision-makers across governing bodies, clubs, brands, agencies, and public institutions through high-quality content, events, and insights.
Sport for Business explores how sport drives economic value, participation, inclusion and national identity, and how your story can be part of ours.
Through analysis, storytelling and convening the sector, it helps leaders understand trends, share best practices, and make better-informed decisions. It positions sport not just as entertainment but as a vital contributor to Ireland’s social and economic fabric.
Find out more about becoming a member today.
Or sign up for our Daily Sport for Business Snapshot email bulletins to get a flavour of the material we cover.
Sign up for our News Bulletins here.
