Evans reflects on ‘privilege’ of Golf Ireland President role

An “honour” and “privilege”, the words used by Michael Evans to describe his year as President of Golf Ireland.

The Athlone Golf Club member will step down from his role at the Golf Ireland AGM in the Hodson Bay Hotel on March 28 but will do so following a year in which “cherished memories” were made.

Prior to his year in the role, Evans was Golf Ireland President-Elect which allowed him a “flavour” of what was to come, but he said the respect which he was granted during his many official engagements during the year will be remembered.

“The welcome I received at official functions and at the many golf clubs I visited for presentations was certainly a highlight for me during what was an extremely busy year,” Evans said.

As President, Evans had the privilege of attending The Open Championship in Portrush, the second occasion on which the venue has hosted the famed Claret Jug tournament, and was present in Augusta when Rory McIlroy won the US Masters to complete a golfing career grand slam. Being present for such a historic occasion will live long in the Monaghan native’s memory.

“I was on the putting green, standing just five rows from Rory when he was being presented with the famous green jacket following his win. To be in Augusta and witness Rory make history was just magical,” Evans added.

Evans was also in attendance at the 2025 Irish Open to witness McIlroy claim the title for the second time after a “spectacular finish” to the tournament at The K Club.

“It was a great four days in The K Club with record attendance figures and to have an Irish winner of our national tournament is always a welcome boost for the sport,” Evans added.

During his term as President, Golf Ireland hosted 19 national and 67 regional championships, played across 72 different venues, involving an estimated 25,000 golfers and 4,654 club teams competing in 12 All-Ireland and 33 Regional Inter-Club championships.

“We proudly hosted the European Men’s Amateur Team Championship at the Killarney Golf & Fishing Club, where the team achieved an impressive fourth place finish,” Evans said.

Evans also had the privilege of presenting English golfer Lottie Woad with the KMPG Women’s Irish Open trophy “a week after she turned professional”.

“Lottie was part of the Great Britain & Ireland team that won the Vagliano Trophy for the first time since 2005, so to present her with her first significant professional honour so soon after that success was a true honour,” Evans continued.

As he prepares to address the Golf Ireland AGM at the end of the month, Evans is proud to reflect on a growth in golf club membership during his year in office.

“Memberships have increased by eight per cent in the past 12 months with junior memberships growing significantly at golf clubs nationwide,” Evans said.

The outgoing President said that much of this growth is due to the “Rory factor” but also references Ireland’s hosting of the Walker Cup at Lahinch Golf Club in September and the Ryder Cup in Adare 2027 as reasons for an increase in participants playing the game.

“Ballyneety Golf Club will host the Junior Ryder Cup in advance of the main event next year so that will offer youngsters an opportunity to watch the stars of the future. It’s a great coup for Ballyneety,” Evans continued.

Hosting such illustrious and globally known tournaments is “huge in terms of the game’s promotion” as Evans believes that golf on the island is on an “upward trajectory”.

Evans was awarded Honorary Life membership of Athlone Golf Club in reflection of his term as Golf Ireland President. He is quick to compliment the club for the honour and the support of its members “without whom I would have never been able to achieve the role of President”.

Evans also had the “strength of support” during his term from wife Anne and two children, Rachael and Richard. His five grandchildren “will keep me busy” now that Evans has more family time from the end of the month.

When his presidency term expires, Evans intends to return to his role as golf match referee, having previously fulfilled such duties on the DP World and Challenge Tours.

He also hopes to be a more prominent playing member of Athlone Golf Club and lower his current handicap of 15.

“With it being such a busy year, my opportunity to play regularly was reduced, but speak to me this time next year and hopefully my handicap figure will have lowered!” Michael added.