Grant Thornton has announced it will continue as title sponsor of the Isle of Man Amateur Golf Championships as they enter a new era.

Over the past 10 years Grant Thornton has sponsored the men’s Championship, which was previously organised by the Isle of Man Golf Union. In 2016 the event begins a new chapter as the male and female competitions are brought together to take place at the same club during the same week, to reflect the recent merger of the men’s and ladies’ organisations into Isle of Man Golf, the trading name for Isle of Man Golf Union Limited.

The championships, held at Peel Golf Club in July, are two of the most anticipated events in the golfing calendar and celebrate the sport’s established and up and coming talent on the Island. The week-long championships culminate with the finals on 23rd July, which is watched by many past champions and local officials following a luncheon reception hosted by Grant Thornton’s Managing Director Dennis McGurgan.

Last year the men’s event was won by rising star Tom Harris, following a tense final with Andrew Challenor, and this year’s event promises to be just as thrilling. In the Ladies final, Breeshey Jansen defeated her friend and another young lady golfer Kayleigh Dawson on the 32nd hole of a closely fought match.

Mr McGurgan said: ‘Grant Thornton is committed to supporting our Island community, and this is a true celebration of the fantastic calibre of the players we have. We’re looking forward to welcoming the lady golfers too this year, to make this a celebration of men’s and ladies golf, and I’m sure we’re going to see really tremendous play and worthy champions’.

Isle of Man Golf President, Geoff Skillicorn, added: ‘Isle of Man Golf are delighted that Grant Thornton have agreed to continue their very generous sponsorship of the men's Championship and to extend their support to include the ladies Championship.

‘The continued partnership with Grant Thornton is so important to us as we move forward with the development and promotion of golf as a sport for all in the Isle of Man.

We all look forward to a great week of golf.’