Tuam-born golfer set for starring role

Date Published: 14-Jan-2010

THERE will be more than a significant interest in Tuam next year when the ladies version of the Ryder Cup takes place in Ireland.

The Solheim Cup team could feature a Tuam-born golfer who, despite playing professionally in the States, has declared for Europe.

And over the next 18 months or so, Alison Walshe will be trying to play her way onto the European side that will take on the defending champions at Killeen Castle in County Meath.

When the event takes place – and presuming she makes the side – she will be guaranteed a large Tuam contingent up there willing her on.

Back in 2008 she represented the United States in the Curtis Cup – the amateur equivalent – and won all of her matches. But now it is her intention to represent Europe and recently obtained her European Tour card.

Alison (25) was born in Tuam and lived there for just over four years. She is the daughter of John Walshe who was a prominent member of Tuam Golf Club at the time.

While Alison was just four years old when her parents emigrated to the States, she is still reminded of her roots which are very important to her.

Alison is the daughter of John and Mary Walshe, who both lived in Tuam during the ‘eighties before John’s work took him to the States.

John Walshe grew up in Gort but moved to Spiddal where his father’s family were originally from. Mary is from Crossmolina in Mayo.

Mary worked for the Bank of Ireland in Tuam and they both lived in the North Galway town for a number of years and at a time when Alison was born.

When Alison was just four years old, the family moved to the States and they currently live in Westford, Massachusetts.

Alison turned professional after a successful amateur career which was pinnacle by her appearance on the US Curtis Cup team.

Meanwhile, John C. Davin, the Captain of Tuam golf Club, will be issuing an invitation to Alison to visit the club the next time she visits Ireland. “It would be a great honour for the club if Alison took up the invitation”, he said.