The Minister for Sport, Dr Jim McDaid, described it as "a good practical plan, and an ambitious one" - and, certainly, The International Golfers' Exchange Register (TIGERegister) which was launched in Dublin last week is a most innovative idea.
Designed to run entirely on the internet, TIGERegister is confined to golf club members and is based on the successful home exchange concept. Under the terms of the scheme, club members will exchange their homes (which will go through a rigorous inspection system to ensure they meet a certain standard and, in fact, homes will be rated against par based on the number of bedrooms, en-suite bathrooms etc) and get the chance to play courses which they might otherwise never experience.
Kevin McGrath, who first hatched the idea two years ago when he exchanged his home in Lahinch with that of a friend in Florida, said: "It is a unique opportunity for golfers in Ireland, and around the world, to travel extensively, either nationally or internationally, in pursuit of their favourite sport. Our aim is to get as many premier clubs to join our affiliated network."
Members of TIGERegister will pay a one-time registration fee of $250 (IR£175) to join, an annual membership fee of $100 (£70) and an exchange fee of $200 ($140) for each week of exchange. Already, over 120 clubs worldwide have confirmed an interest - among them Druids Glen, the European Club, The K Club, Lahinch and Mount Juliet in Ireland and American courses like Kiawah Island and Sea Pines in Harbour Town. Further information on the TIGERegister is available from Ian Collins (01-460 2753) and the website comes online on June 1st.
