Volkswagen Ireland has been unveiled as the main sponsor for the 2012 Irish Professional Golfers Association Southern

Championship to be held at Powerscourt Golf Club, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow on 27th & 28th August.

Previous winners of the Championship include Eamonn D'arcy in 2010 and the event famously had a tie when Padraig Harrington and Philip Walton couldn't be separated. This year's competition will see some household names compete including the defending champion Mark O Sullivan (Ashbourne Golf Club), Eamonn Darcy, David Higgins (Waterville Golf Club), Damien Mooney and Francis Howley.

Simon Elliott Volkswagen Group Ireland CEO said: "I am delighted to have our brand associated with both the PGA and Powerscourt and wish the players and PGA officials all the very best with the event."

Volkswagen are no newcomers to sponsoring golf having held several events for men, ladies and mixed over the years, but their involvement in the Southern Championship will be the springboard for further activity in 2013 and beyond.

Commenting on behalf of the PGA, Gavin Kavanagh PGA Board Member said, "We are delighted to have our most prestigious southern competition take place in the wonderful setting of Powerscourt Golf Club and also to have secured a sponsorship partner of the calibre of Volkswagen Ireland. This sponsorship will act as a terrific endorsement of the Competition and we look forward to an exciting two days of golf action."

Bernard Gibbons General Manager at Powerscourt Golf Club said: "We are delighted to have the PGA championship return to Powerscourt and that Volkswagen have come on board as the main sponsor, the courses are in first class condition and will give the Professionals a good challenge."