‘It was a great week last year’ - Moran seeking more Irish Challenge success

Irish golf desperately needs more players on tour and Robert Moran is one of 18 Irishmen hoping to use this week’s Irish Challenge as a springboard to future success.

Ireland’s top talent needs to step up and with the leading Irish player at Killeen Castle winning the Christy O’Conor Jnr Memorial Trophy and a spot in the Amgen Irish Open, there’s no lack of motivation.

Moran (27) is keen for more success after finishing as the leading Irishman at the demanding Jack Nicklaus design in Co Meath 12 months ago.

“It was a great week last year,” said Moran, who has concentrated on the third-tier Alps Tour this season and lies fourth in the Order of Merit with the top five earning HotelPlanner Tour promotion.

“Getting to play the Irish Challenge and then the Irish Open was special. It was two brilliant weeks from being here to then heading to the K Club.”

With just four events on the Alps Tour schedule remaining, the Castle Golf Club man is looking for a strong finish to the season.

“It’s been a decent start on the Alps Tour although the last couple of weeks haven’t quite gone to plan,” Moran said. “Overall, to be fourth with only four events left is a nice position to be in. 

“Hopefully I can figure out the good golf and get that back, and hopefully that starts this week.”

While nine events remain in the race to make the top 45 in the Road to Mallorca standings who will qualify for the season-ending Rolex Grand Final, this is a big week for Ireland’s HotelPlanner Tour regulars.

Fota Island’s John Doyle is the lone Irish amateur teeing it up, knowing a big week could catch the eye of Walker Cup captain Dean Robertson, who will name his 10-man team for Lahinch next Tuesday.

The other 17 professionals are looking to improve their status or edge closer to the top 20 in the season-ending rankings, who will be awarded DP World Tour cards. 

Galway’s Liam Nolan (35th), Max Kennedy (53rd), Gary Hurley (56th) and Mark Power (80th) are the best-placed, but there’s also a chance for Ronan Mullarney, Conor Purcell, John-Ross Galbraith and James Sugrue to make a move.

Killeen Castle’s Cormac Sharvin, a former DP World Tour card holder, is a man in form after winning the Irish PGA in a play-off at Limerick last week.

The field also includes former European Ryder Cup player Chris Wood, four-time DP World Tour winner David Horsey and last week’s Scottish Challenge winner, Christofer Blomstrand.

Entry to the tournament is free.