[Photo : INPHO]
Michael Collins of FORE Ireland will tee off on Thursday July 29th in his first 3 Irish Open having secured his place after a top eight finish in the 2009 Irish PGA Order of Merit. Last November he missed out on a place for Stage 3 of European Tour Qualifying School and plans to make another attempt later this year for his full playing rights.
“The opportunity to play the 3 Irish Open is an exciting step up for me but also a nerve-wracking one as this is will be golf with the seasoned professionals.” Collins explained, “However, it is really where I want to play in the future so it will give my game and my nerve a good test.”
“I am relatively familiar with the course as the local Pro, Davin Keating, is my coach so that is a great help. Hopefully I can do myself justice there and play well.”
Collins will be joined by last year’s winner and former European Tour card holder, David Higgins of Waterville, who currently leads the 2010 Lexus Race to Dubai Irish PGA Order of Merit.
Another player in the group is Simon Thornton who secured his Tour Card last December at the PGA de Catalunya after finishing in 28th place in the final round. This season Thornton has had mixed results missing a number of cuts but doing enough to benefit from the first re-rank of the season in May after good finishes at the Madeira Islands Open de Portugal BPI and the Jo'burg Open.
The list is completed by Barrie Trainor of Team Ireland, Peter Martin of Riverside Academy, John Kelly, St Margaret’s Golf Club, Damien Mooney and Gary Cullen of Beaverstown Golf Club.
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