Darren McWilliams is in fifth place in the Lexus Race to Mount Juliet in association with PING and Failte Ireland showing a remarkable return to form after finishing last year in twenty fourth place. This season he has already been in a number of tussles on Irish PGA Region with Damian Mooney and Race to Mount Juliet leader, David Higgins – none more competitive than the Audi Cork Fota Island Pro Am - where McWilliams finished second to both players.
So the final showdown in Kilkenny this weekend will prove to be another one of those battles for the Northern Ireland man.
This year Darren’s results have been consistent with some good scores sprinkled throughout, including a 65 at the St Helen’s Bay – only good enough for second - and a final day 67 at Fota at the end of September. At the Irish PGA Championship McWilliams finished in tenth place carding a 68 in round three making it no surprise he is in the mix this season for the number one spot.
In more recent weeks Darren McWilliams has continued to be competitive, winning the Ballinrobe Pro Am and taking second place at Westmanstown – finishing one shot behind event winner, Damian Mooney. He credits his improved form to his new coach, Jonny Foster, with whom he has been working since July.
Darren is perhaps has the lowest profile of the top five players in the 2010 Lexus Race to Mount Juliet but will not feel out of place when he tees off on Saturday morning. For the most part he will be delighted to see the progress he has made given that in recent years his development has been hampered by a series of wrist injuries.
Having grown up near Holywood Golf Club Darren started playing golf at the age of 12 turning professional in 2004 while at Royal Portrush Golf Club. In his last year as an assistant he won 2007 Ballyliffin Pro Am which convinced him to give the professional game a real go – only to suffer a setback through injury.
A lack of sponsorship has also limited his ambition as he still harbours a desire to battle through European Tour School to play on the main Tour. But McWilliams is experienced enough now to know that timing is also important in golf and this season has already been a major breakthrough in many ways. The final event on Saturday at Mount Juliet however offers him another critical milestone.
Were he to win the season finale he would truly be back on track in his own mind and a bit closer to fulfilling those outstanding playing ambitions next season.
Fact File
DOB: November 21st, 1983
Attachment: None
Turned pro: 2004
Qualifying School:
