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08 August, 2008

Hynes Inspired By Harrington

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Rathsallagh's Leo Hynes will take inspiration from two-time Open champion and fellow Irishman Padraig Harrington when he competes at the Powerade PGA Assistants' Championship, in association with FootJoy, later this month.

Harrington clinched his second successive Open title at the Royal Birkdale in July and Hynes wants to emulate his countryman with victory at The London Golf Club.

"Yes, it's definitely an inspiration to see Padraig win again," he said. "When you see him holding the trophy it makes you wonder if it could be you one day.

"He played brilliantly to win it and when you watch it you think 'I want that to be me, I want to play like that'.

"It makes you think 'If he can do it, anyone can do it'. He's done wonders for Irish golf and I'm sure there are loads of Irish golfers out there like me who he has inspired."

The 27-year-old missed the cut on the Kent course last year and was not happy with the way he played so he is determined to put in a better performance this time around.

Although Hynes admits he is not entirely happy with his game at the moment, he is confident some hard work will bring results come Wednesday, August 13 when the tournament starts.

"I'm playing OK," said Hynes, who finished eighth in the qualifying event at Ardee at the end of May.

"I suppose I'm not all that satisfied with my pitching right now but I'm sure I can put that right.

"I'll be putting in a lot of practice over the next week in order to be ready for it and hopefully I can play well.

"Last year I played very poorly and didn't make the cut so I've got a score to settle there. I want to do much better this time."

He added: "I'm aiming for the top 20, I think. Obviously it would be great to win it but top 20 is a more realistic aim.

"There will be some really good players there so I'm expecting it to be a tough few days. But I'm still looking forward to giving it a good shot though."

The PGA Assistants' Championship, which has a £5,000 first prize, has had some notable winners with former Ryder Cup captain Dai Rees winning in 1935 and 1936, the 'Voice of Golf' Peter Allis claiming the title in '52, Open and US Open champion Tony Jacklin in '65 and Barry Lane in '83.