Higgins leads charge at Moyvalley

In-form David Higgins will launch his bid  for a second Irish PGA Championship title at Moyvalley Hotel and Golf Resort this week (June 22-25).

The 44-year-old, a winner of the Championship in 2012, has already racked up five wins this season on the PGA in Ireland circuit.

“This is a big week coming up and I am playing well going into it,” said David.

“I have to keep the foot down now and push hard and try to catch up with Damien [McGrane], that is all I can do really.”

Damien McGrane, who leads the 2017 Order of Merit, dominated the Irish region in 2016 and the Kells man returns to defend his title at Moyvalley. He is one of a handful of former winners who will be in action this week at the event, amongst them is Simon Thornton (2011), who was edged out by McGrane last year and Michael McGeady (2013).

Higgins finished in sixth place last year but is hoping that conditions will be on his side this year.

“A few of the lads have been down for a practice round and they are saying the course is in great condition and a lot drier than is was last year,” said David.

“It was wet when we played last year and I wouldn't be a fan of that, I like to see the ball running out on the fairway. I'm delighed to hear the course is running a little bit firmer which means the fairways are tighter and there is more emphasis on accuracy and precision shots.

“I am looking forward to it. Based on last year, you have to think that 10 or 12 under par will win it again so that is the target that you have to set yourself.

“It is a hard golf course, it's a big event and a strong field and you will have to give it everything and play well.”

The Irish PGA Championship has been staged since 1907 and has been won by golfing luminaries such as Fred Daly, Harry Bradshaw, Paul McGinley and Padraig Harrington. This year's main sponsor is Moyvalley Hotel  & Twin Oaks Golf Resort with affiliated sponsors Thai Airways, Phoenix Gold Golf & Country Club, Pattaya Thailand, Pico Environment Technology Ireland and Bank of Bangkok.

The tournament will be preceded on Wednesday June 21 by a Pro-Am which is a key fundraising event for the Shabra Charity Foundation. This year, Rita Shah and Patrons of the Shabra Charity Foundation, Jane Tripipatkul, Ian Rushe MBE and Neven Maguire are fundraising to provide gene sequencing and DNA equipment for the Mater Hospital, Dublin, Ireland, which will cost €770,000 to install.

There will be unique Thai Cuisine for dinner on June 21 and during the tournament week (June 21-25) there will be Thai Massage for head, shoulder and foot available for spectators and guests. Call the reception to book your place. www.moyvalley.com – Tel: 046 9548000

For further information on the Twin Oaks Championship Course and Moyvalley Hotel & Golf Resort please visit www.moyvalley.com