The last time the Irish Challenge visited Headfort in 2019, a number of Ireland’s fringe pros made hay in County Meath. At the 2023 edition, they’ll be hoping to repeat the trick.
Cormac Sharvin collected the Christy O’Connor Jnr Trophy as the leading Irishman in 2019, the Ardglass man capturing a top-5 finish that he’d dearly love to replicate after a lean spell on tour.
With a hopeful number of starts held in reserve for the Irish contingent, the likes of Gavin Moynihan and John Ross Galbraith, who enjoyed top-15 finishes last time in Kells, will both crave another look-in.
Likewise Jonathan Yates and Jonathan Caldwell who’ve found starts hard to come by this term will be eager to find form.
One big week can change it all in golf and the €250,000 Headfort renewal of the Irish Challenge can provide that catalyst for a number of Irish hopefuls chasing a step up in grade.
The Christy O’Connor Jnr Trophy winner will once again see the leading Irishman earn his spot in next year’s Horizon Irish Open, with Holywood’s Tom McKibbin playing his way into this September’s renewal at the K Club after a runner-up finish at the Irish Challenge last term.
“It was pretty special,” McKibbin said of his week last year.
“It’s an honour to win the trophy and get the invite to next year. It should be really good over on the other course at The K Club, but both courses here are spectacular.”
McKibbin earned his promotion to the DP World Tour via the Road to Mallorca last year with Irish eyes firmly fixed on the all important top-20 on the Challenge Tour points list again this term.
Home support will prove pivotal to such aspirations so don’t miss your chance to cheer on the next generation of Irish stars chasing main tour promotion.
What’s more, ticket registration for the Irish Challenge absolutely free HERE
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