Maynooth University student Ryan Griffin feels entering the $1.5million LIV Golf Promotions event in Abu Dhabi in December is a no brainer as he bids for a $200,000 payday and a spot in the LIV Golf League.
Griffin who hails from Donegal and plays his golf in Ballybofey & Stranorlar feels the journey to LIV Golf’s Q-School equivalent (December 8-10) for just a $25 entry fee is a snip compared to the €3,000 price on the DP World Tour.
“I have to admit I only heard about it yesterday when I was in Bettystown and I came off the course and the lads were telling me all about it so I thought it sounds unbelievable! I was talking to a few lads back home about it,” explained Griffin who is exempt into the first round as a Palmer Cup player this year.
“I haven’t looked into it yet but I would say absolutely, the opportunity is fantastic. Who knows what could happen but if you get over and the experience would be unbelievable. €3,000 for Q-School on the DP World Tour and $25 for LIV! You might as well.”
Meanwhile members of this year’s Walker Cup teams are also exempt into round one meaning spots are there for the taking for Galway’s Liam Nolan, Laytown & Bettystown’s Alex Maguire, Malone’s Matthew McClean and Kilkenny’s Mark Power who recently turned pro.
For Nolan, it’s exam season in NUIG so he will be passing up what he describes would have been a cool opportunity.
“It’s something I won’t be able to do because I have college exams at that time so it’s not on the cards for me anyways,” said the Brabazon Trophy winner. “It would have been cool to go over and see what it’s like but college is the main priority at the moment.”
Maguire and Power are prioritising Q-School while Belfast based optician Matthew McClean will be back at the day job.
“I would certainly have played if the timing suited,” McClean told the Irish Independent. “Unfortunately, it doesn’t work for me as I am back to work, so I won’t be playing enough golf to warrant a trip over.”
Maguire added: “At the moment, I don’t have any opinion on it. I’m just focusing on next week’s Q-School. But it’s doubtful I will have time to go with my exams around that time.”
Power said: “I haven’t given it a whole lot of thought. My main goal, right now, is to get my DP World Tour card at Q-School over the next few weeks!”
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