Hoey backs Galgorm to shine for television audiences
MICHAEL Hoey insists that Galgorm will provide a strong test when it hosts next week’s Northern Ireland Open, quickly followed by the Irish Open.
Tournament ambassador Hoey (right), who has been able to get some practice at Galgorm recently, said: “The course is in great condition, really defined and the rough is up which will definitely be a factor.
“Galgorm will look great on TV. They have all the facilities and the hotel is perfect, everyone knows how good the set-up is.
“It has been a massive few weeks for Galgorm recently, so much has happened in a short time,.
“We must give special thanks to The R&A and other key partners who have made it possible for the Northern Ireland Open to take place. The R&A provided additional funding for this event and support so many other events too.
“It demonstrates how important The Open is and how The R&A is able to support events and help grow the game.”
Local favourite Dermot Mcelroy is currently one of 14 Irish players who will compete at Galgorm. The Ballymena native is hopeful of another bright week after showing good form recently by winning the Team Ireland event at Portmarnock Links.
“I’m striking the ball well at the moment and feeling confident. It has been nice to get a card back in my hand and competing again,” said Mcelroy.
At the Ulster Boys Championship at Warrenpoint, meanwhile,
Dylan Keating (Seapoint) holds a commanding five-shot lead after being the only player to go under par in the first round.
Keating fired four birdies and an eagle in an opening round five-under-par 66 to hold off nearest challenger Conor Clarke (Balmoral), who led the local challenge at level-par after carding a 71 in his first round, with five players tied for third at one-over.
At the Leinster Under-14 Boys Amateur Open, Michael Wilson secured the title after shooting a one-over-par 72 at Ashbourne.
He finished tied with Douglas’ Jack Murphy at the top of the leaderboard, however the Massereene man took the victory on countback, playing his back nine in one-over compared to Murphy’s two-over.
Harry Mcardle (Warrenpoint) and Evan Hogg (Belvoir Park) both finished in a tie for third at two-over.
• DUSTIN Johnson made sure he did not squander a final round lead again, romping to an 11-shot victory at the Northern Trust Open on Sunday and taking back the world No 1 ranking with the 22nd win of his career and second of the season.
Two weeks after entering the last round of the PGA Championships with a one-stroke advantage and unable to close the deal, Johnson was under far less pressure at TPC Boston, but he ensured there would be no repeat, turning a five shot 54-hole cushion into a commanding 11-stroke victory.