Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
HE DANCED THROUGH A MOYN FIELD
GAVIN MOYNIHAN branded yesterday’s T14 finish at the Irish Open a “huge” confidence boost heading into the second half of the season.
The 22-year-old, who pocketed €84,000 – the biggest cheque of his career – started the week playing in the shadows of Rory, G-mac, Padraig and Lowry but ended it as best placed Irishman.
His 13-under score left him ahead of Shane
Lowry (-12), Michael Hoey (-11), Padraig Harrington (-9) and Paul Dunne (-7).
The World No.500, who has been operating on the Challenge and Europro Tours, admits he had been surprised to be invited to tee it up at one of the European Tour’s lucrative Rolex Series events.
The previous week he had been playing for a prize fund of €250,000 at the Scottish Hydro Challenge in Aviemore – this week it was for an eye watering purse of $7m.
He said: “I had written this off because it was a Rolex Series event. I was planning to take the week off and play the next three Challenge Tour events, but I got the call two weeks ago.
“It’s great, to play in your home Open and that a few Irish guys get in
(like) Gary Hurley and Dermot Mcelroy, it’s great to see that.”
On his stunning final round 64, which included seven birdies and an eagle at the 14th, the 2015 Walker Cup star said: “I was a bit nervous coming in, but that round was big for me.
“Since turning pro (in 2015), I have not really had a low round. I had a few 67s and 66s, so to shoot eight under on this course... it wasn’t easy.
“I was determined to shoot a good score to finish on. I’m playing mostly on the Challenge Tour, so it does no harm for the confidence. It’s huge.
“I’ve been playing well since April, so hopefully I can kick on from this. I’m looking forward to the rest of the year.”
Harrington believes Moynihan can build on the Irish Open and bolster the decreasing number of
Irish players on the regular European Tour circuit.
The three-time Major champion said: “Unbelievable – it was a big day for him. What a score. He’s been playing well and looks like a player who could definitely get himself out there.”