THREE Irish professionals will hope to put the disappointment of failing to make the cut in the Dubai Irish Open Championship behind them as they tee-up in the BMW PGA Championship, at Wentworth, next Thursday, writes Tony McGee.
Eamon Brady, David Higgins and Colm Moriarty will rub shoulders again with the stars of the European Tour and hope for a better return than they got at The K club.
However, the Irish trio are well aware that the standard of the opposition will be just as high, although missing from the draw will be Rory McIlroy.
He didn't enter the BMW PGA Championship as he wanted some time off after a recent heavy schedule.
“If I had entered the BMW it would have meant playing five weeks in a row,” explained McIlroy.
“So I decided to miss it out and rest, instead, and get ready for the other big tournament ahead.”
Brady was at Wentworth recently to get a feel of the place and says that he couldn't get the picture of Seve Ballesteros out of his head.
“I seemed to keep picturing Seve in my head, usually playing out of the trees,” said the 42-year-old Clontarf club pro.
“It struck me just how far away from the fairway the trees are. I kept thinking to myself, 'how in the hell did he hit it over there?'
“It was amazing. Just like everyone else, I have watched it on television over the years and the course is just how I pictured it.
“I felt it was quite a generous course and I feel like it should suit my game, with a premium on long straight driving. Mind you, it's much easier without the crowds and everything but, obviously, I'm really looking forward to it.”
Brady booked his place at the European Tour's showpiece event courtesy of a Top 10 finish at the PGA Play-offs, in Turkey last November.
Both Moriarty and Higgins have started the Irish season strongly with Kerryman Higgins winning the Irish Club Professionals' Tournament, at Dunmurry Springs, and Moriarty collecting first prize at the Seafield Pro-Am.
“A lot of things go against us in big events. We are not used to the crowds, the distractions and the whole European Tour environment,” reflected Brady.
“A lot of PGA Irish members will only have played the odd event here or there over the winter and they are trying to compete against tour guys who are so sharp in their scoring ability.
“But this time we will have got a taster of everything at the Irish Open so, hopefully, that will allow us to get down and play some good golf. We will all be sharper for the experience at the K Club,” he suggests.
