Donnelly to take inspiration from the best

Shaun Donnelly is hoping watching Rory McIlroy unleash his full golfing repertoire at the Irish Open can inspire his own game ahead of the Titleist & FootJoy PGA Professional Championship early next month.

The Castle Hume PGA pro steps away from his busy coaching duties to take on the UK’s best club pros at the classic Burnham & Berrow links in Somerset from June 2-5.

But before teeing it up in the £91,500 championship, Donnelly will spend a couple of days at Royal County Down where the World No.1 is among a high class field competing at the classic Northern Ireland links.

“I’m going to spend a couple of days just watching how the tops guys like Rory play one of the greatest courses in the world and how they manage if the breeze gets up,” said Donnelly.

“I believe I’m still learning the game, even at 43, and I’ll be watching how they practice, see how they handle the challenge and of course I’ll also be cheering on the local Irish PGA pros taking part.”

Donnelly will then focus his attentions on Somerset where he is one of eight Irish PGA pros to qualify for Burnham & Berrow.

And Donnelly is intent on making the most of the 72 hole event which has added importance this year with places in the Great Britain & Ireland PGA Cup team up for grabs.

“I still get a thrill from competing, especially in the club pros’ championship,” he added.

“The fact it is played over 72 holes, against the best PGA pros in the UK and on a quality course makes it very special.”

Having learned his golf at Ballycastle links and qualified at Bundoran links in Donegal, Donnelly is relishing the links challenge of Burnham & Berrow.

“I’m just going to try and make the cut and take it from there but I’m hoping for some windy weather which is always a great leveller.”

Donnelly however won’t be counting his chickens.

“I was actually leading after nine holes at Woodhall Spa at four under back in 2005 but managed to miss the cut so I won’t get too far ahead of myself.”

Also in action from Ireland will be David Higgins (Waterville), Cian McNamara (Monkstown), Padraig Dooley (Drive Golf Performance), Damian Mooney (Nevada Bobs), Liam Bowler (Wexford), Mark Staunton (Delgany) and Dan Beattie (Deer Park).