Ex-champion aims to conquer the Castle

• Mark Staunton set for first competitive golf of the year in Titleist & FootJoy PGA Professional Championship regional qualifier at Killeen Castle
• Staunton was PGA in Ireland No.1 in 2007 and played the BMW PGA Championship the following year
• He now uses his extensive tournament experience to coach amateurs from his base at Delgany GC

Former Ireland No. 1 Mark Staunton will aim to make his experience count when he heads to Killeen Castle for the Titleist & FootJoy PGA Professional Championship qualifier.

Staunton, of Delgany Golf Club, won the PGA in Ireland Order of Merit after a fine year in 2007, earning entry to the European Tour’s prestigious BMW PGA Championship on the back of his exploits.

And since plying his trade alongside some of the world’s best-known golfers the Ballinasloe-based PGA Professional has been back in the pro shop passing on his experiences to Ireland’s amateur golfers young and old.

Staunton, 33, is aiming to rekindle his playing success at the Irish regional qualifier of The PGA’s flagship tournament on April 20.

A finish among the leaders at Killeen Castle would land him a spot in the £91,500 championship final at Burnham and Berrow in Somerset on June 2-5.

Among the rewards at the showpiece occasion will be six spots in the Great Britain and Ireland team for the PGA Cup, a biennial matchplay event against the United States which will take place at CordeValle, California, in September.

The winner will also claim the use of a Peugeot car for 12 months.

After a long winter of limited playing opportunities, Staunton admitted he is ready for a renewed assault at glory.

“The break for winter has made me hungry to get out there,” he explained. “I’m really looking forward to it.

“As a club pro and a teaching professional I don’t get as much chance to compete as I’d maybe like to, but I try to play as much I can.

“It’ll be a real test out there but a few days over in Somerset would be really nice if I do manage to qualify.”

Staunton feels that his performances on the course have helped to inspire the amateurs he coaches back at home.

“The successes I’ve had while playing have definitely helped me to teach others who are coming into the game,” he said.

“Playing at a higher level is only ever going to equip you for your coaching and give you more experiences to pass on.

“I enjoy bringing those experiences into the club, and also to the local schools we provide coaching programmes to.”

Matthew Johnson, Titleist brand director, said: “We are really excited to be sponsoring a tournament that sits at the pinnacle of The PGA schedule, providing PGA Professionals with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills at the highest level.

“This year marks the first in a new four year partnership between Titleist and The PGA. It is a relationship we are proud to expand in order to help serious golfers of all abilities, from competitive club-based professionals to club golfers, shoot their best scores.

“We look forward to meeting competitors at the regional qualifiers and the final at the magnificent Burnham and Berrow in June and wish everyone taking part the very best of luck.”

Other players competing in the regional qualifier at Killeen Castle include: Raymond Burns (Lisheen Springs), Shaun Donnelly (Castle Hume), David Higgins (Waterville), Ryan Madigan (Waterford Castle) and Damian Mooney (Nevada Bobs Belfast).