Higgins makes bright start at Hilton Templepatrick

David Higgins fired a five under par round of 67 to lead the HBE Ulster PGA Championship at Hilton Templepatrick on Wednesday.

The Waterville man leads Damien Mooney (Ballyliffin), Brendan McGovern (Headfort) and Cian Curley (Royal Tara GC) by one shot heading into Thurday's final 18 holes.

It was the perfect start for Higgins who is attempting to overtake Eamonn Brady (Clontarf) in the race to finish top of the PGA in Ireland Order of Merit.

“That was the goal at the start of the year [to top the Order of Merit],” said Higgins after a round that included seven birdies and two bogeys.

“It's very important, that's why I came up here to play. I'm not playing particularly great but I am trying my hardest. I putted very well today, holed the important five and six footers.”

Brady has a 589 point lead over Higgins and knows that a top five finish will be good enough to keep him at the head of affairs regardless of how the Waterville man performs.

The Clontarf golfer opened with a three under par round of 69 and declared himself reasonably content after less than ideal preparations caused by a traffic delay on his way to the venue.

“It was good today, playing under a bit of pressure to put a decent score together, I'm happy with three under,” said Eamonn who finished his opening round strongly with three birdies in his closing five holes.

Defending champion, Colm Moriarty (Drive Golf Performance), fired a one over par 73.