Irish ace targets Powerade success before heading east

An Irish PGA assistant is aiming to land the Powerade PGA Assistants’ Championship title before embarking on a new golf career in China.

Douglas Golf Club’s Brian O’Donovan will tee up in the Irish qualifier at County Meath Golf Club on May 21 trying to seal a place in the FootJoy-supported £32,500 final which will be held on August 7-9 at Coventry Golf Club.

The 26-year-old Cork pro finished 12th in last year’s final at East Sussex National so is hoping to go out on a high ahead of his plans to pursue a career in the far east.

“As it’s my last year as an assistant professional I want to give it a really good go and get to the final in Coventry,” he said.

“After that, now that I’ve got my PGA qualification and finished my PGA training, I’ll be going out to China in November to try and start a career out there.

“I feel it’s best to go in person rather than email CVs from here.

“I know someone who is working out in Mission Hills in Shenzhen with the PGA so I can use that as my contact and take it from there.

“I think it’s a very exciting time for golf out there as shown by the young players who are already coming through on tour.

“There’s a lot of opportunity out there so it’s an ideal time to go.

“If it doesn’t work out, I’ll take the plane back to Ireland - but I wouldn’t want to not go and then look back in 10 years and think I’d wish I’d done it.

“I’m used to travelling having spent a year in Australia so I’m looking forward to seeing China.”

Other players taking part at Co Meath include Phil Duff (Black Bush Golf Club), Patrick Small  (Galway Golf Club),   Hugh Feeney  (Athlone Golf Club),  Brian McElhinney (Foyle Golf Centre) and Rebecca Tully  (Ardee Golf Club).