Kearney chasing hat-trick of titles at Ulster PGA Championship

The Ulster PGA Championship, sponsored by HBE Risk Management, will return to the Hilton Templepatrick for the fourth year in succession from September 23-25.

“We have had three really fantastic events at Templepatrick which have been well supported by the members at the venue,” said PGA in Ireland secretary Michael McCumiskey.

“We look forward another excellent tournament with HBE Risk Management returning as title sponsors for the second year.”

Designed by David Jones and David Feherty, the par 72, 7,000 yard course opened in 1999 and nestles within 220 acres of mature parkland on the Castle Upton Estate.

Niall Kearney (Royal Dublin GC) will be going for a hat-trick of titles at the Co Antrim venue. The 26-year-old carded a course record, seven-under-par 65 in his opening round last year at a tournament curtailed by torrential rain which washed out the second day of play.

“I always enjoy playing at Templepatrick and I would love to make it three-in-a-row,” said Kearney who finished tied for 38th at the recent NI Open Challenge.

Last year, Damien McGrane, runner up at the Russian Open played in the event and it is hoped that the scheduling of the tournament, coming as it does in Ryder Cup week, could possibly attract a number of other European Tour regulars to compete.

Adrian Byrne, managing director at HBE Risk Management commented: “HBE are delighted to sponsor the PGA Ulster Championship at the Hilton Templepatrick for the second year in a row.

“This event has become one of the key tournaments in Northern Ireland for the PGA tour calendar.
“There is great excitement in Compliance House about the Pro-Am event with all staff keen to show their golfing prowess so they can represent the company on the day.

“The Pro golfers, the Hilton Templepatrick staff and the PGA team that supported our Pro-Am teams last year were simply excellent.They really made the event for many of our guests, some of whom are still talking about it!

“We’re really delighted to sponsor the event this year, and of course, we're hoping for some good weather and some of the luck (and skill) that Rory has been enjoying!"

HBE Risk Management is recognised by businesses all over the UK and Ireland as one of the leading environmental consultancy and risk management companies.

Founded in 2001, HBE provides a range services on a local basis to assist building managers and facilities managers in providing a safe and healthy building environment for their employees and visitors from offices in Manchester, Edinburgh, Belfast, Newry, Dublin and Cork.

Paula Collins, Hilton Hotel manager, also stated that she was delighted to welcome back the PGA professionals to Hilton Templepatrick.

“Michael Loughran and his green keeping staff have worked tirelessly to prepare for this and all other events during the season,” she said.

“The golf course has been receiving fantastic feedback throughout the season.”

Eamonn Logue, Director of Golf, added; “We are really looking forward to the return of the HBE Risk Management Ulster PGA Championship. The comments received from both professionals and amateurs who played in 2013 were tremendous and we hope to repeat that success for all involved.”

The tournament begins with a pro-am on September 23 followed by two days of competition for the professionals.

Team entries for the Pro-Am are still available by contacting Eamonn on 02894 435542 or via e-mail Eamonn.logue@hilton.com.