Maguire set for Glenmuir test

Enda Maguire is looking to step up and challenge the best PGA Professionals in the British Isles this year as he takes his golfing career to the next level.

The Dundalk pro is currently in the midst of his first year as a fully qualified PGA Professional, having completed the final year of The PGA’s degree programme last summer.

He featured in competitive action regularly while he completed his studies, but by graduating he has secured the opportunity to take part in The PGA’s flagship event, the Glenmuir PGA Professional Championship.

Maguire’s initial aim will be to qualify from the Irish qualifier at Killeen Castle on May 12, a tough task in a field which includes former European Tour card holder Brendan McGovern and ex-PGA Cup player Robert Giles.

Yet should he finish among the front-runners in the regional event, he will earn the right to take part in the £78,700 Peugeot-supported grand final at Blairgowrie on August 5-8.

“I’m really excited to be playing in this event,” Maguire enthused. “Killeen Castle is a great course which I’m a big fan of so I believe I can do well.

“Obviously the goal is to qualify from the region and to have the opportunity to play in the final at Blairgowrie. That would be a massive achievement for me.”

Maguire’s best finish in a national event came during the Powerade PGA Assistants’ Championship of 2012, a place in the top 25 at the East Sussex National fine reward for an excellent display from the then second year assistant.

Yet his time studying also provided all the skills for success off the course too. To pass their degree, PGA Assistants must learn about a range of different aspects of the sport, from coaching and sports science, to equipment and rules, through to business and marketing.

“I really enjoyed the degree programme,” Maguire recalled. “It was a great experience and I learnt so much from it. It definitely helped to set me up for a career in golf.

“Hopefully I can make the most of it by going on to have a successful career in the game.”                

Matthew Eagle, UK and Eire sales director at Glenmuir, said: “We are delighted to be continuing our sponsorship of the Glenmuir PGA Professional Championship, which is very well respected as the flagship event for PGA Professionals in Great Britain and Ireland.

“Once again the schedule promises to take in a number of outstanding courses, with Blairgowrie offering a fine venue for this year’s final in August, which is sure to be as intriguing as ever.”

“We look forward to another exciting tournament, and wish all the competitors the best of luck ahead of the event.”

Other players competing the the Glenmuir PGA Professional Irish regional qualifier include: Brian Cosgrove (Killeen), David Foley (Dromoland Castle), Fintan Lacey (Newlands), John Murray (Malahide), Roderick Park (Park Consulting Services), James Quinlivan (Mullingar) and Emmet Staunton (Castleknock).