McDermott looking ahead to Irish Open challenge
21/04/2015
Michael McDermott's hugely consistent season on the PGA in Ireland circuit in 2014 has earned him a debut appearance at this year's Dubai Duty Free Irish Open hosted by the Rory Foundation.
The 34-year-old will join five other Irish region players who are eligible for the event – Brendan McGovern (Headfort GC), Damien Mooney (Ballyliffin GC), Neil O'Briain (Old Conna GC), John Kelly (St Margarets GC) and Cian McNamara (Monkstown GC) at Royal Co Down on May 28-31.
“I suppose it's a reward for last year's efforts,” said Dublin native McDermott (Pure Golf Leopardstown).
“With Rory [McIlroy] promoting the Irish Open this year it is turning into a massive event. It should be really good and it's something to look forward to.”
McDermott played 28 times on the Irish circuit in 2014 and racked up 13 top five finishes, including a couple of pro-am victories in Athenry and Adare Manor.
“I'm already looking forward to getting going again this year,” he added.
“I've never played Royal County Down in a professional event. In fact, most of my links experience relates back to when I was playing amateur golf and I remember then I couldn't wait to get playing parkland golf!
“I did play the British Amateur Championship at Royal County Down in 1999. I can't remember an awful lot other than it was tough but the greens were absolutely fantastic.”
The 2015 PGA in Ireland season gets under way on April 27 with a PGA Sprint event at Pat Ruddy's European Club followed by the Black Bush Ladies Assistant's pro-am on April 28 before stopping at Greystones for the Newcastle Garages Pro-Am on May 1.
Last year, two amateurs, playing in the Greystones pro-am drove away in new cars after recording aces at the 139-metre par-three 16th courtesy of the event sponsor. Greystones' Dermot Whiston and Woodbrook's Paul O'Farrell holed out to each win a Peugeot 208.
