Colm Moriarty is determined to again remind Irish Open organisers of his credentials starting in this week’s Madeira Islands Open.
The Glasson Golf and Resort Hotel attached Moriarty has purposely not competed in five months since attending Tour School last December.
So for the 33 year old Athlone golfer his ninth season in the pro ranks commences high in the clouds on the mountainous Santo de Sierre course.
“This is my first time out this year and it’s simply because I didn’t want to play the long-haul Challenge Tour events,” said Moriarty.
“So this is the start of my season and I’m now itching to get going.”
Ireland's Colm Moriarty taking the belly putter into his first event in 2012. (Photo - www.golfbytourmiss.com)
However Moriarty has been kept working particularly on his short game with new Finnish-born coach, Jussi Pitkanen at the Dave Pelz at his Killeen Castle Academy.
“I just felt last year my short-game was letting me down and over the past seven years on the Challenge Tour, I’ve won once but finishing mainly in the 30s and 40s.
“Then when I’ve played on the main tour I’ve played okay including the few Irish Open’s I’ve contested.
“So I am sure working with Jussi I can improve my short game and improve and get me where I want to get to and of course, that’s ultimately back on the main European Tour.”
One other European Tour event Moriarty is hoping to compete in later next month in the June 28th commencing Irish Open.
And given the increased profile his management company Horizon Sports now enjoys managing World No. 1 Rory McIlroy, Moriarty is hoping Royal Portrush organisers will look favourably on his invitation.
“An Irish Open at Royal Portrush is going to be fantastic and I very much would like to be in the field,” he said.
“Hopefully, I can remind organisers now that I am back into competition of my credentials.”
Joining Moriarty is Newcastle’s Simon Thornton and Santo de Serra Head Professional, Dara Ford.
The Galway-born Ford, who undertook his PGA apprenticeship at Rosses Point, has been attached to the club for a year and with organisers affording the six-foot 32-year old an invitation into the event.
“I’m the tallest man in Maderia,” he joked.
“But seriously I am looking forward to teeing up in a European Tour and count myself very lucky.
“I’m not expecting fireworks or miracles, so I’m just going out there to enjoy myself, and if I could make the cut that would be fantastic.”
