In-form Michael Hoey has bypassed this week’s start to Ryder Cup qualifying at the Wales Open to lend his support to Thursdays commencing Northern Ireland Open Challenge at the Galgorm Castle Golf Club and Estates course in Ballymena.
Hoey could easily be taking his recent Russian Open winning form to Celtic Manor but will join 25 other Irish in competing on the secondary Challenge Tour event in Co. Antrim.
Also skipping the Wales Open is Belfast’s Gareth Shaw who desperately needs some strong showings on the main Tour if he’s to gain 2014 Tour membership.
Shaw missed the cut last week at Gleneagles and is currently 128th on the Race to Dubai money list and seven spots outside of his card.
Russian Open winner Michael Hoey teeing up in Northern Ireland Open instead of vying for Ryder Cup points in Wales Open.
